Top 10 Tragic Moments in HOTD

If there’s one theme that permeates “House of the Dragon,” it’s that of family infighting. It occurs between the Blacks and the Greens, and it even seeps down to their knights. Arryk and Erryk Cargyll are brothers, the former a Kingsguard of Aegon and the latter a Queensguard of Rhaenyra. Their rivalry comes to a head when Criston Cole orders Arryk to invade Dragonstone and assassinate the Queen. This results in a brutal fight between the two brothers, and it ends in both of their deaths. It’s a haunting reminder of the personal costs of war and how the drama between one family can reverberate to another.

The entire first season is seeped in tragedy, as we are forced to watch the slow degradation of King Viserys. The kind ruler contracts an undisclosed illness, which is implied to be some type of leprosy. His physical condition gets worse and worse throughout the season, and viewers are forced to watch every agonizing minute of it. By the end, he’s left frail and weak, with half of his face concealed by a mask. It makes for some very disturbing and uncomfortable viewing, and it’s almost a relief when he finally passes away. Almost. It’s still incredibly tragic - especially coming on the heels of that awkward family dinner.

The defining characteristic of Aemond Targaryen is his black eye patch, which certainly gives him the allure of a menacing villain. However, it also adds a nice layer of depth to what could have been a one-dimensional baddie, as we actually feel a small degree of sympathy for what has occurred. A young Aemond is confronted by a small army of children, including Jace and Luke, which leads to an enormous scuffle. And it’s in said scuffle that Luke slashes Aemond’s face with a knife, effectively taking out his eye. It’s a tragic outcome of the simmering family tension, and it signals a horrific shift into physical violence.

While serving as Lord Commander of the City Watch, Harwin Strong develops a physical relationship with Rhaenyra and fathers Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey. Rumors of his paternity spread across King’s Landing and he eventually resigns, returning to Harrenhal with his father Lyonel. Meanwhile, Alicent wants Otto to become Hand of the King - the position currently held by Lyonel. So her good buddy Larys Strong decides to give her what she wants. Larys proceeds to commit a double act of patricide and fratricide, having both Harwin and Lyonel burned to death inside of Harrenhal. This ploy is highly reminiscent of the political machinations seen in “Game of Thrones,” however tragic they may have been.

We didn’t care so much when another Joffrey died. This time it’s a little different. Joffrey Lonmouth has a loud mouth, and he gossips with Laenor Velaryon at the latter’s wedding. He correctly deduces that Laenor’s new wife Rhaenyra is secretly sleeping with Criston Cole. Joffrey approaches Cole and covertly mentions this affair, and Cole interprets this as a form of blackmail. So he viciously beats Joffrey to death in front of the entire wedding, and it proves one of the show’s most shocking sequences. Not only is it horrifically violent, but the pained cries of Laenor are almost too much to bear.

“The Red Dragon and the Gold” was the big action episode of season two, depicting the Battle at Rook’s Rest. Rhaenys agrees to fight on behalf of Rhaenyra, using her dragon Meleys to defend the seat of House Staunton. This is the first major skirmish of the Dance of the Dragons, and it does not disappoint. Unfortunately, there is major collateral in the form of Rhaenys and Meleys, who are attacked by Aemond atop Vhagar. The massive dragon crushes the neck of Meleys, and she falls into Rook’s Rest with a contended Rhaenys accepting her fate. It’s a huge blow to both the Blacks and the fans, who perhaps wished that Rhaenys stuck around just a little bit longer.

One of the most iconic “oh crap” faces in TV history belongs to Ewan Mitchell, who perfectly conveys Aemond’s conflicted feelings after killing Lucerys. Luke and Arrax fly over to Storm’s End, hoping to parlay with Borros Baratheon. Unfortunately, Aemond beats him to it. After a failed meeting, Aemond demands that Luke cut out one of his eyes in retaliation for his own - a literal eye for an eye. Luke flees, leading to that fateful chase which ends in disaster. It’s a perfect way to end the season, the visual of Arrax’s battered corpse signaling the start of the Dance.

Riders have an intense and personal bond with their dragons, which makes it even more upsetting when they are involved in their deaths. This is what happens with Laena Velaryon, who suffers terrible complications in her pregnancy. Knowing that she is likely to die, Laena goes out on her own terms and decides to have Vhagar incinerate her. She approaches the dragon and orders it to kill her, which she does with great reluctance. We mourn not only Laena and her unborn child, but the soul of poor Vhagar, who is clearly hesitant to follow her rider’s order.

“House of the Dragon” follows in its predecessor’s footsteps, displaying some of the most vile and grotesque acts of violence ever seen on television. One of the worst comes in the premiere of season two, when Daemon orders the assassination of Aemond. Unable to find him, Blood and Cheese turn their attention to young Jaehaerys, who is soundly sleeping in his cot. We don’t see the murder itself, but the sound design and the look of complete terror on Helaena’s face are more than enough to fill in the gaps. Even by “Game of Thrones” standards, this is shocking stuff, and we are unlikely to forget it any time soon.

“House of the Dragon” received some criticism regarding the death of Aemma. For some, the visuals of the caesarian, compounded with the general trauma of the scene, was simply too much to bear. It’s a devastating sequence and is deeply tragic, especially owing to the terrified reaction of Aemma, whose agency in the matter is completely stripped away. Unfortunately, her son Baelon also dies not long after. Their resulting funeral is incredibly difficult to watch and packed with emotion. The acting is spectacular, the visuals are heartbreaking, and the music swells with sorrowful notes. It’s quite a bold way to open a show, but this franchise is nothing if not bold.

Which scene upset you? Let us know in the comments below!