Aemond One-Eye & the Kids in the Cave (House of the Dragon)

[@DavidLightbringer]

For those of you wanting to hate on Aemond: with all respect, get your facts straight. So far nearly every comment attacking Aemond has been wildly distorting the order of events, the facts of the matter, etc. If you want to criticize this young dragon, please get your facts straight, or you are just being a mindless hater. I discussed what he did wrong as well, but for some reason "Team Black" folks are struggling with dealing with this in anything close to a realistic way. Just stop and pretend that's young Daemon doing what Aemond did and see if it looks different. He had every right to try to claim Vhagar, the kids had no right to stop him from returning to the castle, and the other kids were the ones to start the physical fight. Aemond was provocative too - as I discussed - but this halo of innocence being placed on the four bully kids is ridiculous, and Jace especially had no business pulling a knife after Aemond let his brother go and didn't' hit him with his rock when he easily could have. Let's be real here people. Just because you like one side doesn't mean you should lose the ability to be objective.

[@ashleytupper6049]

People forgot GRRM writes these characters to be much more complex then Good vs. Evil. You can dislike Aemond and agree that his cousins took it too far, having both those thoughts doesn’t invalidated you being “Team Black”

[@Morpheus-ux6kx]

Wait how did the girls bully him and if someone is talking shit about your mother at their funeral you're gonna do something about it. The girls had nothing to do with the pig so that comment was outlined.

[@darthchingaso3613]

I think you can disagree on who started the fight without being a mindless hater. Id say the concept of starting a fight with words is well known, so much so that one can legally loose the ability to claim self defesne if you are found to to have instigated a conflict. Which is arguably what aemond did.

[@douglasdubois7985]

I’m glad someone said it

[@darklight08709]

@@toomuchsauce5599 can you please tell me who started the physical assault first?

[@Shenanakins]

I only wish that they had the sound of Vhagar roaring when aemonds eye was cut out to show their connection. in the books it says that she roared when it happened and we see other times when the dragons feel their riders physical pain.

[@sh.a8497]

I don’t know if watchers also noticed another symbolic parallel . On the same beach, both the blacks and greens gained the most powerful dragons .. aemond gained vhagar … Rheaynera gained deamon.

[@craig2054]

Lol siblings you got to love them 😅

[@Nickadee]

I love the symbolism there however I don't think rhaeneyra gained daemon ........ daemon was always going to be there for rhaeneyra regardless of who they were both married to , thats just my opinion though 🙂but like I said I love the symbolism though ! Well done 👏👏👏

[@ianalexander7305]

leo ashton played young aemond perfectly! He has set up ewan mitchell to bring it home and really make us love/hate this character

[@Constantinople-uh9zg]

The child actors did well but the actor who played Aemond was particularly good. A large part of that episode rested on his shoulders. I also loved how calmly Aegon said "We know, Father. Everyone knows. Just look at them." It was much more forceful than if he raised his voice. Interestingly, after Aegon said that, no one said anything to dispute it. Even Viserys stopped using words like lies and calumnies and shifted to words like family and apologies.

[@tommysoliz3064]

Yes, he brought the vibes

[@Shenanakins]

yes! it was such a good choice by the actor. there's also a hint of disgust (?) i dont know if thats the word but he seems annoyed that everyone is pretending not to see it. if he screamed it he would just come off as a bully or like hes attacking rhaenyra because of his claim to the throne or attacking the children just to attack them. he's just stating a fact that viserys is pretending not to see. he says the way one says "the sky is blue. everyone knows that." he says it like its just so obvious that its disgusting that viserys would even try to gaslight people that way.

[@papabungle]

Aegon almost seemed embarrassed to HAVE to say it outloud

[@DarkKing009]

“I lost an eye but gained a dragon” Aemond One-Eye, my little psychopath badass, and I love him.

[@jjh2456]

He was trying to calm his mother down by letting her know that she can depend on him.

[@DarkKing009]

​@@jjh2456 I agree

[@ladyBibi529]

I especially love how you can tell that Vhagar is old old. The cow esq roaring she does, how worn and rough her exterior is and when in flight she just feels heavy.

[@Elephantnegotiationsociety]

Also aemond one eye and the kids in the cave is one hell of a band name

[@xenithdelmonte2625]

Remember Helena says the HAND turns the loom. Implicating Otto in instigating conflict and perhaps hinting at the maester conspiracy.

[@thecircle2662]

🎯

[@stars-and-clouds]

Good point!

[@kevinvest9693]

Aemon had every right to try to claim Vhagar. Dragons choose their rider you can't steal a dragon.

[@skywatcheradept]

Daemon steals Baelon's dragon egg: deamon fans cheer - this is so cool Aemond "steals" Vhagar who accepted him as the rider: team black fans - Aemond is an evil thief!

[@hypatiakovalevskayasklodow9195]

While that is true, it was still disrespectful the least

[@YOUFREAKINNERD]

@@skywatcheradept People thought the egg-thievery was cool? Okay... I guess? Really shows how tribal people get about this crap, I guess.

