The Dog That Broke George R.R. Martin’s Heart: How House of the Dragon Found Humanity in the Gruesome
"House of the Dragon," the prequel to the beloved "Game of Thrones", is taking viewers on a bloody journey through the history of House Targaryen, chronicling the Dance of the Dragons, a devastating civil war that tore Westeros apart. While George R.R. Martin, the author of the source material "Fire & Blood," isn’t directly involved in the show’s writing, he’s been watching closely – and even offering his own commentary.
In a recent blog post, Martin expressed his admiration for the show’s adaptation, particularly highlighting a character addition that left him both surprised and emotionally moved: the dog belonging to Cheese, one half of the infamous "Blood and Cheese" assassin duo.
Blood and Cheese, a pair of ruthless killers hired by Daemon Targaryen to eliminate the threat of Aemond Targaryen (a member of the opposing Team Green faction), have become synonymous with the show’s brutal and unforgiving nature. After Aemond’s accidental killing of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s son, Luce, in the Season 1 finale, Daemon sought to "trade a son for a son" with a chillingly specific vengeance.
When Blood and Cheese infiltrate King’s Landing in Season 2, they find Aemond out of reach, prompting them to take a horrifying alternative: the young son of King Aegon II, the toddler heir to the throne. "It’s grim, it’s a PR disaster for Team Black, and it’s yet another gruesome rung on the ladder toward all-out war in Westeros," as Gizmodo aptly remarks.
However, the show’s creators introduced a new element into this already harrowing scenario: Cheese’s dog. "The show added a brand new character… the dog," Martin wrote in his blog. While acknowledging his typical aversion to additions to his source material, he confessed, "But that dog was brilliant. I was prepared to hate Cheese, but I hated him even more when he kicked that dog."
The dog’s presence adds a layer of complexity to the character of Cheese, a seemingly sadistic figure devoid of compassion. "Later, when the dog [sat] at his feet, gazing up… that damn near broke my heart," Martin admitted. "Such a little thing… such a little dog… but his presence, the few short moments he was on screen, gave the ratcatcher so much humanity. Human beings are such complex creatures. The silent presence of that dog reminded us that even the worst of men, the vile and the venal, can love and be loved."
Martin’s reaction speaks volumes about the power of this seemingly insignificant addition. By introducing a creature capable of unconditional love into the world of Blood and Cheese, the show subtly humanizes even the most monstrous characters, reminding viewers that even the most brutal individuals are capable of affection and vulnerability, even if it’s hidden beneath layers of cynicism and cruelty.
"I wish I’d thought of that dog. I didn’t, but someone else did. I am glad of that," Martin concluded. This confession is a testament to the show’s ability to surprise even its source material’s creator. The dog, a simple addition that might have easily gone unnoticed, ultimately resonates as a poignant reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of humanity, a theme that runs through the entirety of the "Game of Thrones" universe.
Beyond the emotional impact of the dog’s character, its presence also serves a narrative purpose. The scene where Aegon orders the execution of every ratcatcher in the city is a stark depiction of the king’s paranoia and brutality. The dog’s silent grief and loyalty in the face of this senseless act of violence highlights the tragic consequences of power gone unchecked.
"House of the Dragon" continues to explore the complex themes of power, ambition, and family that captivated audiences in "Game of Thrones." However, its willingness to delve into the humanity of even its most villainous characters, as demonstrated by the addition of Cheese’s dog, makes it more than just a brutal retelling of history; it’s a captivating exploration of the human condition, even in the midst of a war of dragons and bloodshed.
As the show progresses, it will be interesting to see how the writers continue to expand upon the complexities of the characters and the world they inhabit. One thing is certain: "House of the Dragon," through its willingness to explore unexpected facets of its characters, has already established itself as a worthy successor to the legacy of "Game of Thrones." And, given Martin’s praise for the dog’s addition, it seems that even the creator of the world isn’t immune to the show’s ability to leave a lasting impression.
