House of the Dragon Reaction 1x4 King of the Narrow Sea

[@BaddMedicine]

Another interesting episode! What was your reaction to Daemon and Rhaenyra? Any predictions for episode 5? Full Reactions on Patreon: www.patreon.com/baddmedicine Backup channel Subscribe here kzbin.info/door/1CLUwA27dz-94o3FR0o3xg

[@dlilwon]

I was like noooooooooooooooooooo 😱 then i remembered they were Targaryens 🤷🏽‍♀️ this is their modus operandi

[@khaleesimandy74]

Well that's how Targaryens roll. But I believe as much as he wants her, he just couldn't. But him not denying it, threw up red flags for me to.

[@azieldaly2965]

There is a lot more incest to come.

[@Artfulcas]

1. Yeah guys it’s book and show canon that the Targaryens are chill with incest. Have actually been pointedly practicing it for generations to ‘keep the bloodlines pure and their valerian magic/dragon riding abilities intact’. Aegon the conquerer himself was wed to both his elder and younger sister (The Aegon Daemon references when he asks for Rhaenyra hand and Viserys reminds him he is already married). Viserys’ & Daemon’s own parents (Alyssa & Baelon Targaryen) were also siblings. And an episode ago Otta even suggested to Viserys that he betroth Rhaenyra to her baby brother to put an end to the endless marriage proposals he’s been getting for her. Incest isn’t an issue for Targs, and it’s a well known fact through the realm. It doesn’t mean the whole realm is cool with it or doesn’t frown upon it to some extent. They just can’t do anything about it (HELLO DRAGONS) 2. Poor Criston Cole… I’ve already seen some people saying that Rhaenyra abused her power in sleeping with him but honestly they’re both adults and he didn’t exactly put up much of a fight beyond the one very soft halfhearted ‘Stop.’ In my opinion Criston wanted to just as much as her if not more given that unlike Rhaenyra I think the man has some very real feelings involved in what happened in this episode, that if you look back there is a build up indicating that Ser Cole at the very least is smitten if not a little in love with the princess. And while I am glad her first time was with him (someone who I believe truly loves her with no agenda behind it) it is in its way sad. He broke his vows for her. And just looking at how he handles the white cloak of the kings guard… you know what it meant to him. Gotta wonder how he’ll take it later if he finds out he wasn’t even her first choice, he was just…. There. And potentially, even if Rhaenyra is fond of him, trusts him, is attracted to him, that doesn’t necessarily mean she’s in love with him the way he probably is her. 3. So Rhaenyra does techniquely lie to Alicent. She tells her that Daemon never touched her. That was not the truth. They made out + some groping that probably would have led to 3rd base had Daemon been able to get it up. But the main thing she was trying to assure Alicent of is that she and Dameon didn’t have sex. This was true…. But of course Alicent doesn’t think to narrow the question down to ‘Is your maidenhood intact/are you still a virgin?’ Because aside from what she overheard about Rhae and Daemon, she has no reason to think or believe Rhae could have slept with someone else that night 😬 4. So the tea Mellos brings her is moon tea or ‘tansy’ tea and it is basically medieval Plan B in the world of ASoIAF. And it is based on natural abortifactants. George R.R. Martin has actually said he did research when he wrote moon tea into his story but added fantasy touches to it and changed the names of the plants involved as the real life recipe for the brew can be extremely dangerous and he didn’t want to run the risk of any of his potentially female readers ever making it themselves. 5. Ok these next two bits are just some thoughts I had but lmfaoooo again POOR CRISTON when he sees Rhaenerya, who HE HAS NOT SEEN LEAVE HER ROOM ALL NIGHT, just come back wearing weird clothes and looking kinda upset. Poor dude probably goes from thinking ‘Oh man I might lose my job over this’ 😔 to literally a minute later thinking ‘OH IM DEFINITELY GONNA LOSE MY JOB OVER T H I S’ 😱. And of course Daemon just-// being Daemon. He JUST got back. Im not sure if it was even 24 freaking hours and he’s already been basically banished again like-- 😂. The devil works hard, Daemon clearly works harder. That’s gotta be some sort of record for him. And it lowkey sucks cause you KNOW he loves his brother and does want his love and approval so very badly, if nothing else Daemon does absolutely love his family. And it’s clear from their scenes together initially in the episode that they have missed eachother, and generally like eachother/like spending time together shooting the shit and hanging out like brothers who do enjoy that they’re well brothers. And it goes from that to Viserys being pissed again cause Daemon is an agent of chaos and the man clearly being hung over and his older brother kicking the crap out of him cause the bullshit he pulled last night more or less warrants it. And at the end Daemon just-- probably feels enough like puke if he didn’t before he doesn’t even get up, he just goes back to bed, on the floor of the throne room. He’s so messy and awful and I enjoy the heck out of his character so much even when he’s making me mad cause I also can’t help but feel a little bad for this legend who is admittedly also kind of a loser 😓🤣. 6. Continuing on with your question regarding Daemon’s intentions with Rhaenyra this episode…. Why not both? I genuinely believe after she told him her woes and how very afraid she is of being married because she’s scared of getting pregnant and childbirth and how it boils down to it being how she lost her mother that--, he did want to show her that there is more to it then that. Not just how sex itself isn’t just meant as a process to produce heirs but can be good, can be enjoyable, fun actually with the right person and mutual desire, not just that-- but life itself. Rhaenyra feels that once she is wed her life is effectively over and Daemon I think in this episode tried to show her that life can be both lived and loved if you can find a happy balance between duty and what must be done as well as not neglecting yourself and what you enjoy and what makes you happy as a person. Also that there is more to the world than just the red keep. That right outside the castle she calls home there is a whole city of entertainment, magic, intrigue, scandal, trouble, excitement, and of course DANGER if you aren’t properly educated on how to navigate all of it. Something he clearly tried to do tonight. It was also a way for her to I think open her eyes to the people of kings landing, how the common/small folk see her and the rest of the royals and nobles. Because regardless of what Rhaenyra thinks (and she has previously been dismissive of the common people) the common people DO matter, their opinion of you MATTERS when you are a player in the game of thrones. And you have to remember she probably couldn’t ask for a better teacher in the culture and politics of the common people than Daemon as he is one of the few royals/nobles who regularly spends time not just defending them and making their lives safer as a gold cloak, but just among them, as a drinking Buddy sharing his own stories, and partaking his own enjoyment from what the city streets have to offer in the same manner as any other man rather than acting as though he’s above it. If Rhaenyra wants to really rule one day she needs to know her people, not just the noble houses but the common folk as well and Daemon knows them well and they know him. On the flip side of that it’s up for debate on if he truly planned to go through with it, his reasons for it regardless if he was going to or not. You’ll notice he never denies what Otta told Viserys when confronted with having besmirched his niece’s ‘honor’. But he also doesn’t admit to it either. Only asks for her hand, keeps asking for it. If he had plans beyond his own desire for Rhaenyra having to do with politics they all still stemmed on being wed to her. Plans that obviously went array when she slept with ser cristin & of course when instead of bending to the weight of the rumors and potential for political scandal, Viserys instead for ONCE held his ground. Even if later on it’s clear if he did send mellos an order to give Rhaenyra moon tea, an obvious indication that no matter what he believes… he knows his family and has enough doubts he’s taking precautions against the possibility of Rhae being/getting pregnant.

