Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for Fire & Blood, and most likely, the future of House of the Dragon.
House of the Dragon Season 3 will culminate in a battle at Tumbleton, and the Dance of the Dragons is set to claim more casualties as that fight unfolds. Death is inevitable in the Game of Thrones universe, though it’s not the only fate available to its characters — just one of the most memorable. There will be plenty of players left in the Game of Thrones spinoff as it heads into its fourth and final season. And with the show’s conclusion looming, viewers may find themselves wondering what becomes of House of the Dragon’s major characters.
As fans might expect, the Targaryen civil war ends in tragedy for many of them. Most of those downfalls won’t take place until House of the Dragon Season 4, at least based on Fire & Blood’s timeline. And there are a handful of survivors in the source material, which will come as a relief. House of the Dragon doesn’t always stick strictly to the book, but here’s what happens to every character, according to George R.R. Martin’s source material.
Why You Should Trust Me: I’ve been writing about pop culture — and specifically, the Game of Thrones franchise — for a decade now. I’m well acquainted with George R.R. Martin’s source material and have written about the connections between House of the Dragon and Fire & Blood extensively.
Larys Strong
The Original Master of Whisperers Gets His Comeuppance…Eventually
Theo Whiteman/HBO
It’s easy to forget after his journey with Aegon, but Larys Strong is one of the sneakiest and most ruthless characters in House of the Dragon. Those hoping to see Larys get his comeuppance will be waiting until the end of the Dance…but it will happen eventually. Larys outlives both Rhaenyra and Aegon II, but his story plays out differently up to this point in Fire & Blood. In the book, he remains in King’s Landing after helping Aegon escape, working behind the scenes to ensure Rhaenyra’s failure and Team Green’s triumph.
Larys is still in the city when Aegon II returns, which could be true in the show now that they’re separated. Larys’s schemes continue, however, and he’s blamed when Aegon II is found poisoned. After the Black armies retake King’s Landing for Rhaenyra and Daemon’s son, Aegon III, Cregan Stark, who serves as Hand of the King for a day, takes his head. Larys is one of two people implicated in Aegon II’s death who chooses to be killed rather than go to the Night’s Watch.
Mysaria
Mysaria Has a Brutal Death in ‘Fire & Blood’
Ollie Upton/HBO
Another master schemer in House of the Dragon, Mysaria also meets a brutal end in Fire & Blood. However, her death will arrive sooner than Larys’s. When Rhaenyra Targaryen flees the capital during the Riot of King’s Landing — which sees the city revolting against her and results in multiple factions briefly rising to “power” — Mysaria stays behind in the Red Keep. When it’s taken by “gutter knights,” Mysaria is captured.
Mysaria is given one chance to survive: she can make a naked walk through the city while being whipped. It’s similar to Cersei’s walk of shame, but even more ruthless. Mysaria doesn’t make it the full way before perishing. It’s unclear if the series will keep the nature of her death, but the Riot of King’s Landing should happen early in Season 4.
Rhaena Targaryen
‘House of the Dragon’ Could Give Her Book Rhaena’s or Nettles’s Ending
HBO
Rhaena Targaryen is one of the characters who survives the Dance in Fire & Blood, but as her story is meshed with the cut character of Nettles in House of the Dragon, it’s hard to say what the show is planning. In the source material, Rhaena stays in the Vale for much of the conflict, eventually hatching a baby dragon — one fans aren’t expecting to see on-screen. When Aegon III eventually becomes king, Rhaena and Baela are put forth to become his heirs, as he doesn’t have children. Rhaena marries Ser Corwyn Corbray and becomes Aegon III’s heir for a time.
She doesn’t actually end up on the Iron Throne, as Aegon III eventually has children of his own. After Ser Corwyn is killed, Rhaena later marries Lord Ormund Hightower’s son, Garmund Hightower, who doesn’t appear to be in the show. As the series deviates so heavily from Rhaena’s book story, it’s impossible to guess where she’s headed. She may disappear with Sheepstealer in the midst of the Dance, just as Nettles does. That feels more fitting for this version of the character.
Baela Targaryen
She Survives the Dance and Marries Alyn
Ollie Upton/HBO
Like Rhaena, Baela survives the Dance of the Dragons, a surprising turn given that she and Moondancer fight Aegon and Sunfyre at Dragonstone and are responsible for the latter’s decline. After the war and Aegon II’s death, she is considered to become Aegon III’s heir. Knowing she’ll have to marry someone of his advisors’ choosing for this to happen, Baela runs away to Driftmark and weds Alyn Velaryon instead. Baela’s rebellious behavior is frowned upon, leading Aegon III and his advisors to name Rhaena as heir.
Baela and Alyn go on to have at least one daughter, though Martin describes their marriage as somewhat tumultuous. Infidelity is suggested, since Alyn is often away at sea, but it’s doubtful House of the Dragon will look so far into the future.