[@michaelnkomphela8231]

@@hypatiakovalevskayasklodow9195 lol how? That Dragon could have fried him on the spot- she did not-he had every right to her, she ain't property.

[@Baelor-Breakspear]

Yeah but to a child who just lost their mother I can see why they’d be angry

[@tamasglatz8329]

Altough Aegon being a "douche teenager", I really respected the fact that he had the courage to say the truth out loud in front of everyone when asked about the "rumors" regarding Rhaenyra's children. Rhaenyra literally said It is high treason and King Viserys also threatened anyone who dares to speak about it before. The reaction to Aegon's statement really shows how ridiculous the lie is, but it still wasn't an easy thing to say.

[@miam2772]

That was honestly such a cool scene for Aegon. Aemond looked at his mom and knew she was the one who told him, but conciously threw Aegon under the bus. Aegon also heard this from Alicent but instead of throwing her under the bus he just diffuses the blame entirelt by saying “everyone knows”. He probably didn’t mean to but with that he managed to make Viserys and Rhaenyra the fools.

[@tamasglatz8329]

@@miam2772 Very well said

[@phillower8806]

I mean Viserys would never cut out the tounge of his own son, I’m pretty sure Aegon was too afraid to say the truth.

[@7Nebulae7]

Viserys is such a fool to not see that of course it's Alicent that's spreading the rumours. She has an axe to grind with Rhaenyra.

[@03Man11]

@@7Nebulae7 Viserys knows more than we think he knows. The reason why he sucks at his job, is because he doesn’t want to be bothered with it. He wants everyone to get along even after a kid loses an eye and his wife runs across the room with a blade to attack his grandson and heir.

[@shabbahsworld6529]

Aemond: dohaeris vhaegar! Nana: visenya? Did we win the war yet?

[@papabungle]

Alicent's children are all such fun little weirdos

[@talya1877]

I'm Team Black, but it's hard to deny Aemond is a true badass.

[@SBHJG]

He lost an eye, but in exchange he gained a prize worth a thousand eyes.. 🤫

[@zecare]

Agreed 💯 I just love how straight to the point he is.

[@made-line7627]

"It's him!" "It's me." I loved that line delivery.

[@beaver6d9]

Same...

[@drfaisalkamal1275]

@@SBHJG just like blood raven having thousand and one eye

[@miam2772]

I’m also very excited to see Aemond be a more three-dimensional character. With Alicent as his mom and Criston as his pseudo-father, it seems like he will take aspects of both of them. He seems to be very family-oriented and dutiful for such a young kid, definitely Alicent’s influence. After the brawl when Viserys questions him he throws Aegon under the bus just to protect his mother, just like Criston is her sworn protector. He comforts both Alicent and himself while also letting everyone in the room know what a threat he is with his “lost an eye, gained a dragon” thing. He seems like he’s suddenly very mature and grown up, but then he goes to his mother for a hug and holds her hand. All in all, can’t wait to see him grow to become mommy’s little war criminal!

[@maylynbayani]

Oh he is adorable. Also, a dragon chooses it's rider. It is not a birthright.

[@chicotheworld9763]

Take his other eye!

[@kellharris2491]

Well I also think it's interesting that Aegon doesn't deflect but covers for them both. As the oldest son he is protecting his house.

[@Revellius21]

Interesting point on Aegon immediately calling out Brother, like that's who he expected to kick him. Good catch, didn't even think about it that way

[@EmonyLP]

I'm gonna need them to stop casting such talented young people. I got so attached to these kids!

[@elizabitty213]

I just love the sound effects in the show that let you hear how big and heavy Vhagar is The weight of the wings when they’re flapping, just great details 😅

[@elizabitty213]

@@Darkstar_Dayne exactly! Thankfully they upped the bar, especially in a show that is about a Dance of Dragons lol I am so psyched about the battles!!

[@danshotguns4226]

How about the way she landed just just plop down on the sand...lol. don't want to break any vhagars legs so she needs a walker..

[@Shenanakins]

Im going to defend Aemond a little more. Jace doesnt pull out the knife because of the rock. he only pulls it out when he is called "lord strong" which is a terrible reason to pull out a knife. but this also parallels the dance of dragons when an older aemond says "let us drain our cups to these three strong boys" and chaos erupts. based on the fact that Aemond tosses luke aside its pretty clear he didnt want to use it. he was using the rock while holding luke to keep them from ganging up on him so he can get back in the house. Jace doesnt pull out the knife for Luke but rather because he was offended by the name "lord strong".

[@DavidLightbringer]

That’s how I saw it too

[@kellharris2491]

But that's actually a reason to draw his knife. In their society honor is everything. Just like the duel in early episodes the kid had to fight because he was called a coward. Culturally that was the required response to questioning his legitimacy.

