HotD Episode 7 Was Frightening In Its Approach. It Resonated A Single Message Loud And Clear... Fire

I feel like this season of House of The Dragon is going to be utterly ruthless in it's approach.

As always, the intricacies never fail to take my breath away...

Last season, the opening showed blood on rock... rock that does not stain. But this time, we see blood tainting canvas, likely to leave deep gashes that won't be washed over, won't signify beginning anew.

This is further seen in how the last shot we saw of Rhaenyra was with her back facing the fire and darkness in her eyes. Yet, here we see in in the same room with a map of the seven kingdoms... alit with fire, demanding Aemond's life and walking out without a word.

Fire in all it's duality is clearly seen when alicent lights a candle for Viserys parallel to Luke's pyre being burned and finally as she wished to quell her guilt, lighting a candle for Luke, only for it to cut to Rhaenyra being obscured by flames, signifying that this stain isn't going to be washed off, it's not a rope that's frayed, but one that's cut.

And finally, Helena saying beware of the rats but not knowing who it is... Alys, who betrays information or her, who betrays herself.

In all its glory, there are four fronts that are going to impact the game moving forward:

Alicent's desire for victory, and whether she sees it in sleeping with Crison Cole, or allowing her soul absolvement from guilt by making peace between her and the blacks (Rhaenyra).

Otto's thrist for violence and who he deems (un)worthy enough to sacrifice.

Rhaenyra's vengeance, and which wing will forever be grounded next.

And Daemon's venerence towards Rhaenyra and who he's willing to betray for it.

The Unsung Heroes

He lifts on his shoulders,

The weight of all our sins.

He does not know where his journey began,

Nor how it would end.

He wraps his arms around his sister,

He lifts her off the ground.

Promising to return safely.

A silent wish to which he felt bound.

He kisses his mother's wrinkled forehead,

Cherishing each moment,

Like an extraordinary treasure,

He had just found.

For, far away he would be,

From his family's loving embrace.

Staring at the snow-capped hills,

Or the depths of the sea.

He thinks aloud on peaceful nights,

When the winds lull him to sleep.

'Honor I'll bring to my mother,

The promise to my sister, I'll keep.'

A broken promise, an open wound,

He lies on the ground.

The sanguine hue of his blood,

Cakes the mud around.

I pray for those who stay awake,

In the darkest hours of the night.

Who live and fight for our sake,

Regardless the pain and the plight.

The silence cries, it cries for them,

Those who left behind their names.

A soldier dies, he dies condemned,

Becoming a distant face in a wooden frame.

His sister asks why her brother,

Was mercilessly slain.

His mother's screams echo,

As she screams in disdain.

Heavy breathing, bloodshot eyes,

Where did they go wrong?

Clutching his badge to their chests.

Walking on their own.

After the war, he didn't return,

And they were left alone.

Oh, mighty warrior, our fearless protector,

Never were you wrong.

In the hearts of those who love you,

Always will you belong.

The Demiurge of Destiny

The silence seeps out of the earth and into her bones.

The darkness creeps, it creeps close and into her soul.

She stands still, unyielding but nonetheless alone.

Her strength comes from those who live down below.

Living in an idyllic fantasy, free from any woe.

As she lifts with her petite hand, the shield to palisade,

The mephistophelian misery that obscures their fate.

She receives no recognition, for in history she has never been portrayed.

She adorns no gowns, no ornaments present in her locks that cascade.

Yet, her eyes they hide behind the vizard as she attends the ephemeral masquerade.

To watch her principles, to keep them safe.

The fires burn bright inside the ostentatious room.

Yet, in her veins, the cold blood morbidly looms.

She makes herself unobtrusive to the human eye.

As she stares at the cacodemon, its flesh charred and dry.

They battle fierce and they battle fast.

Each time they clash, one of them nearly falling apart.

Both fought the other trying to outlast.

The hellion sneers and questions her act, it taunts her, it taunts the people behind her back.

'You fight for them? These people there?

Who burnt your home without care?

Who turned the forests dark with despair?

Who'd agonize in the hurt ne'er?'

She inhales closing the apertures of sight,

Her heart in agony, her mind in plight.

Yet, her body stands, it stands to defend,

Staring at the demon she wills to rend.