Ulf the White
The Traitorous Dragonseed Is Poisoned
Theo Whiteman/HBO
Ulf is one of House of the Dragon’s most-hated characters after his recent betrayal, which also occurs in Fire & Blood. He sides with the Greens during the First Battle of Tumbleton, which he survives. That victory is short-lived, however, as the nobles surrounding Daeron Targaryen plot to execute both Ulf and Hugh.
The Second Battle of Tumbleton interrupts that plan, and Ulf survives that conflict as well. It’s because he’s drunk and asleep the entire time, a fitting depiction of his character. When it’s finished, he announces his plan to claim the Iron Throne for himself. Ulf does ultimately perish, with Ser Hobert Hightower poisoning his wine. Hobert gives up his own life to do so, drinking the wine himself to convince Ulf it’s safe.
Hugh Hammer
The Other Traitor Is Also Betrayed and Killed
HBO
It hasn’t happened in House of the Dragon Season 3 yet, but Hugh Hammer also turns on Rhaenyra at the First Battle of Tumbleton — and he also dies later on. Like Ulf, Hugh is persuaded to fight for the Greens in the first conflict at the market town. He also survives and asserts his desire to become king. This is why the nobles plan to kill him.
Ser Jon Roxton does the deed just as the Second Battle of Tumbleton is starting, stabbing Hugh with his sword. Like Hobert Hightower, Jon Roxton loses his life right after, as he’s attacked by Hugh’s men.
Addam of Hull/Addam Velaryon
Seasmoke’s Rider Dies Proving His Loyalty to Rhaenyra
Addam in House of the DragonHBO
Unlike Ulf and Hugh, Addam doesn’t betray Rhaenyra in Fire & Blood. However, she grows suspicious of her remaining dragonseeds regardless. She gives the order to arrest Addam and Nettles after learning of the other traitors, and it’s only thanks to a heads-up from Lord Corlys that Addam escapes.
He attempts to prove his loyalty during the Second Battle of Tumbleton, rallying an army of rivermen for Rhaenyra’s cause and flying Seasmoke into the fight. He and Seasmoke face Tessarion on the battlefield, and they also go after Vermithor. The three dragons brawl, despite two of them being riderless. Seasmoke is killed by Vermithor, and Addam perishes as well.
Alyn of Hull/Alyn Velaryon
He Eventually Becomes the New Lord of the Tides
HBO
Addam may not survive the Dance of the Dragons, but Alyn does — and after Lord Corlys’s death, he becomes Lord of the Tides. Before that, he leads the Velaryon fleet in the Dance, blocking Aegon II’s return to King’s Landing even after Rhaenyra’s death. After the Greens negotiate with the Velaryons, Alyn transports Aegon II back to the city.
When Alyn becomes Lord of the Tides, he and Baela eventually marry and have a daughter. It’s unknown if they have more children as well. Alyn eventually becomes Aegon III’s lord admiral, then master of ships. He’s involved in numerous conflicts at sea and even rescues Aegon III’s younger brother, Prince Viserys Targaryen, from captivity in Lys.
Corlys Velaryon
He’s a Rare ‘Game of Thrones’ Franchise Character to Die Naturally
Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO
House of the Dragon changes the circumstances of Lord Corlys Velaryon’s imprisonment in Fire & Blood, so it’s possible it’ll alter his endgame as well. In the book, he’s not captured by Ormund Hightower, but is locked away at the Red Keep after helping Addam escape his arrest. That’s where he is when Aegon II’s supporters reclaim the capital, and he’s offered a pardon by Alicent and Larys.
Corlys is kept around to advise a resistant Aegon II, and he’s brought into Larys’s plans to get rid of the king. He’s arrested for treachery as well, but Cregan Stark is convinced to free him. He becomes a regent for Aegon III, and he later dies, seemingly of natural causes. It’s a rare way to go in Westeros, especially for someone who sees as much action as the Sea Snake. Fortunately, House Velaryon’s legacy continues through Alyn.
Daeron Targaryen
Daeron Is Said to Be Dead…but There’s Hope
HBO
Daeron Targaryen also gets a slightly altered storyline in House of the Dragon Season 3, as Ormund doesn’t move to declare him king in the book; his claim only becomes popular when Aegon II and Aemond are thought dead. He is at Tumbleton, however, and participates in the First Battle of Tumbleton, which he survives. He gives the go-ahead for Ulf’s and Hugh’s assassinations as well. And he’s present for the Second Battle of Tumbleton, but that’s where things get murky.
Although Daeron is said to be dead in Fire & Blood, the text notes that the circumstances of his death are contested. On top of that, his body is never found, which leaves room for House of the Dragon to have him survive. Daeron isn’t seen again, though several pretenders attempt to use his name and assert claims to the Iron Throne.