[@Shenanakins]

@@kellharris2491 randomly attacking someone with a knife is not a duel any more than joffrey challenging mycah, who was wielding a stick, to duel is. They just pulled a knife out and sliced his eye. if honor was the concern at all they wouldnt have thrown sand in his eyes and ganged up on him 4 to 1.

[@itspronouncednikolaj333]

almond didn't even have the rock in his hand when the girls attacked him, I wouldn't just take the beating

[@shellyballard8316]

What a nice little boy to adopt an elderly rescue 😂

[@shellyballard8316]

I hear most Targaryen brats just want the hatchlings to get all the cutesy baby animal feels, and most of those poor dragons forget to be fed and have to take matters into their own flames 🔥 The poor dears 😢

[@DavidLightbringer]

bwahahahahaha

[@hfwrose6797]

I’m not why the nanny Vhagar is so funny to me but I giggle every time.

[@Nopquar]

Man, once the Dance of the Dragons begins, it’s going to be nonstop ball busting action

[@miguelitomarques8]

While reading Fire & Blood, Aemond was the character I hated the most during the Dance of the Dragons chapters, yet he's my favorite character of the show so far. 🤣

[@philosophynerdlady]

They've done such a great job with his character, haven't they? The actor was fantastic!

[@HistoryofTheDragon]

Totally agree. So hard to like him in the book, and so hard to hate him in the show!!

[@phillower8806]

Ikr! I’m sure we gonna hate him a lot more later XD

[@made-line7627]

His child actor is just too good and just too cute to hate him right now haha

[@sunerys8511]

Same😂

[@nappyalien420]

I think they will have Aemond with his sapphire in his eye, Laenor said that Ser Qarl obtained "sapphires the size of walnuts" during the war in the stepstones. Could be a little foreshadow 🤔

[@DavidLightbringer]

Oh good catch!

[@heloisadantas5149]

And he said that Qarl got the sapphires from a pirate he slew!!! A pirate, as in, a dude without an eye that wears an eyepatch?!

[@Lightstar449]

And his eye patch doesn't look flat on his face

[@sean5558]

And..,,,Brienne is from Tarth the Saphire Isles

[@amo5743]

@@heloisadantas5149 dude pirates didnt have missing eyes 😂

[@sculptureofsound2]

"Helaena the Dreamer...and freestyle poet" 🤣😭

[@Neddoest]

“You’re mother is dead. Vhagar has a new rider now.” That was some stone cold shit

[@darklight08709]

@@Darkstar_Dayne Aemond was only playing with words as he was subjugated to constant pestering. After having the largest dragon anyone would act like smug, on top of that he's just a child. For that Rhaena & Baela acted like savages with Jace & Luke joining them even though they grew up with Aemond. Perhaps they suddenly got jealous or mayhaps to precisely put the tables have turned. It was 4 is to 1 fight & Aemond was the only 1 who acted like a man in the room. Giving no excuses. Vhagar was first ridden by Targaryens & when a Valeryon claimed, u see no Targaryen bitching about it. The only thing that is infuriating the fanbase was him punching the girls 😂 everything else is just pure Gaslighting 😂

[@danshotguns4226]

And the fact that they thought that everybody else had to wait for her to try and claim the dragon was stone cold wrong ...unfortunately aemond did not subscribe to that which I don't blame him so when they confronted him confronted him with aggression and anger because he did something that they didn't have the balls to do he reacted the way anybody probably would especially with all the p*** and vinegar that was running through and from claiming his Dragon..

[@DavidLightbringer]

Yeah when you hang up four on one, when your side starts the physical violence, and when your side pulls the knife starts swiping with it - yeah those are the bullies. Just because Aemond’s a freaking boss and handled his shit doesn’t mean they aren’t bullies and they aren’t totally in the wrong, which they were.

[@DavidLightbringer]

Like those four kids literally did nothing right. They were wrong about everything they said and did.

[@craig2054]

@@danshotguns4226 the funeral was that day can a child mourn there mom?

[@melissamoore5223]

The best part is when Laenor walks in to the room with bloody kids and his wife being stitched together and says “ is everyone ok” ha ha that made me laugh 😂

[@melissaisloud7404]

I also noticed that Aemond lamented he wanted a dragon. The next episode he took a dragon regardless of cost? Last episode he lamented that he wanted Helaena. He used the words “if mother had only “ when speaking on her betrothal. The “had only” is significant. Will he against take what he wants regardless of cost. I’m just hoping Alicent has to watch her daughter and the wrong son pull a Rhaenyra m/Harwin right under her nose. The Greens need a couple to root for.

[@JustAsteria58]

That would be fucking hilarious, that should happen.

[@lc4822]

That would be a great twist

[@DavidLightbringer]

We’re all rooting for it in our hearts

[@Tagreese]

Wouldn't matter tbh

[@shreyakar9220]

This time people will have a hard time differentiating "bastards" if that happen

[@inelouw]

Aemond watching for the sun to disappear before claiming Vhagar also is a nice callback to Rhaenyra using the sun to swoop in on Syrax in episode 2. Sun symbolism!