[@bigredz932]

Targaryens have some pretty loose morals, but it looks like there is only one more episode of young Rhaenyra before the big time jump so it should be good.

[@NelleBear]

Daemon's & Rhaenyra's chemistry and tension has been steadily growing more apparent since the first episode lol. I was surprised you guys were so surprised.

[@Green-rp6br]

I was suprised too but since reading others comments I realise we are in the minority, wonder how many signals I’ve missed in real life too 😂😂😂

[@natecloe8535]

I fully expected In episode one that we would cut to a scene with the 2 of them in bed together, and that would be the introduction to their relationship.

[@black-widow33]

This is the targaryan way. why are people so shocked...lol 🤣 this is part of this specific story. .. it's fantasy 🌍 lean Into it 🤣😂.. and we've only begun..

[@ygkemosabi8280]

after one watches 8 seasons of a show where it is a heavy theme you are just choosing to be ignorant...@@aidan-mrtl

[@MotherOfDragons420]

​@@aidan-mrtl no one said that lol but it's blatantly obvious

[@believeume122]

She has been smirking at Daemon since episode one and all through his episode. Gotta pay more attention guys. Lol Plus the Targaryens are known for "mixing" with each other.

[@user-to3xz5yw5u]

Daemon planned for them to be caught together so he could marry her but his conscience kicked in so he felt guilty and couldn't physically go through with it. That's why he stormed out from the brothel and drank a lot. When confronted by Viserys, he decided to shoot his shot and asked for her hand. Rhaenyra basically used Ser Criston to relieve her desire and frustration after being rejected by Daemon, the producers said he was the one available. Milly Alcock said Rhaenyra likes Criston but she would not choose him over Daemon.

[@cedricmcconnell6074]

No he didn't plan for that. Otto was spying. Daemon was teaching her a lesson that Sex is more than just making new Heirs. But he didn't follow through with it out of respect for his Brother. When he found out his Brother knew and was angry, he made a play to marry her

[@LSG101097]

@@cedricmcconnell6074 Daemon is manupulative edgy scum. He wants attention, glory and power. And he gets it this way. He wanted her to be seen because it's fun, it creates a scandal and it's an opportunity to get closer to power. He does like her and wants her, but it's no true love, cos such beings uncapble of one. He DID plan to take an advantage of her and be seen. But like he said "you were too young and I took pity on you". Cos eventually he understood that he likes her more then he thought.

[@danika9411]

​@@LSG101097 Thank you! I agree.

[@miareyes9768]

​@@LSG101097 Daemon isnt thirsty for power the only one who says that is Otto and as I'm sure you know Otto want the throne. Otto uses Viserys. He lies to him for years saying Daemon is too dangerous to sit the throne but the truth is Otto wants it for himself. Viserys trusts Otto so when Otto tells him to not put Daemon in his counsel that's Otto attempting to get Daemon away from Viserys. Daemon has been Viserys' heir since he became king so Otto forcing Daemon away weakens their relationship. Daemon says in episode 1 "You've only ever tried to send me away" because Viserys listens to Otto and marries Daemon off then sends him to the city watch. Daemon mentions how Viserys should've named him hand bc he "sees otto for who he is" Otto is a snake how convinced Viserys that Daemon wouldve been "a second maegor" when Otto has no valid excuse to say that. Viserys also points out Daemon "lacks the patience" to take the crown whereas Otto spends 30 years planning to take it and inevitably does.

[@ranniwolves]

he left her there tho. theres no excuse for that

[@Tattletale-Delta]

lol How have you not noticed the way Rhaenyra and Daemon have acted around one another since episode 1? 14:29 Always interesting to see that reactors seem to be so unified in the opinion that Otto is merely a "snake in the grass". He's a bit more complex than that lol.

[@magdalenabozyk1798]

Funny enough, shortly before that scene I was asking my partner "Do you see it that he's flirting with his niece, or am I just seeing things?"

[@Ash-SlingingSlasher]

I love the small focus on Criston setting down his white cloak so gently and with so much care. Like he wants this so bad, but he also doesn't want to ruin himself either. Idk, I love little things like that

[@dlilwon]

Yes. The iron throne is compiled of swords of all of their fallen enemies which dates back to Aegon the Conquerors conquest. In the books the throne os much higher and there many more swords.

[@BaddMedicine]

Ahhhh thank you🤙

[@Dec4AllTimeAlways]

Daemon got Otto fired. That's the gist of it. Used Mysaria (White Worm) as his pawn. Daemon is well connected to the commoners. Lord Flea Bottom. Payback from Ep 1 "Heir for a day"..

[@PacificEgg]

"Do you know what the realm is? It's the thousand blades of Aegons enemies, the story we agreed to tell each other, over and over. Until we forget that it's a lie. " -Little Finger.

[@lucien988]

Talking Thrones intro as well haha ;)

[@anandsingha7223]

@@lucien988 first thing I noticed

[@laughingoutloud5742]

​@@lucien988LMAO I love Talking Thrones 👏👏👏❤️🇨🇦✌️

[@xXTheRedrubyXx]

Targaryen's are quite comfortable with incest (note the issue Viserys had with Rhaenyra marrying Aegon was his age) Viserys and Daemon's parents were siblings and Viserys and Aemma were related (cousins i think). Like even now Rhaenyra is to marry her cousin Laenor. In westeros the other houses frown upon close incest but not all actually. Ned Stark's parents were cousins and so were Tywin and his wife (ironic how he was mad at his children though they see it as different). so yeah, get ready for some crazy looking family trees in the future of this show.

[@koki84ji7]

It happens in real life still. The old hag that just died was a devoted cousin to her husband

[@xXTheRedrubyXx]

@@koki84ji7 yeah and that's only one country, the Habsburgs are basically the targaryens of our world

[@koki84ji7]

@@xXTheRedrubyXx I think there is some coefficient number amongst incestuous royals and basically Dany and Jon's son of they had one would make the last hapbsburg spanish king look normal

[@Caraxes_RoguePrince]

Cousins not considered incest in Westeros that’s why Tywin looked down on Jaime and Cersei and that’s why cousins could get married…I agree tho it’s still incest but not in they world at least not yet anyway lol

[@Elementroar]

@@koki84ji7 No, it’s speculated that Tagaryens used blood magic long ago to safeguard their bloodline from devolving too much from incest. If you look at their entire family tree, all the Tagaryens come out physically sound with no physical defects (mental is another issue). Daemon is himself the result of two generations of sibling incest and is fit and strong. Viserys was actually average/plump for a Tagaryen but again, didn’t actually have physical defects, he was just lazy in the books and got gout (here in the show he has a bacteria infection from leprosy). Targaryens should be way weaker and sickly than they all should be, but most come out tall and strong, beautiful, or just average without any physical defects. It’s accepted that cos of their cultures long history with incest even before Westeros, they did blood magic that ensures a inbreeding doesn’t affect them as badly as it should.

