In House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 5, power struggles heat up as Aemond seeks control and Daemon reveals his ambitious plans. New alliances form, hinting at significant shifts in power.
Key Takeaways
- The episode shows increasing power battles, especially between Alicent and her son Aemond, who tries to take control.
- Daemon's plans and dreams reveal his intense desire for power and control, leading to tense confrontations in Harrenhal.
- Jace successfully negotiates with the Freys, showing his growing skills and hinting at new alliances that could change the balance of power.
King’s Landing: A Hollow Victory
The episode begins with Ser Criston Cole’s army marching toward the gates of King’s Landing.
Dawn breaks, revealing Cole and Gwayne Hightower riding side by side. Among the procession is the head of the dragon Meleys, cleaved from its body, drawing fearful murmurs from the crowd.
One man calls it a “black omen,” while another is bewildered by the sight of a supposed god laid low.
As Cole’s troops enter the city, the atmosphere is grim. Despite winning the battle, the victory feels hollow.
The real tension lies within the Red Keep, where King Aegon II is brought in a casket, barely alive, his body charred and mangled. The maesters cannot assure his survival, leaving the court in a state of uncertainty.
Prince Aemond, known as One-Eye, hints at his ambitions to rule in his brother’s stead, leaving Queen Alicent worried and conflicted.
Alicent’s visit to Ser Criston Cole reveals more of the chaotic aftermath of the battle, and his evasive responses about Aemond’s role add to her unease.
The Small Council meeting underscores the power struggle, with Alicent arguing against Aemond’s capability to rule, but only Grand Maester Orwylle supports her.
Ser Larys Strong and Ser Criston Cole side with Aemond, sealing his de facto leadership. Alicent realizes she is losing her influence, which starkly contrasts her earlier dominance with her father Otto’s support.
Alicent then confronts Cole about his lack of support, and his description of the battlefield carnage reveals his changed demeanor. Their conversation highlights their growing moral and strategic divide.
Daemon’s Struggles and Ambitions in Harrenhal
Daemon Targaryen is in Harrenhal and is influenced by the witch Alys Rivers. He faces resistance from the Riverlords, especially the Brackens, who refuse to kneel.
Daemon tries to use the Blackwoods to force them, but the action backfires.
Daemon’s hallucinations, influenced by Alys’s magic, show his ambitions and inner conflict. He dreams of his mother, Alyssa Targaryen, and talks to Alys about his suitability for the throne, revealing his true desires.
Despite supporting Rhaenyra, Daemon’s actions show he has his own plans for power.
When the Brackens finally submit, Daemon’s victory is overshadowed by the Riverlords accusing him of brutality. They refuse to support a tyrant, leaving Daemon stunned and silent.
Mourning and Propositions in Driftmark
The episode briefly touches on Driftmark, where Corlys Velaryon mourns the death of his wife, Rhaenys.
His granddaughter, Baela, confronts him, urging him to accept Rhaenyra’s offer to become her Hand.
Baela’s determination and clarity of purpose contrast sharply with Corlys’ grief and reluctance.
Baela’s argument that Rhaenys chose her own fate and died honorably persuades Corlys to reconsider.
He offers to make Baela his heir, but she declines, insisting that Driftmark should pass to those of the sea.
Rhaenyra’s Grief and Jacerys’s Bold Plans
At Dragonstone, Jacerys wants to help his mother, Rhaenyra, but is frustrated by her protective restrictions.
He suggests negotiating with the Freys at The Twins. Baela advises against it, but Jace is determined and comes up with another plan involving lesser-known Targaryen bloodlines.
Jacerys’s Successful Negotiations at The Twins
Jacerys’s visit to The Twins is a visual treat, showcasing the Twin Towers and their bridge in all their glory.
His negotiations with the Freys go smoothly, securing their protection in exchange for Harrenhal, provided they swear loyalty to Rhaenyra.
The scene evokes memories of past dealings with the Freys, hinting at the potential dangers ahead.
Don’t Miss the Next Thrilling Chapter in the Battle for the Throne!
This episode of House of the Dragon is packed with intense political drama and personal struggles.
We see power plays in King’s Landing, Daemon’s unsettling ambitions at Harrenhal, and strategic decisions at Dragonstone and The Twins.
Each scene adds depth to the story, making it clear that the fight for the throne is far from over, effectively setting the stage for subsequent developments in the series.
Catch all the action and intrigue as the fight for power intensifies and new alliances form. Stay tuned for the next episode to see how the battle evolves!