[@theSilver_Witch]

Pedantic correction because I'm obsessed with family trees, Baela and Rhaena *are* Jace and Luke's cousins. Officially, they're first cousins because Laenor and Laena are siblings, but even discounting that, they're still first cousins once removed through their Targaryen parents (Daemon is Rhaenyra's uncle, making his children her cousins, so his kids would be her kids' first cousins once removed).

[@DavidLightbringer]

Ah thank you!

[@anitat9727]

Targaryen family trees are more like tangled bushes.

[@7heSlime]

@@anitat9727 Or a wreath.

[@cleogriffith9921]

The girls are second cousins to the boys, Rheanyra is the girls 1st cousin

[@devoleno]

@No Name Who is Alicent Hightower's mother?

[@uniquelyme3581]

Kids "it's him" Him "it's me" 😅😌

[@andypouch6289]

Always love hearing from Nanny Vhagar! She's always a hoot.

[@Ash.Crow.Goddess]

The original Original Old Nan.

[@HariPrasad-we5qq]

"Visenya, did we conquer dorne yet?"

[@danika9411]

​@@HariPrasad-we5qq😂😂😂😂😂

[@JennaMac24]

Grown up Aemond sure looks like Uncle Daemon. Alicent, you got some 'splainin' to do! 🤣

[@anitat9727]

aemonD --- Daemon

[@eviefoxx]

I would love it if they go that route and Aemond turns out to be Daemon's son. The resemblance is uncanny, not only looks-wise but personality & Otto even called Aemond "rogue" - taking over dad's "Rogue Prince" title maybe?

[@theph0enix24]

In the books there was a rumour that Allicent wasn't as pure as she claimed and slept with daemon and visarys before they were married.

[@michaelnkomphela8231]

​@@theph0enix24so she slept with Daemon after Aegon 2 was born? Stupid much?

[@davethefunyunnight9053]

It's a disgrace that they cut that Vhagar dialogue.

[@yorokobeshounen3492]

Can you time stamp the dialogue?

[@ilovebeansOO]

Luckily our guys’ got the inside hookup.

[@isabellamego5321]

When it starts with night queen visenya you know the video will be too good

[@downtown_clownybrown]

odin cut out his eye and was hung upon the world tree in order to gain knowledge. bloodraven lost his eye and was hung upon the weirwood and also gained knowledge. aemond and bloodraven both had their eyes removed by bastard family members. the bloodraven/odin similarities are definitely noticeable but i'm curious if you've noticed any more subtle similarities between odin and aemond?

[@TheMadMadow]

I appreciate you taking a stance to be more objective about the children's altercation. People act like the other children could do no wrong. And even wag the finger at Armond for picking up a rock in a 4 on 1 fight. I didn't understand this mindset until I started thinking about Sansa and how people bashed her in GoT. Then it all started making sense.

[@DarthSidian]

Aemond is my favorite character so far. Can't wait to see how they make this scorned lad on a power trip become the diabolical carpet-bomber he eventually becomes!

[@lanasjoynt485]

Yes I love this kid!!! 😂

[@DarkKing009]

“sharply questioned" means tortured It is a euphemism. it not having a reaction that is what put Alicent on edge in my opinion.

[@lanasjoynt485]

Yes, I was wondering how no one caught on to the fact that Raynera wanted Viserys to have Amon TORTURED!!! A CHILD who’s just had his eye gouged out!! By HER son. REALLY?!?! 😳 All because he had the audacity to speak the truth that ALL the adults KNOW - Those kids are STRONGS! As a mother I understand Alicents anger. I would lose my marbles if something like that happened to MY kid. I would have slashed Raynera too trying to torture my baby!!

[@anitat9727]

@@lanasjoynt485 Yeah. That's why I don't understand why people think Rhaenyra is a great person/leader. Alicent is bitchy. But in this case, she has every right to be furious. Also it must be hard to watch Viserys blatantly favor Rhaenyra's over his other children. I'm for leaving a woman as heir. However he completely ignores/enables her poor behavior/actions. Like his son was attacked and seriously injured but all he cares about is Rhaenyra/her sons being insulted (or rudely confronted with the truth).

[@BlackfangDragon]

@@anitat9727 Because those insults carry the weight of being killed for those very same children. That’s where the distinction lies. Everyone knows this, it’s why Aemond earlier in the episode stood near Jace and wanted to say something to console him about Harwin dying, but didn’t know how to say it that doesn’t put them both in jeopardy.

[@judigemini178]

@@BlackfangDragon Interesting, I was curious about that scene & what aemond was gonna say to jace, this makes more sense now. I guess there was that whole change of persona after claiming a dragon. Explains how he instantly went from being that sympathetic about that issue to being mean & heartless & calling them bastards in the cave, and how I went from rooting for him to being confused & appalled. It’s actually very subtle, I wouldn’t have noticed until this comment helped connect the dots. The child actors on this show are exceptional.