[@CJDM310]

it was 4 years since last Daemon and Rhaenyra spoke (episode 2) which means it's 1 year after last episode. We also know this because the play they saw in the city said the new prince was 3 years old (he was 2 in episode 3). So Rhaenyra is either 18 or 19 in this episode.

[@AHand-ol2ii]

I noticed you thought the king and queen having separate bedrooms was interesting. This was the common practice in nearly all pre-modern ages among the royals and wealthy. Only the poor would need to share a room and Royal marriages were primarily political arrangements intended to produce heirs, so the king would send for the Queen when he wanted to try for an heir or wanted to have sex (with her, as opposed to anyone else he felt like). This was very common.

[@reallollabunny]

I am always surprised when people find that strange. I thought it was well-known that the richer you were, the bigger your house, bigger your rooms, bigger your bed etc. were. and, of course, that having your own room and the privacy that came with that was a privilege that only the rich had. like, how Jane Austen heroines had their drawing room where the men didn't visit them during the day? I find it totally normal that Alicent has her own bedroom. why are there kama sutra drawings on all the walls is another matter :D probably to promote virility and healthy children and stuff?

[@marirezende8478]

Hahahah I was noticing how y'all didn't notice Daemon and Rhaenyra's behavior around each other so I was waiting for your reaction to this episode 😂😂😂

[@elizabitty213]

Ohhhh yeah here it is! 🙌🏻🤓 Marriage in these times, was used to solidify a joining of two families and even then it isn’t enough, you have to produce children in order for the joining to be considered an alliance. That way you have someone who represents both families

[@PacificEgg]

The tea delivered to Rharnera is called Moon Tea, and yea it's plan B.

[@ASageCalledQ]

Drink the tea & show that you are no longer a virgin and a liar or Don't drink it and pray you're not pregnant.

[@PacificEgg]

@@ASageCalledQ That's good point. The Grand Maester gives me wierd vibes and I don't trust him so I wouldn't drink it anyway if I were her. He is definitely in leage with Otto

[@keiju.6289]

@@ASageCalledQ Exactly my thought! So what should she do? I'm so excited and looking forward to the next episode.

[@marirezende8478]

People don't seem to understand why Daemon stopped. He's not impotent and never was in the book. In the show, the first time it is mentioned that he probably would prefer someone with platinum blonde hair. The second time he stops because he truly cares/likes Rhaenyra and had a moment of consciousness of what actually doing that to her would mean, to lose her virtue without being married. Yes, he planned on them being seen and probably planned on them "finishing the deed" because he wanted Viserys to marry her to him, but he stopped himself once he realized either how much he actually liked her and/or was surprised at how she was corresponding just as much. The director also confirmed this. He has no sterile/impotence problem, as it will be later proven by his multiple offspring. He didn't stop cause he couldn't get it done, he clearly refrained himself from getting on with it. I'm only addressing this, because the reasoning behind this can affect how people see his character, him stopping because of impotence brings a different view to his character than he stopping because he was refraining himself for Rhaenyra's sake/because he got afraid or surprised at her reaction and what that would mean. Unless they somehow decide to create this problem solely for the show for no reason at all.

[@ibrahimsurti4922]

Nah mate remember the entire dance of the dragon is rhaenyra and Daemons sons slaughtering their uncles (alicents sons) to win the war

[@marirezende8478]

@@ibrahimsurti4922 that's what I said 😭😭😭 like why people thinking he is impotent all of sudden

[@Caraxes_RoguePrince]

The first time it happened they also hinted at him being stressed about his brother replacing him

[@AHand-ol2ii]

People think he’s impotent because in the featurette after the show the show runners/director said he was. They said that when he lost control of the situation and she got into it, he lost his ‘ability’ to follow through.

[@marirezende8478]

@@AHand-ol2ii They literally didn't do that.

[@danniandersen5858]

The tea is called moon tea, like the day after pill. The incest in tagaryan families are common, Hightower even wanted her wed to her little brother. Then ensuring his placement on the throne.

[@georgechapman9688]

The heir and the popular heir. It was a smart play tbh

[@ElCactus7567]

The incest is actually very frownd upon (at least between siblings and close relatives), however, the Targaryen's who came from a different part of the world do it all the time. The only reason its allowed with them is because they own dragons, so no one can say anything to them. That's also why Alecent made her comment when she confronted Rhaeynera that "the Targaryen's and their queer customs." The rest of the realm turns a blind eye to all the incest the Targaryen's do simply because they are the ones in charge and make the rules. Funny enough, the Targaryen's believe in incest because they believe it keeps there bloodline pure (and the ability to ride/control dragons), but it is also responsible for their high death rate in childbirth, and tendency to go crazy/unstable.

[@elielsreaction4892]

Actually the unstable part is quite untrue according to the books. Incest was practiced throughout Valyria.

[@jonttul]

@@elielsreaction4892 How? They straight up say every time a Targaryen is born the gods flip a coin, whether they're destined for greatness or madness.

[@Mehdz03]

@@jonttul that’s a line from the show and not the books. It’s a horrible line that people believe is true. There’s only been 3-4 bad Targ kings

[@icechoc]

They don't just believe it though. It is true. The incest does strengthen their dragonblood but also prevents other families from gaining it. Also, your point about their being a high death rate for childbirth isn't valid because the Targaryens don't have a monopoly of this. This was merely the consequence of childbirth in the Middle Ages. If you look at the other families there were multiple women who died from childbirth in those houses too. Aemma Arryn died from childbirth as it is suggested her getting married at the age of 13 and having children very early left a toll on her body. As for the crazy/unstableness. That is not confirmed anywhere and if you actually look at their line there were about 7 crazy ones and some of these are questionable too. E.g. Viserys could be argued that circumstances drove him crazy as he was said to be fine before all the trauma of losing his family and having to fend for himself and look after Daenerys as a child. Similarly, there was one Targaryen who was said to be mad simply because he was caught dancing in the Red Keep naked once.

[@Mehdz03]

@@icechoc high rate of child death was high, but it’s different for Targs. There’s a lot of cases of half human half lizard babies being born. There’s more than meets the eyes with the Targaryens

[@allison4516]

People tend to forget that herbs can do a lot, for lots of reasons/conditions. Yes they absolutely would have had an elixir that could help a woman out if needed. There’s documented evidence of that in our own world history as well as far back as classical (Egyptian/Roman) times

[@reallollabunny]

did it really work, though? as far as I know, those were just toxic herbs and you needed to dose them just right, so they made you sick and made you miscarry without actually killing you. they were not specifically targeting the fetus. it's a bit like chemotherapy - it kills both cancerous and healthy cells but the hope is that it kills the cancerous ones faster.