'It matters not what my heart decides,

It matters not if the rivers run dry.

Gods are gods till the men decide.

And for these men, I shall lay down my life.'

The night dawns as she enters her hearthstone.

Blood trickles from her side as she suppresses a groan.

Shadows that loom chilling her down to the bone.

Fatigued and weary as she looks at the moon that shone.

She fights her battles, she sits on her throne.

She looks after the humans like they're young saplings she had sown.

She looks out to the horizon and into the unknown.

Shield in her hands, protecting on her own.

HotD episode 6 was astonishing, I had been unsure of the flow now that the first segment was over but I have been left completely satiated.

My mind was raging by the end of the episode and I couldn't help but awe at the subte portrayals the show holds mastery over.

Once again, the main theme of how a dragon can never be subdued is reflected so calmly yet powerfully.

The true power of House Targaryen over House Valerion.

We first see this in the conversation between Daemon and Leana at the table with the other lords. Laena's wish to decline the offer is ever so silently disregarded. The frame where Daemon's hand rests on top of Laena's, wearing a ring which symbolizes royalty.

We see this yet again, when Rhaenyra has been holding back her anger (even having tears in her eyes) and finally unleashes on Laenor and commands him to remain at her side.

The episode also reflected certain cruel ironies...

Alicent's children only wearing green, symbolizing their mother's banner of war still stands proud while Rhaenyra's children wear blue... the color of Ser Harwin's eyes.

Ser Harwin's created life due to his affliction with a dragon (targaryen), yet rather than being protected by it, he was killed by fire. (I really loved seeing him as a father and I wish we could've gotten more scenes of him with the boys).

Alicent trying to bring back Otto Hightower as the hand only gave light to one cruel fact...Even partiality is fair when it's in favor of our own.

Laena's death was by no means less than that of a dragon rider. While the battle she fought was different, I'm glad Vhagar honored her command. (Her death really brought me to tears) Nevertheless, I'm glad that Daemon refused to make a choice on her behalf. Atleast in that sense, he is better than his brother.

I have not read the books and all my interpretations are based solely on the show.

Link to previous post:

https://at.tumblr.com/strollthroughstars29/coming-to-the-feast/hzcat81w8qxu

HotD episode 10 was a masterpiece, one I both adored and hated. The entire episode felt like a dream of being chased yet having the feeling of not being able to run at all.

There were so many things I wish to highlight. But first, the ironies:

The cruel irony of how everyone had to lose something to attain the crown. While Viserys lost his body, Rhaenyra lost her child (and recieved the crown in front of the pyre)

The way that Daemon ignored Rhaenyra's gut-wrenching calls to him but was the first to bend the knee, fulfilling his role as her ally but failing as her companion.

The fact most predominantly shown was how without the dragons... Targaryens are nothing. To think that the Dance of Dragons began because of a Dragon refusing the command of their rider.

The way Rhaenyra, even through her pain, made it a priority to inform her sons of what had happened in order to save them the pain.

There were also so many parallels in this episode.

Both Daemon and Corlys refusing to acknowledge that they weren't the only ones who have lost a child (completely sidetracking the sentiments of their spouses to have their overdramatic diva moments).

Rhaenyra stripping Otto of his pin, the same way her father did.

Daemon crowning Rhaenyra, the same way he put the crown on his brother's head.

And finally, Rhaenyra receiving the crown standing in front of the burning pyre of her child facing away from it, and in the end... recieving the news of Luke's death standing alone, facing refusal of her claim as a ruler in front of a fire, looking towards it rather than away, thus disregarding her desire to not be a queen of the ashes... now she wishes to set it ablaze herself.

All in all, it was a fitting end to season one and I can't wait to see how season two turns out.

(I have not read the books and all my interpretations are based solely on the show)

Previous

"To nurture is to grow, and to grow is to conquer."

The following poem is a tribute to my parents, who have worked to the bone for my sister and I, who have loved us and made us capable enough to make our decisions, making us the people we are today...

Mid-day Memories

Like sentenials they stand, like palisades they preserve,

No wound the barbarous realm causes them, they deserve.

They fight for our rights, for my sister and I,

They fight for our future, so that no-one can deny.

She sits through the ephemeral daylight hours, she sits deep in thought,

Worrying for our battles, many gray hair which have brought.