[@anitat9727]

@@BlackfangDragon You mean like the constant insults practically all characters have to face on the show? Even Aemond had to face a fair amount from Jace and Luce. At the end of the day, said insult is a lot easier to brush off then serious bodily injury. As for 'jeopardy' - it really wouldn't have. Viserys blatantly favors Rhaenyra and is happy to shut down any 'rumors'

[@aileenpi73]

Helaena mentions the Hand which I took as meaning that Otto is the one who manipulated the loom/spools of thread.

[@DavidLightbringer]

Yeah that makes sense

[@CASantos]

Regarding whether it was Aemond's right, I'm fairly certain Rhaena wouldn't have been able to claim her anyway. I feel like he was able to steel his nerves and calm the dragon because he was there watching in the dragonpits, learning the commands, etc. I don't know the extent to which Rhaena observed the process of training a dragon, especially as both parents already had their dragons before she was born. Her demeanor is more mild from what we've seen, I believe if she had approached Vhagar they would've been mourning two(well, "three" later). Also most importantly, the rule of drama. If the Blacks had Vhagar, the Dance likely wouldn't have been "The Dance" as opposed to just another failed uprising, and we wouldn't have this fabulous tv spinoff to watch 😄

[@DavidLightbringer]

Agree, Vhagar was too much dragon for Rhaena

[@CASantos]

@@DavidLightbringer Agreed, I think if things has been different up to this point and Rhaena had been the one to hatch a dragon, Baela might've been made from the right stuff to claim Vhagar. But again, that wouldn't make for much of a conflict😅

[@danika9411]

​@@CASantos I think it was said in the book??? I don't remember that she was scared of Vhagar and had decided not to claim her before sge was 15. I also agree she would have been too soft for her. I don't think Vhagar would have accepted her.

[@Matt-xc6sp]

“Enter the Dragon” has a whole different connotation in light of those tapestries

[@DavidLightbringer]

🤣🤣🤣

[@samk522]

We desperately need a Targaryen who does kung fu.

[@CrimsonTemplar2]

Great video. The Nanny Vhagar dialogue is delightful.

[@dannyv161]

"So.....when are we burning Pentos"?- Mima Vahgar

[@craig2054]

This channel deserves an abundance of subscribers. The content is very in depth and entertaining

[@kash.e.w.6937]

💯 I’m blown away every day that he hasn’t been hired by GRRM or HBO to to work with them on literally anything. Can you imagine the depth he would bring to their projects 🤤

[@jessdubbs176]

Another killer video! Always love how you consider all perspectives.

[@mercedescreates]

Lmaooo the beat with Helena's words 😂😂😂

[@bonghitsandheavyriffs]

THE BEAT OVER HALAENA im deceased 🤣🤣🤣

[@somegenerichandle]

Despite knowing the allegory of the cave, i didn't put that together. Thanks for your insights, David!

[@zecare]

Love this breakdown you gave especially about the cave and Helena’s prophecy ❤this was my fav episode so far!

[@treytraylor7078]

I absolutely love the Helena Low-Fi remix! You should totally remix all her prophecies

[@DavidLightbringer]

Consider it done

[@Elephantnegotiationsociety]

As a reader of the source material, I don’t like how much I like aemond in the show

[@regrettablemuffin9186]

In the book I hated Aemond, but he’s quickly taken the title of my favourite character. Maybe that means it’s not book loyal, but if so I kind-of prefer the show.

[@DavidLightbringer]

no I agree the show characters are so much more fleshed out so it's impossible not to have more feelings about them

[@CaptainPikeachu]

I mean in the books, Aemond was also a 10 year old who slapped a 3 year old first and then decided to pick a fight with a 5 year old and a 6 year old. The show clearly gave Aemond more of a better position by having 3 kids who are more closer to his age and letting the other kids throw the first punch so it feels like he’s justified as opposed to the books.

[@thenickfoxx]

10:03 haha that gave me a good chuckle. I love your videos man.

[@j.gregoryhenderson6032]

Aemond One Eye went from bullied kid I identified with to the coolest Targ this side of Blood Raven. It's like that kid that grows 7 inches from freshman year to sophomore. Lol

[@mjrtaurus2714]

Meemaw Vhagar watching all these humans squabble over who gets to sit in the pointy chair, knowing the three heads of the dragon shouldn't be killing each other for it.

[@melissaisloud7404]

I think Aemond brought Otto to drunken Aegon to get Aegon out of his way. Maybe Aegon even had an idea of Aemond’s intent bc he planted himself in the stairwell and immediately said “brother” when Otto grabbed him. Edit Add: Aemond also threatened to burn Baela with Vaghar at her mother’s funeral. A mother who died by being burnt by Vaghar. That, imho, was worst than any of his other taunts.