[@Drakainas._.heart._.]

​​@@reallollabunny Actually they were more intelligent than we give them credit for. They had teas and vag suppositories that specifically targeted pregnancy. There were also surgical procedures for abortion, as well as things to prevent it. They weren't always successful obviously, but modern ones aren't either, we just have a higher success rate. I also know of at least one pregnancy test that was actually pretty reliable. Things they did seem primitive and barbaric to us, but they understood many of the sciences, it just had different names depending on era and location.

[@aizukiwiart]

@@reallollabunnyit wasn’t as reliable as modern medicines, but there are still plants, herbs and foods today that pregnant women are told to avoid because they can cause fatal flaws in the fetus that will cause a miscarriage, or that can soften the cervix and/or stimulate labour. Tansy, safflower and yarrow are examples!

[@laughingoutloud5742]

True

[@persephonehades7547]

@@reallollabunny There are various flowers now which, if consumed, can cause a miscarriage through messing with hormones, pH, or stressing the body just enough to do so but not enough to kill you. Poison. Alcohol is a poison, as an example of how some can be consumed. There used to be flowers that were effective for prevention similarly. To the point people consumed them far more than they planted them lol I believe the flowers I'm referencing were from Greece.

[@My-Name-Isnt-Important]

When Aegon the Conqueror seized power over Westeros, he forced all of the Kingdoms to swear fealty to him, and took their swords and had them turned into the throne. So that's why Daemon said add it to the chair. The throne is a constant reminder of the conquest of Westeros by the Targaryen monarchy, and a reminder of their power and strength. Aegon's dragon was used to melt the swords, so they could be twisted and turned into the throne.

[@sam_c95]

The time jump between episodes 3 and 4 is closer to one year. The "four years" Daemon mentions is also including the three year time jump between episodes 2 and 3 because Daemon and Rhaenyra didn't see each other while he was off fighting in the Stepstones. The second clue is that Alicent's second child is still a baby and she was heavily pregnant last episode. So Rhaenyra is closer to 18.

[@jiawilliams7664]

19

[@CJDM310]

The 3rd clue is that the play they saw refer to prince Aegon as “the little princling of 3” since he turned 2 last ep. It’s been at least a year later.

[@iris-xo]

the sex scenes were done very well and showed the pleasure of a woman well, they switched back and forth between the constrast of Rhaenyra's night compared to Alicent's, who was lonely tending to babies and basically imprisoned in a castle, who has to please the King whenever he wants. Meanwhile, Daemon shows and tells Rhaenyra how sex is meant to be pleausrable for the woman just as the man, something Alicent has not got to experience and may never not experience as she does not actually love the King. That's why Alicent was a bit angry at learning about the gossip of Rhaenyra's night, she's envious of the freedom Rhaenyra gets to experience.

[@LSG101097]

Nah, she is just disgusted and dissapointed at Rhaenyra, also she cares about her friend's reputation. I don't get how people are not disgusted at this scene, which are equivalent seeing how some homeless people doing it behind the trash can, and at Rhaenyra by being aroused by it, and wanting to do it right next to them 🤣. Because people always forget that Alicent doesn't have a modesty belt, and if she would wanted to, she would spread her legs to anyone else. It's not that hard, she just chooses not to.

[@AllInTheGame01]

Classic gripping GoT episode that has your attention with 0 action set-pieces! Looked like Daemon set it up especially with taking off her hat knowing Otto's 'little birds' would report what they thought 'happened' back to him, using the fact that Otto used his spies against him in the pilot episode to his advantage this time round!

[@reebasrants2636]

Actually, the spying kid looked to be one of Mysaria's. She was the one who gave the kid money in that one scene. The real question is did Daemon tell her to do it for him. Is that why he took off Rhaenyra's hat like you said? And is that why he didn't look surprised when the King accused him and he already had his answer ready?

[@Skye_Writer]

Absolutely. Daemon got what he wanted, which was implicating Rhaenyra. Personally, I don't think he pulled away because he thought better of it, I think he's impotent and hiding it. They keep mentioning how his wife has not had a child after all these years. Maybe his wife isn't the one at fault. I find it interesting that we haven't yet *seen* Daemon having sex with anyone, particularly in a show that has no trouble showing us characters having sex.

[@AllInTheGame01]

@@Skye_Writer Hmm, yeah he was shown having sex in the pilot episode, but couldn't keep it up as they say :)

[@blainevanity6]

@@Skye_Writer the behind the scenes interviews say otherwise

[@blainevanity6]

@@AllInTheGame01 nope, they explain it in the behind the scenes video

[@very_cherryx]

rhaenyra is 18/19 now, not 21. when daemon says its been 4 years he's referring to the 3 year time skip that happened in episode three when he was at war + the one year time skip in this episode

[@jadethirlwall1573]

this was such a good episode! the way this show hooked me so quickly

[@BaddMedicine]

The writing has been fantastic

[@slydakota8143]

I’m sure people have already mentioned it, but the time jump was only 1 year! ☺️ I think daemon had a plan to use her to get power, but had to acknowledge that he cares too much about her to do that.

[@BaddMedicine]

Was it a year? Why was I thinking a couple 🤔 Daemon definitely has a few plans up his sleeve.

[@CJDM310]

@@BaddMedicine yeah, the 4 years mentioned in the episode referred to the time Daemon and Rhaenyra last spoke. They last spoke on dragonstone in episode 2. Since we know there was 3 years between episode 2 and 3, that means there must be 1 more year between episode 3 and 4 to make the 4 years. Also, the play that Daemon and Rhaenyra saw on the streets mentioned that little prince Aegon was now 3 years old. He just turned 2 in episode 3 so that also tells us this is a 1 year timeskip. Rhaenyra is either 18 or 19 in this episode.

[@justchillin7896]

The Tea scene is so good because Rhaenyra told them she was still a virgin, so she wouldn't need to drink the tea, but she knows she's not and if she does drink the tea, they'll know she was lying and did do something.

[@LSG101097]

The King just knows his daughter, and know that she is impulsive and egoistical in everything. So it wouldn't be a surprise that she eventually would be slu-ty too . He just chooses to pretend that there is nothing there.

[@justchillin7896]

@@LSG101097 I can see that, she does give off that free spirit vibe. I think its crazy but Damon gives the same vibe, and the king doesn't like it with him but accepts in with Rhaenyra

[@Elementroar]

Funfact, uncle-niece marriages are actually practised in Westeros. The Stark family had an uncle-niece marriage in their bloodline.

