Summary
Season 2 ofHouse of the Dragonis finally here and the opening episode carries on where the previous season left off, both in terms of story and quality. From the top of the icy cold Wall to the fiery depths of Dragonstone, fans get a sweeping view of a realm reacting to Prince Lucerys' death, as war looms ever closer.
While there were many heartfelt and shocking moments, there were also plenty of small easter eggs inS1 E2 ofHouse of the Dragon. Some of the best details that fans may have missed are extremely subtle and only make sense at the end of the episode or even upon a second watch.
1Ice
Cregan Stark Wears The Ancestral Stark Sword On His Back
One easter egg that some fans may have missed during the gripping words exchanged between Cregan Stark and Jacaerys, is the sword that Cregan wears on his back. ThisValyrian steel swordis Ice, the ancestral sword of House Stark and the very one that Ned wielded until he was eventually slain with it.
This entire opening scene felt highly nostalgic and fans might have also noticed the Stark theme, Cregan Stark’s strong Yorkshire accent reminiscent of Sean Bean, and even a similarity in the appearance of Jacaerys and Jon Snow on the wall.
2A Statue Of Viserys Is Seen Before The Final Scene
Viserys Died Thinking He’d Brought About Peace
As it was only seen for a brief moment, fans may have failed to notice the statue ofViserys Targaryen. This statue can be seen in the throneroom as the rat-catcher and gold cloak pass by. As Viserys was worried about his lackluster legacy, it would perhaps be of some comfort to see that despite the encroachment of an unavoidable war, the time and money have still been taken to remember him.
Fans may also recall that Viserys himself loved sculptures, and spent many hours in his chambers going about this hobby. Thus, a statue feels like a fitting act of remembrance for this beloved character, whose absence is one of the few downsides of Season 2 so far. The fact that fans are reminded of Viserys just before the most detestable act makes the scene even more tragic as Viserys only ever wished for peace among his family.
3Corlys' Scene With A Man Named Alyn
This Character & His Brother Will Be Important
During the first episode ofHotD’ssecond season, Lord Corlys Velaryon speaks with a man in his service who saved his life. They discuss the Seasnake’s ship and a dagger that was forged for Corlys' now-deceased heir, Lucerys.
While fans may not have thought too much about this scene at first, the fact that Corlys names the man as Alyn at the end changes everything. Alyn should be a familiar name forbook readers, and rewatching the scene is very different with this in mind. His claim to have saved Corlys out of duty may not be entirely true, and the mention of his brother should get fans excited for coming episodes.
4Rhaenyra Only Says One Line
“I Want Aemond Targaryen”
What fans might not have noticed amid all the grief and chaos is that throughout the entire episode,Rhaenyra Targaryenonly has one line, despite featuring in many scenes. The words she barely manages to speak to her council are “I want Aemond Targaryen.” Unfortunately, this clear message results in the death of an innocent child when Daemon’s plan to bring her justice goes horribly wrong.
Despite only saying these words, the rest of her scenes are incredibly moving with her first finding the remains of Arrax and Lucerys, followed by what was arguably the episode’s best scene, when she and Jacaerys broke down together in their grief.
This Foreshadows The Ending
Early in the episode,King Aegon IIenters his wife’s chambers looking for his son Jaehaerys, whom he wishes to take to a Small Council meeting. As he walks in the room, he sees one of his children on the floor with their back turned, and has to look upon their face to see if it is his son or daughter.
The child was Jaehaera, and not her brother Jaehaerys. The fact that the royal siblings look so much alike ties into the ending when the two soon-to-be murderers are trying to decide which of the children to kill. They eventually ask Helaena which of her children is the boy, forcing her to make an impossible decision.
6The Rat Catcher Was Seen In Previous Scenes
His Freedom Of The Castle Is Clearly Demonstrated In This Excellent Setup
The gruesome ending of Season 2, Episode 1 will not be easily forgotten with the murder of an innocent child and the kicking of a dog. However, what fans might not have seen, is that the rat-catcher was present in previous scenes. For example, he can be seen walking past the doors to the throne room and going about his work.
His appearances not only foreshadow the ending for book readers who know the event asBlood and Cheese, but it also highlights how he had freedom of the castle. Furthermore, when viewers rewatch Season 1, they will also notice the continued presence of rats, especially the ones licking up blood while Rhaenyra and Laenor get married. This is some excellently planned foreshadowing and, of course, Helaena says she is scared of the rats at the start of the episode, another example of her visions coming to light.