[@lucymorudu5860]

I don't think Aegon cares enough to think about his brother's intentions, and honestly how was he going to stop him when he was soo drunk and sleeping.

[@jjh2456]

Your edit-Baela just punched him. She deserved that taunt.

[@alonachiong666]

I think the girls sees Vhagar as the closest thing to their mothers memory. They took too long because it was their mothers funeral, as means of respect they didn't claim her dragon.

[@stormbringer2840]

No Baela clearly stated she was afraid of vhagar and wouldn’t try until she was 15 .

[@danika9411]

​​@@stormbringer2840And Vhagar is an old dragon that probably would have only lived for 20-30 more years. That she might die soon and they leave her without a rider on purpose would be cruel. Especially since she is too big for the dragonpit and nests alone 😭 I'm glad Aemond bonded with her.

[@leann9261]

Loved this video! Agree with all your points about Aemond.

[@briennesfatsister4788]

Always listen to Minty. Aegon and Helena are for sure a thing. It explains so much that was a mystery in the book.

[@naomi.cannibal]

Did it bother anyone else how Daemon didn’t seem at all bothered that his children (daughters, might I add) were part of the fight? It’s odd to me that the show is painting Daemon as if he’s disinterested in/ doesn’t care about Rhaena and Baela, when the books have 0 indication of that being so. (Idk if this is mentioned in the vid bc I haven’t finished it yet but wanted to mention it)

[@davedaddy101]

No. I didn’t see it that way. I see Daemon as a quiet observer. Older and wiser now than he was in episode one. He is more measured now than before and less impulsive.

[@PhilHug1]

I don't remember the book ever mentioning his relationship to them (but I could be wrong). If the book didn't then I guess the writers can make it whatever they want

[@naomi.cannibal]

@@davedaddy101 i agree he’s growing more reserved than we’ve seen in the past. But I do know especially at that age if my dad heard I’d been in a 4 v 1 brawl he’d acknowledge me when he entered the room

[@naomi.cannibal]

@@PhilHug1 Maybe I just created that myself bc the books implied he had a loving relationship with Laena, which you would think would translate to the children. It’s just odd to me that he hasn’t shown them any fondness (other than Baela) and there’s been multiple instances where he should (after the fight, after Laena’s death, her funeral, etc). I know Daemons not the warm and fuzzy type but he’s clearly been shown to have love for his family

[@cassie6146]

@@naomi.cannibal There was even a deleted scene that showed Daemon hugging his daughters on the roof after Laena's death instead of the final cut where he was distant with them.

[@tylercruse2402]

Aemond claiming Vhagar gives me vibes of Jon "Stealing" Ygritte. Ultra dangerous, ultra reward

[@danti55]

Wow!! Your shorter, edited videos are amazing! I love your 2+ hour-long live streams, but man, you really know your ASOIAF lore and just pack SO much info, knowledge and symbolism into perfect, concise packages. Just excellent content, David.

[@MadeUpLikeADoll]

I’m laughing so hard at the musical inserts, laced throughout the video 😂 David, you’re a trip

[@connerb9733]

Great video David!

[@willowdove6703]

I love the Nanny Vhagar audio 😂

[@vamen7785]

I personally assumed that Rhaena didn't claim Vhagar right away because she was grieving. I mean SHE DID lost her mother and probably didn't think someone would claim her during her mom's funeral lol

[@danika9411]

She was afraid of Vhagar and wanted to claim her in a few years when she was 15. I think she also needed to learn to speak better Valyrian before she can do that. So she wouldn't have tried to claim Vhagar for a long time. And she is an old grumpy grandmother who won't live that much longer anymore. To try and keep someone from claiming an old dragon that might die soon or in the meantime is actually quiet selfish imo.

[@celly8713]

Thank you for the enhanced Vhagar audio, can’t believe I missed it🙌🏽

[@johnnysmall]

I commented this last weekend but I’ll put it here too. While I definitely agree with the breakdown you gave of Helaena’s dragons of thread dragons of flesh lines, I was also very much reminded of Dany’s mummer’s dragon prophecy from the main series when helaena said dragons of thread. As if Rhaenyra’s children are the bastard born mummers dragons of thread, and Alicent’s children are the true born dragons of flesh. As an additional bit of symbolism we have the spider listening to it all, just as Varys is listening in the shadows waiting for the right time to bring his own dragon of thread into the fray (Young Griff). Just a cool thought I had that I wanted to share, I definitely see your interpretation making more sense tho, but that’s the beauty of asoiaf! So many different meanings to find in every line!

[@DavidLightbringer]

I don’t think the mummer’s dragon is a part of this, because it’s Rhaenyra’s children (with Daemon) who sit the throne

[@johnnysmall]

@@DavidLightbringer ah yea that definitely makes sense I wasn’t thinking about it like that, but you’re right. Figured since those kids haven’t been born yet she would be alluding to Rhaenyra’s current heirs who are not legitimate. But Helaena certainly seems to know what’s going to happen in the future so that absolutely makes sense to me. Symbolism is so cool. It makes everything have so much more depth and meaning in a show where every line already hits so hard. The fact that both of these interpretations could come from a single line just shows how well these writers are doing and how much thought they must be putting into this stuff. Truly an awesome show.