[@patriciaperdue5532]

Even in the novels "Clan of the Cave Bear," there was a way, that the medicine shaman knew, of using certain roots and leaves to make a tea that prevented pregnancy. That was supposed to be a long time before this timeline in history. 🥴

[@iris-xo]

im shocked how you guys didn't pick up on the fact Rhaenyra has had a crush on Daemon and he feels the same way about her lol they make it pretty obviousss

[@nervachadikus]

Daemon really just doesn't care about denying anything they sax about him. He's a "let them believe what they believe" kind of guy. If yu remember, in the first episode, we're told by Otto that he toasted to Baelon and called him "the heir for a day", but we never actually hear him say it. Considering his tendency to not go through with things, it is possible he didn't say it at all, but figured out that there's no poi3in denying it because Viserys, in his rage, wouldn't believe him.

[@iremainteague5653]

The tea at the end is called moon tea in the books and it stops a pregnancy by artificially inducing a period. It can also be very dangerous if it is made badly.

[@keiju.6289]

Thats why I'm scared of the tea, because the Maester made it and I don't trust him 😬

[@Eon233]

Marriage pacts were meant to solidify relationships between two houses because a relationship paired in blood in much tighter then that of friendship or mutual benefit. And of course this is done to force Viserys’ hand because if he doesn’t do this they co trial the entire trade routes meaning they could literally destroy Kings Landing

[@Allaiya.]

Yay! My favorite reactors. & I mean, it seemed Darmon and Rhaenyra were close since episode one. So I was surprised but also, not really. Idk, it’s what Targs do. Lol I was more surprised that Rhaenyra lied about it all, Viserys got rid of Otto, & Daemon’s paramour somehow being involved. The one time Otto tells the truth, he gets sacked lol karma

[@Adamantium93]

About marriage alliances: there's a saying in Westeros, "Vows are words. Words are wind." Essentially, anyone can make a promise, but you can't expect people to keep them. A marriage basically installs an agent from your house directly into the upper tier of the other. Your daughter now has the ear of the lord of that house and will raise the next generation of that house. On the other side, the husband's house knows that you will be unlikely to take hostile action against the house since your daughter and grandchildren are now a part of it. A good marriage pact not only creates a durable alliance between your houses, but also ensures the alliance lasts into the next generation. Consider the GoT timeline: When the Starks rise in rebellion against Joffrey Baratheon, the Tullys of the Riverlands rise to join them. This only happens because Robb Stark, the King in the North, is a Tully from his Mother, who is sister to the head of the house and Lord of the Riverlands. He gets an entire kingdom as an ally, and one that he needed to carry on his campaign, thanks to the marriage pact.

[@jannik__v]

1. Incest is completely normal for Targaryans. Viserys' and Daemons parents were siblings. That's why Otto suggested to Viserys that Rhaenyra should wed Aegon although he's only 2, which was Viserys only issue with this. When Daemon asked Viserys for Rhaenyra his only concern was that Daemon wanted to get closer to the Iron Throne. 2. It's not been 4 years between Episode 3 and 4. That was only 1 year. Daemon meant 4 years since they last met on Dragonstone's steps with the egg - that was 4 years ago. You should also watch the "inside the episode" uploads on the GOT-KZbin channel. Those are interviews of the directors of each episode and the showrunners giving their opinion on decisions of the characters like why Daemon left Rhaenyra.

[@4brtndr1]

Bottom line, Damon set it up to take down Otto. He knew Otto has little spies throughout the city. He took off Rhaenera's head scarf so she'd be recognized. Damon knew that the little spy would report to Otto and that Otto would try to use it against Damon and the princess. But Damon ALSO knew that the king would see it as nothing more than an attempt to get his grandson on the throne instead of Rhaenera. After Rhaenera's ultimatum to the king, he fired Otto.... just as Damon wanted.

[@midnightmadness7156]

You WEREN'T expecting Daemon and Rhaenyra to hook up? What show have ya'll been watching?? 👀

[@marirezende8478]

I think since it's incest it flew over their heads, they were hoping she would get with Criston Cole, they didn't even notice how they acted around each other lol I thought they would comment at some point, but it never came, so I knew they'd be surprised this episode

[@ScarlettM]

6:28 - words mean very little. Treaties can be cancelled, oaths broken, but blood bond is unbreakable. It's harder to mastermind your opponent's downfall and destruction when you share the same grandson who loves you both.

[@theAverageJoe25]

So the kid in the beginning who kills the older kid, they are from rival houses which are basically the westerosi Hatfields and mucoys

[@natecloe8535]

I've only watched 3 people react to this so far. But I've been surprised all 3 times that nobody saw the two of them hooking up in the brothel coming. I guess people could interpret her behavior in different ways. But I knew that was gonna happen in episode one. I actually expected it to happen in that episode. Like we were going to get a Jamie and Cersei In the tower at winterfell type introduction to their relationship. Because stop and think for just a minute.....theyre Targaryan. And the behavior that I think we might be interpreting differently, Is that ivanoticed every single time they are in a scene together even when they're not interacting with each other. They probably needed somebody to follow her around and mop up the floor everywhere she goes.

[@Alejojojo6]

Well Aegon the Conqueror married his two sisters, and his great-grandson Jaehaerys that we saw on episode 1 (King Viserys' granpa) married her sister. Viserys parent were brothers and he later married Aemma which was her cousin, and Rhaenyra falling for her uncle is not weird at all for the Targaryens. Specially because the power to ride dragons is inherite through the blood, so as much as they keep it in the family, the less spread the ability to ride dragons is spread and thus remains a monopoly of the Targaryens.

[@stefanderrick1436]

The Targaryen are very inbred, because if I dont say a mistake, they want to keep the blood of the dragons in their families. And second info the parents of Viserys and Deamon were brother and sister.

[@ChasingCastlesanddreams]

Targaryen's always wed brothers and sisters together to keep the blood of the dragon "pure". Aegon the conquer had 2 wives who were both his sisters. Due to "Targaryen Exceptilism" (something made up by the crown) they were allowed to do it when others in the realm couldn't. In fact someone asked a Septor (priest of the seven) in Jarharys' reign if he also could marry his sister and the Septor replied if you can tame a dragon.

[@PacificEgg]

Like it or not, Targaryens have been wedding brothers to sisters and uncles to nieces, for generations. It's tradition to "keep the blood of the dragon pure". So Daemon trying to get freaky and marry his niece isn't all to wierd.

[@jemazondo9331]

It IS weird. Remember, the Targeryans are from a different continent where that was normal. In Westeros, it happens too but its frowned upon. The only reason they get away with doing lots of incest openly is because they have dragons and no one can't do a damn thing about it.....yet

[@koki84ji7]

@@jemazondo9331 tywin married his cousin

[@jemazondo9331]

@@koki84ji7 I meant the brother-sister thing. Targaryans take it farther than whats tolerated in Westeros. Remember, they frowned upon Jamie and Cersei but people couldn't do anything about it for a while because Lannisters were powerful.

