After an exhilarating sophomore season filled with some of the best dragon action in Game of Thrones history, House of the Dragon wrapped up with a surprisingly action-free finale. While many viewers anticipated an epic battle, the episode instead focused on scheming, plotting, and shocking reveals to set the stage for Season 3. If you’ve watched the finale and are eager to dive into all the teases, setups, and secrets it revealed, you’re in the right place as we break down everything and more.

From the very first episode, House of the Dragon has centered on Alicent (Olivia Cooke) and Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), two young women whose fates have been intertwined with the throne since their girlhood. As Season 2 concludes, we see them reunite once more. Alicent approaches Rhaenyra with an offer: she, Helaena (Phia Saban), and Jaehaera (Lulu Barker) will leave the kingdom if Rhaenyra takes over the Red Keep. This emotionally charged moment shifts our understanding of both Alicent and Rhaenyra.

As Alicent walks through Dragonstone, now a free woman, the Dragon Seeds prepare for war, donning new armor and readying their dragons. The Green army moves into the Riverlands, with Cole (Fabien Frankel) and Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) poised to meet them. The Northmen reach the Twins to support Rhaenyra’s claim, while Daemon (Matt Smith) readies his army. Triarchy ships head towards Corlys and his men, including his son Alyn (Abubakar Salim), ready for battle. Rhaena finally catches the wild dragon she’s been hunting near the Eyrie, and Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) wakes in a prison cell. Larys convinces Aegon to leave, ensuring his survival during the apparent takeover of King’s Landing. All signs point to a brutal and bloody war in Season 3, regardless of any deals Alicent and Rhaenyra may have made.

What Does That Daenerys Flash Forward Mean for House of the Dragon?

In a surprising twist, Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) shows Daemon the future, including clips from Game of Thrones. She reveals Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and her three dragon eggs, the war against the White Walkers, and the crucial need for unity to save Westeros. This vision cements Daemon’s loyalty to Rhaenyra, recognizing her as the rightful heir. It’s fascinating to see Daemon finally believe in the prophecy, especially after previously denying its validity. His experiences at Harrenhal and connection with Alys have clearly changed his perspective.

How Much Did House of the Dragon Season 2 Change the Book?

Throughout the season, the creative team has taken significant liberties to add context to the fictional history in Fire & Blood. The finale continues this trend, revealing that Alicent pleaded for her life and agreed to help the Black faction take King’s Landing, realizing her mistake in putting Aegon on the throne. This moment is pivotal, as Rhaenyra notes that Alicent will be remembered as a cold, power-hungry queen, aligning with her portrayal in the book.

We also see Rhaena hunting down the wild dragon Sheepstealer, incorporating elements of the fan-favorite character Nettles. Other changes include Tyland Lannister securing the Triarchy’s support instead of Otto Hightower and the leader of the Triarchy being a woman. These changes make sense within the book’s context, as the story is told from multiple unreliable narrators, each with their own biases. The show offers another version of this history by depicting what actually happened.

How the House of the Dragon Season 2 Finale Sets Up Season 3

The finale is essentially all setup. While it delivers another fantastic character-driven episode, it leads directly into the upcoming battle without showing any action. We see each side preparing for war, the significant reveal about Alicent, Larys and Aegon’s escape from the Red Keep, and Aemond’s preparations. Daemon finally pledges his allegiance and armies to Rhaenyra, setting the stage for the epic battle to come. It’s a surprise to both book readers and TV viewers that the show stops just before the action begins.

What Can We Expect From House of the Dragon Season 3?

The simple answer is action! If you were disappointed by the lack of action in the finale, rest assured that next season will be filled with battles, death, violence, betrayal, and war as the Dance of the Dragons truly begins. Expect Rhaenyra and Daemon to ride their dragons to take King’s Landing in a quick but brutal takeover, especially given Alicent’s deal to save her life and her family’s.

Another anticipated event is the Battle of the Gullet, which will likely feature prominently in the early episodes of Season 3. This epic battle involves the newly helmed dragon seeds aiding Jace against the Triarchy ships secured by Tyland Lannister for the Green faction. Expect some tragic losses if the show sticks to the books.

We can also anticipate the arrival of Alicent’s son Daeron and his dragon Tessarion. Given Otto’s fate, it’s unlikely he reached Oldtown where Daeron was raised. Daeron may arrive seeking his father figure or to defend his brother’s claim to the throne against Rhaenyra’s attack.

The series has shown a willingness to deviate from the books, so we’ll have to wait and see how Season 3 adapts these epic moments in Game of Thrones history.