[@Smoug]

Yeah it could be both because in Asoiaf, and as Mark Twain and George have said, History does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes" and i think that is even more true with prophecies and fated mythic characters that seem to keep re emerging through the centuries

[@BlackfangDragon]

The Dragons of Flesh was always in reference to Daemon and Rhaenyra, who are more pure blooded Valyrian. Alicents kids have just as much Blood of the Dragon as Rhaenyras does, so they too would just be dragons of thread.

[@made-line7627]

Love this Johnny. I think you're onto something!

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

Was already watching your old winds of winter readalongs when this went live LMAO I clicked SO FAST

[@joshknightfall]

You have a good vibe. I just discovered your vids this year with HotD. Good work :)

[@havingfun9324]

What I also find interesting about Helaena is that she is for telling the future and yet no one listens to her and just thinks she’s weird. That makes me think of Cassandra from Greek mythology. She was a Trojan priestess who could see the future but no one believed her ( How she got it varies but the version I hear the most is that Apollo gave that gift to her to get her to sleep with him but she turned him down after receiving it and so he cursed her so that no one would believe any of her prophecies)

[@corentinrichard9864]

There is a lot of parallels between Georges R R Martin 's writings and Greek mythology. Rhaegar and Lyanna are like Paris and Helene Princess Daena the defiant is like princess Danae....

[@spideregg]

There's always that one player on the other team. You hate the fucking team, but have nothing but respect for that player and just wish they were wearing another uniform. Preferably that of your team.

[@WeAreFourJokers]

House of the Dragon should just be renamed to Whole lotta treason at this point

[@KayLa-vv9kj]

Haleana said the hand turns the loom that weaves the threads too. I believe she is saying otto started it all as he has been poisoning Alicents mind from her teen years

[@lou6018]

ngl when Aemond held up the rock, I really thought he was gonna kill Jace I thought it was a pause for dramatic effect type moment

[@DavidLightbringer]

I think what they did was very realistic - like these kids are going to far but also they’re still kids. I imagine if Jace had succeeded in cutting Aemond with his initial knife attack, he would have stopped and been like “OH SHIT what did I just do”, he wouldn’t have, say, kept stabbing him like a psycho. So yeah it makes sense Aemond picks up the rock after getting whaled on 4-1, but it also figures we wouldn’t t feel the need to hit Luke right then, since he had gained the upper hand and already broken Luke’s nose.

[@aegontargaryen9322]

Bloody hell David , you are so good at this

[@kingsleyzvikaramba7662]

That intro was so well put. Amazing

[@tommysoliz3064]

“Adults fighting like children” hehe

[@demirkazanasmaz6097]

Almost all reactors on KZbin and people on Twitter blamed on Aemond, they clapped when he fell down and was kicked by the 4 kids. Aemond was 1 v 4, and the girl started the fight by pushing him. (Aemond pushed her too, he did not hit her). Tbh, I hate fanatism towards Team Rhaenyra, people are so biased against her that they always but always blame the greens. I mean Daemon killed his innocent wife by crushing her head, Daemond and Rhaenyra killed an innocent servant in this episode too. Why no one judge them or talk about it? They are murderers tho. Most of the characters in this show are gray but people dont wanna see it, they really like to see the greens as evil, heartless monsters.They like to hate them, which is nonseless for me. I dont claim that the greens are saints tho but they are as bad as the blacks. Both side do terrible things, I hope people are able to see that.

[@cookiemonster_47_]

That’s why I’m on team dragons 🐉 and not on team black or Green. I also hope we get to see more of Aemond,Helaena and the new lord strong,They are very interesting characters. And I think that the fans that spend a LOT of time on the internet will continue to see everything in black and white even after the show ends.

[@danshotguns4226]

​@@cookiemonster_47_ or black and green?

[@darklight08709]

Finally someone said this. They pick on the greens because they are simply against Team Black ( aka Team Feminism ) so they overlook all the flaws of Team Black members

[@anitat9727]

@@darklight08709 Which is ironic and Rhaenyra is not feminist. She wants to be the exception to the rules not change them. Nobody's freaken moral here. They are douches.

[@demirkazanasmaz6097]

@@darklight08709 exactly

[@annalouiseplease]

New BDE= Big Dragon Energy

[@kellhound8645]

Another great video David!!! "Nana Vaghar" lmao 🤣 😂 😆...

[@philosophynerdlady]

They were all in the wrong. Rhaena and Baela didn't both attack Aemond at once. Rhaena shoved Aemond (after he insulted her). Aemond shoved Rhaena (after she shoved him). Baela punched Aemond (in defense of her sister). Aemond punched Baela (in defense of himself). Jace and Luke then came to the defense of the girls. Aemond threatened to burn all of them and feed them to his dragon. Aemond was not bullied by Rhaena and Baela until the four kids joined forces against him. Of course he defended himself against the four of them. There is plenty of blame to go around for all parties involved. No one was "right" here - they were all in the wrong.