[@eluemina2366]

Great reaction as always! I'm currently binging your House of the Dragon reactions. 😁💞 Just a little thing hehe, I chuckled when you doubted the scene where Rhaenyra received a contraceptive. Even before the Middle Ages in our world, people used that. Lady Peseshet was a doctor from Ancient Egypt who administered contraceptives to people. Fun fact, crocodile dung was apparently used for this purpose.

[@blitzgirl6522]

Yep, that tea is medieval Plan B. But Rhaenyra is basically "damned if you do, damned if you don't", I think. If she drinks it, it proves she slept with someone. But if she doesn't drink it and ends up pregnant...well...can't hide that. I thought this was a brilliant episode, especially from the perspective of a woman (even though I'm asexual). Also the whole Rhaenyra and Daemon thing isn't THAT unusual given the Targaryan's history. In addition, I found the sex scene with Cristin to be quite tasteful and tender, not gratuitous like a lot of sex scenes can be in GoT. So I appreciated that.

[@BaddMedicine]

Good point on her being damned either way.

[@keiju.6289]

Totally agree with you :) I liked this episode very much

[@musicdreamer97]

My first thoughts also were that it may be some kind of test. Glad someone else shares my feelings ^^

[@rachichi4092]

I don't think the king was testing Rhaenyra. He already stated "whatever occured, Rhaenyra was not innocent" He already knows something happened one way or another because he knows his daughter is not the one to follow rules. So, the tea was to prevent any unwanted consequences that can ruin her reputation even more.

[@blitzgirl6522]

@@rachichi4092 I didn't say it was a test by Viserys. My comment was more about what might have been going on in Rhaenyra's head, there. As Viserys said, perception is everything, but for Rhaenyra she seems willing to take her secret to her grave so I bet she is uncertain about if she even WANTS to drink the tea as in her mind that would prove she lied.

[@jLachelle3]

Since episode 1 they have had tension with one another. They have always had mutual romantic interest in one another.

[@icechoc]

The Targaryens have committed incest for forever. It is because of their Valyrian heritage. Incest was common there as it strengthens their bond to their dragons. The Targaryens have continued this tradition. It also prevents other families from gaining the Valyrian blood that would allow them to bond to dragons (as House Velaryon have). King Viserys and Daemon's parents were brother and sister as were their grandparents (the Old King seen in the first scene in episode 1 and Queen Alysanne who was mentioned by the old guy at the beginning of this episode). Aegon the Conqueror was married to both his sisters and the Targaryens descend from his marriage to his younger sister, Queen Rhaenys (the Queen who Never Was is named after her). King Viserys married his cousin (the late Queen Aemma) who was half Targaryen through her mother. Cousin marriages are normal in Westeros but sibling marriages are not. The Faith of the Seven (the dominant religion of Westeros) issued a proclamation allowing only the Targaryens to engage in incest as the rulers of Westeros. The Targaryen incest is actually mentioned multiple times in Game of Thrones. Daenerys was the product of incest (her parents were siblings) as were her grandparents. Also, the Iron Throne is indeed made up of the swords of the soldiers Aegon the Conqueror and his two sister-wives defeated during the Targaryen Conquest of Westeros. The secret tunnels were built by King Maegor Targaryen (Aegon the Conqueror's second son and the third Targaryen king) when he finished building the Red Keep. He then went on to kill all the builders who built these tunnels so they wouldn't be able to tell anyone of these tunnels and passages.

[@jacquelinelaface136]

Omg, your faces in the thumbnail 😂 Honestly though this episode was so good. Every actory killed their time on screen. I think we have to just get used to the incest, it is a show about the Targaryens after all 🤷‍♀️ It would be like if we watched a tv show about ancient Egypt or the Hapsberg family. It's not a family tree, more like a family maze.

[@BaddMedicine]

Lol we shouldn't be surprised but we were.

[@kassiemontedoro4637]

It is said that the iron throne is made out of the swords of King Aegons enemies. So Daemon bringing the sword of the crab feeder for sure fits.

[@selkkie1839]

It's very awkward to watch, but the Targareyan house worked this way, marrying amongst them (fun fact: idk where the show is gonna go, but Daemon and Rhenyra in the books were married and had children). Also, just my opinion, buy Damon had a plan. He knew Otto has spies in there and planed everything so he could marry Rhenyra and he also got his wish, the king "fired" Otto. Daemon always said he should've been the hand and that Otto was not to be trusted.

[@Allaiya.]

You should mention spoilers rather than fun fact. The show is likely to follow the book.

[@antonellasaborido3809]

Yes, Aegon the conqueror took all his enemies swords and made the Iron Throne with those. (his dragon melted the swords together) Now I'll keep watching. Ps: You didn't know that the Targaryen were openly into incest?

[@beantownbrandon302]

Another Fantastic Episode of House of The Dragon 🤩👑🔥🐉 This show is incredible and the writing is A Tier. The characters here all serve a purpose and play the game. BRAVO HBO

[@roxysdg334]

Guys Remember in an earlier episode Damen had performance anxiety and could not get it up? That is what happened with Ranera. He would have if his big brain hand not gotten In The way!

[@SchneiderRammGirl]

In response to Quinn, I think he was just showing her what was out there in the 'real world' to experience, your reactions & comments to the Rhaenyra & Ser Criston Cole scene was amusing 😅

[@hoon_sol]

*_«The lathe is an ancient tool. The earliest evidence of a lathe dates back to Ancient Egypt around 1300 BC. There is also tenuous evidence for its existence at a Mycenaean Greek site, dating back as far as the 13th or 14th century BC.»_* Considering that the series is supposed to be reflective of medieval times, I'd say they probably did indeed have lathes.

[@nancyberry1039]

This show & GoT is from the same author, so what made you think you wouldn't see incest played out in some form? 🤔😯One would naturally expect more from this show over GoT, as this one primarily focuses on the Targaryens & their history of "keeping it in the family". Whereas in GoT (170+ years later), incest is definitely more taboo. That's why the "rumors" about Ser Jaime & Queen Cersei were so scandalous at the time. All of this takes cues from our own human history of royal families keeping the blood pure and also alliances through arranged marriage pacts. At least Daemon & Rhaenyra didn't go all the way in the brothel like Jon & Daenerys did on "The Love Boat". 😉😄 Uncle with niece is no different than Aunt with nephew. Hell, even Daemon & Viserys' parents were brother & sister, so there ya go... Gross yes, but that was reality back then, both in this fantasy world and in the history books of planet Earth. As for Daemon backing out of the love fest, there's speculation as to why he stopped. #1 the problem of his "little dragon" not arising to the occasion, which seems to be an ongoing thing with him. #2 his conscience kicked in, as much as he enjoys being a thorn in Viserys' side, he does love his brother & his niece so he knew it was "wrong" to let it play out this way. Hence the request to wed Rhaenyra. Also, I don't know if you caught onto this or not but the love scene with Rhaenyra & Criston looks & feels different than previous sex scenes in GoT because this episode had a female director (Claire Kilner). If you watch the "behind the episode" featurette after the trailer for next week, she addresses the issue of trying to film it from a woman's perspective (Rhaenyra) instead of what we are used to seeing from a male director's point of view. She wanted to convey that women have desires too, without it having to be over the top with gratuitous sex or violence against women. Rhaenyra was the aggressor because Daemon "woke the dragon within" & bailed on her. She's feeling "randy" & Ser Cole just happens to be the one on watch tonight so... Yeah, he is definitely in a tough situation because what would she have done or said had he rejected her advances? She is the daughter of his boss so... Plus he's hot for her too so yeah... 🤷🤦‍♂