Like gentle whispers of gales that thread the mellow fields,

Her hands, they soothe the cracks that materialize at the confidence we refuse to yield.

The path he voyages invites many a foe,

To heal he journeys, to dispel all woe.

Like the midnight moon, he stays awake,

Enduring all the afflictions for our sake.

Like the wolves that howl at the plenilune,

He plays for us his sweetest tune.

They sit alongside till our sorrows fade,

Stories they spin together to distract, endlessly cascade.

Sings tirelessly each note the way a nightingale,

They mould us for the world, guide us in the way for the sightless, the brail.

HotD episode 4 was marvelous, it once again denoted the importance of symbolism, no matter how subte it cues and in doing so, kept my attention solely on the screen for its entire duration.

This episode has left me with a bunch of thoughts and speculations to be made:

We start with the image on Rhaenyra toying with the necklace gifted to her by daemon, even during the tour to select her suitor which set the stage for the rest of the episode quite splendidly.

The scene which took my breath away was actually the one in the courtroom, right when Daemon enters while Rhaenyra stands in the crowd. We see Daemon moving towards the throne in plain sight while Rhaenyra walks towards it in the crowd (making her approach out of the public eye), but in the end, they share a frame and move together. This, once again illuminates the subtle imagery and symbolism.

Daemon clearly showed Rhaenyra the play as a test of her tenacity and determination (you can't change my mind) but at the same time, I think he wanted her to actually open her eyes to observe the realm and not follow Viserys' stead to become a ruler blind to what occurs around him.

I somehow feel that the scene in which Daemon withdraws from Rhaenyra is a great insight to what he's feeling at the moment. It somehow starts as disbelief, verging on regret and later manifests as anger?? Following it, the scene where Daemon asks for Rhaenyra's hand (with a dagger to his throat, commendably) reminds comedically of bridgertons I have to marry you to protect your virtue.

I loved how Viserys didn't spare Otto any agony and embarrassment, and made him spell each bit of the rumor, (painstakingly so).

And, him calling Otto out for spying. Although, it was funny how Viserys called Otto's schemes 'obvious' while failing to notice them for the past 4 years. The bit where Viserys takes away the pin was GLORIOUS.

(I can rewatch this scene a billion times)

The PARALLELS throughout the episode were amazing!

The first one we observe is that while intimacy with Viserys is clearly a means for Allicent to survive despite it making her feel lifeless, (and helpless, all the same). We see Rhaenyra seeking Daemon's touch as it seemingly makes her feel alive and in control of her life.

This also throws light on the subject of free will, while the conversation between Alicent and Rhaenyra already established how Rhaenyra was privileged to receive a choice regarding who shall win her hand, Alicent wasn't. We see the same yet again, when Rhaenyra approaches sir Criston.

Another parallel this episode draws is an ironic one where Viserys tells Rhaenyra to let go of her desires and choose duty while he was the one who refused to marry Leana Valarion in order to marry Alicent. Which highlights the disparity between the genders, once again.

(I have not read any of the books and all these are based solely on my interpretation of the show.)

This episode, not only as the end of an era but the beginning of one, serves its purpose in being the most symbolic, yet breathtaking depiction of what growth feels like.  As always, House of The Dragon, does not fail to properly enchant it’s viewers. I, for one, am extremely invested and interested in knowing if it maintains its magnificence. 

Episode 5 of House of The Dragon marks the end of one phase and the beginning of another, not just a new chapter but a whole book.

Needless to say, the episode in itself was phenomenal and as always I've got quite a few things to say, or rather, point out.

A targaryen can never be nameless, ser Criston had already marked a path that Rhaenyra wouldn't walk upon. I see the origin of his fury. His proposal wasn't out of love, it originated out of regret and desperation to save his dignity.

We once again see the display of absolute dominance by the Targaryen's when Viserys stated that Rhaenyra's children may be born Valarion but they shall rule as Targaryens.

And again, when Viserys refuses to accept a chair in Corlys' throne room as no king, (especially not one residing on the iron throne) shall ever sit beneath another.

We finally see Otto sow the seed of Rhaenyra's betrayal in Alicent's mind which is further watered by ser Criston, (just because he wasn't patient enough to let Alicent complete her sentence).