[@DavidLightbringer]

That’s a pretty fair assessment. But I’d still say when four kids stop one kid from going home and throw false accusations at them, that’s bullying. Just because Aemond didn’t cower doesn’t change that. Aemond is 9, Jace and Baela are 10.

[@thereadingtree3492]

@Philosophynerdlady Truth. Absolute truth. That was the precise order of events. Add to that two heartbroken little girls who had just lost their mother in the most horrific way. We are clearly watching the same show!

[@BlackfangDragon]

@@DavidLightbringer Itd be a different story if say he was implicitly threatening them with death, or had mocked someone who has the same insecurities and issues as him. He picked a a fight and treated Baela and Rhaena like they had always bullied him, when this was the first time he ever met them. He used his issues to hurt others who hadn’t hurt him, which fits the stories themes of the cycle of abuse and generation trauma gets propagated. And, y’know, mocking people who had family who recently die. People don’t act rational especially when loved ones have passed, and it gets worse when they’re kids and aren’t getting the proper time to deal with their grief.

[@devoleno]

That's what I saw. No arguments from me. It seemed like everyone gave as good as they got.

[@kuned233]

4 kids against one is bullying and especially. Whoever asserts the physical fight is in the wrong. Like how when any relationship is where you argue verbally and a spouse or parent should not be physical about that. Especially why even cut you with a knife, dont we teach our children not to do that? Even in the medieval days they just let children practice with wooden ones

[@martinkrog5943]

Great vid Thanks :)

[@Megafreakx3]

Speaking of Halaena, in the next episode, anyone noticed how when they show the green side. Halaena isn't actually wearing the typical Hightower's green that the others are wearing possibly signifying that she isn't as poisonous as them.

[@DavidLightbringer]

What’s she wearing?

[@barnitasarkar996]

@@DavidLightbringer She is wearing yellowish gown rather than her other family members who are wearing green dresses

[@kash.e.w.6937]

@@DavidLightbringer ​ I’ve noticed her black cloak over her green dress at Laena’s funeral as well. No green is visible when we get a peek of her behind Alicent when she’s muttering with the spider. None of the hightowers at the wedding have black in their garments. I always assumed this symbolized Helaena’s neutrality in the Dance

[@samk522]

Ah, yellow, of course. The color of Team Insects.

[@Megafreakx3]

@@samk522 note to self dont drink when reading comments

[@AlerieHightower]

That Monty Python and the Holy Grail music at the beginning... 🤣

[@TheBrett1890]

I'm super grateful for this audio enhancing technology. You should patent that!

[@Slechy_Lesh]

Power is a shadow on the wall. Hey, that was foreshadowing for Renly

[@applemathe3209]

I love Aemond the most in this house of dragon.

[@michaeltavizon8333]

Missed this video! Till now 🤙🏽

[@brittanyofhouseblackwood]

Wow, you went pretty far back in the mythical astronomy shit with this one lol! Love it!! Time to start at the beginning and binge "Bloodstone Compendium" it's been a while...I'm feeling disconnected from my symbolism lol

[@DavidLightbringer]

Hahah yeah that stuff is vintage now lol

[@gaat9303]

xD lol nana vhagar secret audio killed me

[@sneh9992]

I feel having Vhagar made Aemond over confident leading to his ultimate downfall as he started over-relying on Vhagar's size

[@michaelnkomphela8231]

Aemond was never clear thinking, so what? Listen to Ewan, he spoke to Martin and Martin said Aemond knew his death date. Vaghar isn't dumb= he was her choice, and she was going to die with him.

[@QueenDaenerysTargaryen]

They should not have cut the Vhagar dialogue. 💥💥💥

[@Esstan1]

Fantastic video David! I started off the episode with love for Aemond but at the end of the episode, I was like noooope this little kid is fucking scary. 😂

[@Cboz1978]

The new Aegon actor, the older actor, is giving off Joffrey Baratheon vibes.

[@ashleymiller37]

Halaena made me think of Faegon and Dany. Dragons of thread versus dragons of flesh. Woven by a spider named Varys. Am I crazy?

[@jjh2456]

To your point, she also said that the last one has no legs. Could that mean Bran and he’s the last king and he is crippled.

[@farahgiovanna]

yay caught you early! thanks again for the great content….bang those symbols David!!!!

[@msmisery695]

Thank you for another entertaining video. I appreciate getting to hear the enhanced dialogue. Maybe I will change my mind, but I still find the characters to be gray. No one is standing out as being pure evil although Larys is definitely someone I would not want looking after children, the elderly or animals.

[@jacobfurneaux1705]

Vhagar really doesn’t like the free cities apparently