[@BaddMedicine]

Haha yes, it shouldn't be a shock. But definitely wasn't expecting it from those 2. 😁🤙

[@rainsound8881]

@@BaddMedicine you have to expect more it from those 2 just saying hahaha

[@jonathanpowell7256]

Alicent's second child is a daughter. Rhaenyra is 18/19 in this episode since she was 15 in 1x02 and 4 years have passed since then.

[@ChaiNBooks]

As someone who has read the goddamn 800+ page book, I can affirm that the show is taking exactly the path that book does. Also, it’s embarrassing but I am actually rooting for Daemon and Rhaenrya to be together. I think they are both not only into each other but they also understand and balance one another out. Plus, it’s Targaryens, in their world and families, incest is totally NORMAL. The only reason why Viserys is so upset about the whole thing is because he thinks (and is partially correct that) that the only reason Daemon did this is because he wants the the throne.

[@StobieWan22]

I think Daemon had all intention at first to cause trouble, but I genuinely think that the kiss made him realise he really really loves her and has a connection with her. He has physical attraction towards her and vice versa. Rhaenyra realises it as well.

[@laughingoutloud5742]

That blade that Viserys heated in the fire with Aegon's Prophecy is the one and only CAT'S PAW!!! The Valyrian blade that Arya used to kill the Night King!!! I like that it was written on the blade, but like Saurons ring of Power, had to be heated to see the writing 😉👏👏👏❤️🇨🇦✌️

[@welcome1971]

They've always had ways to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.

[@thomasluke-wp8or]

The iron throne is made of the swords of the enemies of Aegon the Conquerer during his war of Conquest. Most of the swords come from The Field Of Fire

[@kona883]

Lol no science? Do you not remember Sam reading some pages and curing Ser Jorah of grayscale!

[@TequilaPrincessMx]

Speaking about the tea, since humans descovered herbs have medicinal capacities there had being teas to both avoid conception and interrupt it, of course is not science but they proved to be fairly effective, at least the contraceptive ones, the abortive teas were sometimes overly efective, producing internal bleeding and sometimes even death. I think they gave her the choice of drinking it, like saying: you say no but I'm not sure so just in case, here is a tea you can drink if you need

[@keiju.6289]

True. Maybe it's a test too. Drink it and we know you lied, don't drink it and you prove you told the truth (and Rhae have to pray and hope she is not pregnant).

[@brunocamarinijr8717]

Bro Targaryens often marry sister to brother... this Daemon and Rhaenyra shit is super common in their weird family hahaha (that's why Alicent tells them about their "queer customs".

[@soullesschicken4069]

trepanation (drilling of the skull) is still a thing. it is done to relieve the pressure

[@summermetcalfe1628]

they’re so suprised like jon and dany weren’t aunt and nephew 😭😭

[@TheBambinoitaliano]

Daemon is paying Otto back for burning him with the "Heir for a day" rumor. He is well aware of the spies Otto has outside the castle. He is definitely interested in bedding Rhaenyra but the night out with her was a kill two birds with one stone scheme, taking out Otto as well as damaging Rhaenrya chance of inheriting the throne by ruining her reputation. It will be interesting if we are going to get a Red Wedding scenario next . Both Otto and Daemon chances to the throne will further diminish if Princess Rhaernrya and Laenor Velaryon wedding goes through without a hitch. She will further secure her position with the protection of both the House of Targaryen and the House of Velaryon.

[@LoseAlotLuke]

The Iron throne has weapons from countless battles during Aegons conquest, they kept the tradition of keeping weapons for fallen enemies

[@ms_scribbles]

Yep, pretty much. The Iron Throne is made of all the swords of the armies that stood against Aegon I in his Conquest of Westeros. They were gathered up on the battlefield, put on carts, and taken to Kings Landing (though it wasn't called that at the time, just the Aegon Fort). Then Balaerion the Black Dread breathed fire on them and melted them all together.

[@ms_scribbles]

Hmmmm, methinks the boys have forgotten what Targaryens are like. Dudes, you're lucky they're not brother and sister!

[@CJ77777]

Watching these before your season 2 reaction. Just on the throne cutting, it's more of a myth about it cutting the unworthy rather than some mystical foreboding. It's basically a way of saying you shouldn't be too comfortable on the throne. And also it is a throne made of rusty old swords, it's going to happen. For another example, some have been said to hold too tightly to the throne, say in moments of anger, and that could also cause cuts which we do see in this series when Viserys was angry at Daemon and then straight afterward was careless with the throne and cut his finger.

[@Grieldric]

Medieval times had stuff like turning wheels to help making round things

[@lizetteolsen3218]

I think there is something deeper around Daemon's impotency. I think that is why he stopped, not any source of concern about the family lines. His lie to the King was continuing the fiction that he is a Lothario cutting a huge swath through women. Clearly, his impotency is a major issue in his marriage. His lie and misrepresentations are to protect his image. Taking his niece for a tour of the city seemed to me that it was her 1st time outside the Red Keep that was not an official function! It reinforced the notion that males have freedom she only gets for an evening. The visit to the brothel was uncomfortable for a number of reasons--not the least being she was being led out of her life experience into an arena she had no ability to navigate. Yes, he was trying to share that pleasure could be for women too. But 4 episodes in, has there been any opportunity where that was validated except with the peasant class? Poor Alicent holds the highest position for a female as the Queen and she is trapped and lonely. She recognizes her role is only for sexual outlet for the husband and to bear babes. At least her father being removed as the Hand will reduce the pressure he has been exerting on her. I actually worry for the knight--he is of a station where he is very disposable. Celibacy was part of his oath and he broke it. For Otto, as loathsome as a man as he is, very satisfying that he loses everything by telling the truth--after all his machinations. Karma.

[@sam_c95]

I like your take. I mostly agree, but wanted to touch on one thing... Daemon was showing Rhaenyra that sex can be pleasurable for a woman as well, and you're right in saying for her noble class, this hasn't been validated in the story so far due to traditions and customs. But I think Daemon's point was more along the lines of "sleep with your husband because that is your duty but outside of that why not sleep with whoever you want". So Rhaenyra will have to endure what Alicent is going through in the marriage bed, but unlike Alicent, I think Rhaenyra will now feel liberated to do what she wants outside of marriage - she immediately takes the lesson to heart and seduces Ser Criston, a guy she's had a crush on for the last four(ish) years. Obviously Daemon's opinion/approach clashes with tradition and convention but I still think it's a lesson Rhaenyra will take to heart.