I loved the subtle comparison of Alicent to the flowers which thrive where they aren't supposed to. She was expected to wither without her father by her side, but instead further solidifies herself as a formidable force by wearing her house's colors of war to Rhaenyra's betrothal celebration.

An enchanting parallel was drawn between the carriage ride in episode 3 and one in episode 5, both times Rhaenyra is treated as a commodity to benefit the realm. Earlier, she was expected to be a paragon of virtue and behave like an ideal sister (during Aegon's 2nd name day) and this time, she is expected to marry for the sake of an alliance between house Valarion and Targaryen.

We also see that Rhaenyra has completely forsaken the necklace gifted to her by Daemon as she attempts to erase him from both her subconscious and physical self.

I, for one, loved the phrase dining as we see fit because not only did Rhaenyra dine very well last episode, she wishes to continue to do so after, which again highlights how she loves to be in control.

Coming to the feast.

The entry of House Valarion gave me literal chills!! (I would be lying to say that I didn't start clapping tbh)

Daemon's entry was extremely symbolic of his mistakes. Last time, he entered with Rhaenyra walking by his side but now, he walks alone, TOWARDS Rhaenyra.

I have to applaud Daemon for coming back to king's landing (while in exile), to attend a feast (he certainly wasn't invited to), and to try and tempt the bride (his literal neice) to chose him instead. He not only dances with said bride but also proceeds to (almost???) Kiss her in front of her father (his brother) AND GET AWAY WITH IT.

(Rhaenyra tempting him like this didn't help either, but I loved each second of it)

(Viserys' face here is so funny)

And finally...

Alicent's entry was breathtakingly powerful, I couldn't take my eyes off her. I even felt an urge to bow, I believe she brought a perfect end to the chapter of her trying to reconcile with Rhaenyra and finally having enough.

(My fav scene, undoubtedly!l)

I have not read the books and all my interpretations are solely based on the series.

House of the Dragon, Episode 8:

Not Alicent thinking that Viserys was talking about her rapist firstborn while he answered Rheanyra's question on his deathbed, regarding her being the 'prince' that will unite them as one, especially mere hours after we see them being hospitable after years.

Syrax providing Daemon and Rheanyra's children with three eggs, for their three children, befitting their station as trueborn children of dragons.

Funnily enough, Daemon being a classy malewife and manslaughtering Vaemond Velaryon for badmouthing Rhaenyra (all true, by the way), screamed Will Smith Energy (not that I condone what he did in any way).

Lastly, wondering why Aemond Targaryen's actions seem so familiar, why his mannerisms are something that remind us of someone we've witnessed before? Me too! Each and every action, sly retort, and taunt, gives the viewers of Daemon Targaryen in his prime, impulsive, agitated, and having a keen taste of violence.

But where Daemon's actions reflect underlying hurt, and the urge to protect and safeguard his family, Aemond's actions are a result of his dysfunctional upbringing and the deep seethed wounds caused by the callous words of his own blood at the time he didn't have a dragon, and thus, no proper position as a dragon himself.

As a recent Feligami, and over all Rare-Pair shipper, these new potential ships absolutely destroy me. . .

Lukloe

Lukagami

Feligami

Why don't you kill me already?

Emotion absolutely blew me away! I have always loved Felix's character because of how multidimensional it was and this episode completely proved my point.

Felix genuinely loving Adrien and wanting to set him free and honestly breaking down when he realized that he may have hurt Marinette was so painful to watch... I really wanted to give him the biggest hug.

I did not expect to LOVE the Kagami/Felix dynamic as much as I did but i still think that now isnt the time for it and that it has too many red flags for now. I WOULD support it if Felix refuses to make decisions on behalf of Kagami and instead encourages her to be more confident in her own.

But there were things I absolutely adored and which can really form the base to grow their relationship.

Felix's extremely destroyed look after noticing the ring on Kagami's finger.

Felix calling Kagami 'his queen' which is something I TOTALLY see becoming a thing.

Her saying he has become more of the person she wanted him to be AAAHHHHH!!

Him teasing Kagami for being jealous but also part worried if he overstepped by kissing her hand (couple behavior 101)

Couples who fight together, stay together>>>>>> (yes, it's a friendly spar. No, It's not up for a debate)