A House Divided: Dragons, Bastards, and the Red Sowing in House of the Dragon
The Dance of the Dragons is heating up, and in the seventh episode of House of the Dragon season two, titled “The Red Sowing”, the stage is set for a blazing finale. As Team Black grapples with the consequences of their growing roster of dragons, the lines between loyalty and desperation become increasingly blurred.
The Rise of the Unexpected Dragonrider
The episode begins with a tense standoff on the beach between Rhaenyra Targaryen, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, and Addam of Hull, a seemingly ordinary shipwright who has inexplicably tamed the powerful dragon Seasmoke.
While Rhaenyra initially suspects foul play, Addam’s swift bending of the knee and his assertion that he was merely chosen by the dragon dispel her worries. This unexpected turn of events reveals a crucial truth – a dragon’s choice of rider is not dictated by lineage or social status but by an undeniable, mystical connection. Addam, a lowborn individual, exemplifies the potential for anyone to become a dragonrider, regardless of their bloodline. This truth grants Rhaenyra a new sense of hope and purpose in her fight for the throne.
Alicent’s Inner Turmoil
In King’s Landing, Alicent Hightower, Queen Consort and Rhaenyra’s sworn enemy, grapples with the aftermath of the recent riots and her own physical wounds. "All my life I have endeavored to serve both my house and the realm, and somehow none of it matters," she confesses, revealing her deep sense of disillusionment. Even though Alicent is fiercely loyal to her son, Aegon, and his claim to the throne, she seems to be losing faith in the legitimacy of her own actions and the political machinations that have consumed her life.
Whispers of Rebellion and the Power of Rumors
While Lord Larys Strong and Lord Jasper Wylde plot and scheme, rumors of a new dragonrider reach the ears of Aemond Targaryen, Alicent’s son and a formidable dragonrider himself. The source of this information is deliberately vague, and both Larys and Jasper hesitate to relay it to Aemond, fearing the consequences of disseminating unverified intelligence to their volatile ruler. "Perhaps this is one of those whispers best left to the wind," Larys shrewdly observes, highlighting the volatile nature of courtly intrigue and the potential for truth and lies to intertwine.
A New Strategy for Team Black
As Rhaenyra struggles to grasp the significance of Addam’s rise to a dragonrider, her trusted advisor Mysaria, the former mistress of King Viserys, offers a shrewd suggestion. "Look under the sheets and in the woodpiles," she advises, alluding to the vast pool of Targaryen bastards who could potentially be recruited as dragonriders.
Rhaenyra initially resists, clinging to the illusion of a rigid, honorable system. "The order of things has changed, Your Grace. Why not embrace it?" Mysaria challenges, prompting Rhaenyra to embrace the unconventional strategy of recruiting lowborn individuals. “Let us raise an army of bastards,” she proclaims, acknowledging the shifting tides of power and the potential for overlooked individuals to provide a powerful advantage.
Daemon’s Shadow Lurks in the Riverlands
At Harrenhal, Daemon Targaryen, Rhaenyra’s cunning and ambitious uncle, faces growing opposition. Lord Oscar Tully, the young Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, holds Daemon accountable for the “barbarities” he has committed in the queen’s name. While Oscar adheres to the oath sworn to King Viserys, he demands justice for the atrocities committed by Lord Willem Blackwood, Daemon’s ally, against House Bracken.
Daemon, ever manipulative, is forced to concede to the gruesome demands of the Riverlands, demonstrating the limits of his influence and the shifting sands of loyalty within the realm. The scene concludes with a haunting visit from the ghost of Viserys, a reminder of Daemon’s ambition and the burdens of power.
Aegon’s Struggles and Larys’ Ghoulish Influence
The episode offers a glimpse into the physical and mental suffering of King Aegon, who seems to be recovering from his previous state of near-catatonia. However, his recovery is accompanied by excruciating pain and a relentless therapy regime imposed by Lord Larys, a disturbing figure whose role in Aegon’s well-being is both sinister and strangely effective. "You must work harder," Larys admonishes Aegon, highlighting the insidious power dynamics that permeate the court.
A Search for Dragonriders and a Touch of Tragedy
Lord Corlys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s father, sends a mysterious message to King’s Landing and tasks his son, Alyn, with recruiting fishermen, hoping to uncover those with dormant Targaryen blood. The implications of this mission are shrouded in secrecy, but it is clear that Corlys is seeking potential dragonriders to bolster Rhaenyra’s forces.
Meanwhile, Rhaena Targaryen, a cousin of Rhaenyra, demonstrates a relentless pursuit of her own dragonriding dreams, ignoring the limitations imposed upon her family. Her eagerness highlights the yearning for power and recognition that plagues many Targaryen descendants, even those who lack the necessary skills.
The Dragonpit Selection
The tension escalates when Rhaenyra, with the support of her council, decides to hold a selection process for new dragonriders at Dragonstone. This controversial decision stirs up resentment among the traditionalist dragonkeepers, who deem it an act of "blasphemy" to allow commoners to ride dragons.
As a desperate plea for hope and unity, Rhaenyra delivers a powerful, passionate speech to the assembled recruits, promising them a chance at salvation and a world free from war and suffering. Her speech underscores the desperation that fuels the conflict and the sacrifices demanded by the pursuit of power.
The selection process itself is brutal and unforgiving, as Vermithor, the fearsome, volatile dragon, tests the mettle of those who dare to approach him. The scene is a chilling reminder of the unpredictable power of dragons and the risks involved in attempting to tame them.
An Unexpected Choice and Aemond’s Arrival
In a surprising twist, two seemingly ordinary individuals – Hugh Hammer, a blacksmith, and Ulf the White, a tavern owner, manage to form unexpected connections with Vermithor and Silverwing, the magnificent silver dragon. Their success suggests that true potential can emerge from seemingly unremarkable backgrounds, emphasizing how the Dance of the Dragons is shaking the foundations of tradition and challenging the established hierarchies of Westeros.
The episode concludes with a dramatic climax as Aemond, unaware of his mother’s efforts to secure new dragonriders, witnesses the unfamiliar sight of a dragon soaring in the skies above King’s Landing. His curiosity leads him to Dragonstone, where he is confronted by a sight that evokes both fear and resentment – the impressive gathering of Team Black’s dragonriders, three powerful dragons ready to challenge his dominion.
A Looming Finale
The tension between Rhaenyra and Aemond has reached a boiling point, and the season finale looms as a battle for both the Iron Throne and the very fate of Westeros. With the arrival of new dragonriders and the looming threat of an all-out war, the “Red Sowing” leaves audiences on the edge of their seats, eager to witness the explosive consequences of the choices made in this tumultuous episode.