Helaena Targaryen
Helaena’s Fate Is One of the Most Tragic
HBO
Helaena Targaryen isn’t physically involved in the Targaryen civil war in the book or show, but she still perishes all the same. In Fire & Blood, Helaena is said to have taken her own life after the death of her son, Maelor, who isn’t yet born in the show. Her dreams in House of the Dragon Season 3 show Maelor’s birth, so it’s possible the spin-off will give her the same fate but rework the timeline.
However, she also sees herself riding Dreamfyre during what appears to be the Storming of the Dragonpit. As such, Helaena could face a different demise in the series (she’s supposed to be gone by that point). In the book, Helaena’s death is described as the last straw that fully pushes the people of King’s Landing to riot against Rhaenyra. It’ll be interesting to see how House of the Dragon approaches it.
Aemond Targaryen
Aemond Perishes in the Showdown Everyone Is Waiting For
Alicent’s poisoning attempt is an invention of House of the Dragon, and Aemond has a far more exciting death in Fire & Blood. It’ll likely carry over to the TV show, as it’s too anticipated to skip. Aemond perishes during the Battle Above the Gods Eye, when he and Vhagar face Daemon and Caraxes in the skies above the titular lake.
It’s a showdown between two of the Dance’s most formidable players, and it’s said to kill all of them. Caraxes manages to get his teeth around Vhagar’s neck, and the two dragons tear at one another as they fall from the sky. As this happens, Daemon jumps from Caraxes onto Vhagar, stabbing Aemond through his missing eye. This leaves little question about Aemond’s fate, but all four also collide with the lake. The impact would kill them anyway, and Aemond’s body is recovered later on.
Aegon II Targaryen
King Viserys’s Eldest Son Briefly Sees Victory Again
HBO
Aegon II may seem down for the count after the Battle at Rook’s Rest, but he’ll make a comeback in House of the Dragon — at least, if Fire & Blood is anything to judge by. In the source material, Aegon II eventually manages to reclaim Dragonstone. He and Sunfyre fight Baela and Moondancer to do so, and it leaves both of them more injured. However, they still win, killing Moondancer and capturing Baela.
When Rhaenyra flees King’s Landing and seeks refuge at Dragonstone, Aegon II is waiting for her. As Joffrey reveals in Game of Thrones, he captures his half-sister and feeds her to Sunfyre while Aegon III looks on. Once Rhaenyra is gone, Aegon II negotiates with the Velaryons and retakes the throne in King’s Landing. It’s short-lived, however, as he’s poisoned just before Rhaenyra’s forces near the city’s gates.
Alicent Hightower
Alicent’s Punishment Is…Surviving
Alicent Hightower is one of the few Greens to survive the Dance of the Dragons completely, but her fate is no less tragic. After all, she watches as all of her children (and most of her grandkids) die. And she’s not allowed to walk away from the conflict a free woman, either, something House of the Dragon is already hinting will be devastating to her.
Alicent is arrested when the Black forces retake King’s Landing, and she’s later detained in Maegor’s Holdfast. She’s not trusted to return to the court, as she openly opposes her granddaughter Jaehaera’s marriage to Aegon III and even suggests that she kill him. Alicent remains in those circumstances for the rest of her life, becoming bitter and muttering to herself. She eventually dies of the Winter Fever that emerges in 133 AC.
Daemon Targaryen
‘House of the Dragon’ Can Finally Give Fans Closure
Daemon Targaryen dies fighting Aemond at the Battle Above the Gods Eye, or at least that’s what Fire & Blood claims. Given that both of them fall from the sky alongside their dragons, it’s hard to envision Daemon walking away. He’s no longer saddled to Caraxes when it happens, but the sheer impact would still kill him.
Unlike the dragons and Aemond, however, Daemon’s body isn’t located after the fact. This has led to speculation among the fandom that he could have somehow survived. If nothing else, House of the Dragon can finally offer a resolution on that front. It can reveal what truly happens at the Battle Above the Gods Eye and bring Daemon’s arc to a more definitive close.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
In the End, Her Fight Is for Nothing
Despite everything she does to claim her rightful throne, Rhaenyra Targaryen doesn’t remain queen for very long. (She’s actually dubbed the Half-Year Queen.) The discontent that surrounds her reign following the Fall of King’s Landing leads to the people revolting. When she loses the city, she’s forced to leave King’s Landing behind. She sets out for Dragonstone, thinking she’ll find safety there — and ends up captured by Aegon II instead.
Aegon orders Rhaenyra’s execution, persuading Sunfyre to burn and eat her. It’s a gruesome death for a character House of the Dragon endears us to…and it’s made more heartbreaking by the fact that she is King Viserys’s rightful heir. She sacrifices everything to see that through, and she still loses and dies anyway.
Release Date
August 21, 2022
Network
HBO
Fabien Frankel
Ser Criston Cole