[@lukemanion2]

'Moon Tea' is Plan B in the world of A song of Ice and Fire, it might take some ideas from our world history however it is a product of this fantasy world and is supposed to be very effective in the lore of the books. As an example Robb Starks wife is a different character in the books whose mother is giving her moon tea without her knowing what it is because they are Lannister bannermen

[@Cheezeblade]

At this point in customs of tradition, the idea of entering into a long standing alliance with another house or nation WITHOUT something as "binding" as a marriage pact is just empty words.

[@yolandamckinney6154]

So I’d rather she marry Daemon than her little brother as suggested in episode 3. 🤨 I wondered if Daemon planned that night as a way to have her virtue questioned so he would have to marry her. I just thought it was weird that he took her disguise off. Off course someone would notice her. Idk he’s hard to read. He may genuinely care for her and just became remorseful. But it also seems suspect.

[@reinsaxony4623]

If you team up without a marriage pact you have no assurement your ally will back you up, there's no true alliance and they can betray you at any time. But if a marriage happens then both Houses are now family, they're linked forever, you'll be certain that your ally will back you up.

[@Lex77755]

I have to say, after this episode, I started to feel sorry for every father whose daughter reached this age 😂😂😂

[@REDnBLACKnRED]

The Trageryens have always had incestual relationships. Aegon the conqueror married his two sisters which kicked off this entire story. And several of their descendants marries their siblings, uncles or aunts. It was to keep their Valeryan blood pure. It is not seen as odd. And this is also why in the previous episode one of the advisors tells the king to get his daughter betrothed to his son. And this is also why Jon and Daenerys's relationship is very on brand. But this is also why they have madness, and other problem running in their later descendants.

[@scatterthewinds3126]

the show is really good. so many talking points.

[@israelruiz9798]

y’all realize this is a completely different inverse and not based on our medieval times. They have thousands of years of history and science in their universe. Less after the doom of valyria but still a lot of advancements in their universe

[@maizysincestarling8679]

You guys know that Targaryens usually keep it in the family right?

[@lupus1891]

Daemon wanted them to be seen, thats why he pulled cap from her head in the brothel, and he stopped because she was into it, and he did not expect that. He couldn't manipulate her. He found himself an equal. 😉

[@jiawilliams7664]

Love you guys reaction. Just wanted to point out that there are actually quite a few naturally occurring abortifacients that people have used from centuries ago up until now. Mugwort, Cohosh root, Yarrow Root, Pennyroyal etc. Teas like this are making a rise again in the wake of the recent Surpreme Court decision.

[@tiffanysullivan5454]

lol, I'm loving your reactions to this, yes that is Westerosi Plan B, it's called Moon Tea. Rhaenerya is 18 here. You see her fiddling with the necklace in the first shot, which implies she's thinking of Daemon, he did all that shit on purpose cuz he's shady like that and I love him🤣 The Blackwood kid that kills the loudmouth Bracken in the beginning becomes a HELL of a fighter!! in the books, anyways 😉

[@evelynrosewindsor]

The Targaryens married each other, very similar to the royal family of the ancient Egyptians. Aegon The Conqueror, the first Targaryen who conquered the entire Westeros apart from Dorne, married both of his sisters. Daemon even mentioned Aegon to his brother King Viserys as an example of a Targaryen who had 2 wives when Daemon said he wanted to take Rhaenyra as his second wife. King Viserys himself married his first cousin, Aemma, who died giving birth in episode 1. This tradition of marrying close family members continued on even to Mad King Aerys who married his own sister, Rhaella, who eventually gave birth to Rhaegar (Jon Snow’s father), Viserys, and Daenerys (the Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Queen of Meereen, etc).

[@Himanshu.M93]

The Targaryens are known to marry within their family to keep the bloodline pure so Rhynaera and Daemon's relationship is not that shocking.

[@higglety230]

Herbal concoctions to induce miscarriage have been around since the ancient Greco-Roman period and certainly were known and used during the Middle Ages, not to mention in early American history. (Benjamin Franklin included a recipe in a book on mathematics to teach the importance of careful measurement. He refers to the recipe as 'a solution to "the misfortune" of an unwanted pregnancy for "unmarry'd women"'. The original source is cited in the Wikipedia listing for the history of abortion.) It makes sense for George R. R. Martin to invent a similar herbal concoction in his world. I believe it's mentioned in the Game of Thrones series that Caitlin and Lysa's father had a tea made for Lysa after Petyr Baelish got her pregnant when she was a teenager.

[@Pillowlips77]

Rhaenyra was 18 in this episode.

[@Heather61776]

I'm hoping we get more from that young badass!!!

[@x_aj_x1157]

Not sure why you're so surprised by Daemon and Rhaenyra. We already know the Targaryens are all inbred. It's literally one of the main things we learn about them in Game of Thrones. They've been doing it for centuries. Daenerys's own parents were brother and sister. Not to mention they've clearly been building up to this for four episodes. Their chemistry was pretty apparent to me. Disturbing, yes...,. surprising? not at all.

[@seanblankenship4953]

Otto is giving off Peter Baelish (Little Finger) vibes.

[@pterra9]

i know this was ages ago lol but, for thousands of years women have taken a drink of herbs as a remedy of birth control, some fruits also work, but its usually something that causes cramps, and a lot of pain that forces the body to be too unstable. it was very common!

[@mariacavanaugh1010]

The medieval period was not devoid of technology or skilled craftsmen...the work was arduous but using practical geometry, drawing, and taking one's time, the perfectly circular (or near perfect) was absolutely possible. Please look up the BBC series on Building a Medieval Castle to see all the methods for building all aspects of the castle and more about daily living.

[@Courtz_nz]

Regarding the incestuous uncle, niece, cousin, brother, sister marriages....the targaryens are known for marrying one another to "keep the bloodline pure". In GOT Dany's parents were siblings. It's believed to be some of the reason behind the madness a lot of them have and their birth defects/miscarriages. Weird and gross to us, but to be fair, the British royals were known for it to 😬

[@kutjegodverdomme]

I mean, no I didn't see romance between Daemon and Rhaenyra. Maybe I'm too innocent but I saw good familial love lmao. Actually thought, wow it's rare that uncles care this much for their nieces in this time/universe

[@jadwisiastrickland3781]

This is a fantasy after all, but in GRRM world ‘Moon tea’ (plan b) exists. Daemon’s motive was to get revenge on Otto from getting him banned from his brother’s court. The Targaryen House is known for incest to keep the blood pure to enable them to have a connection with dragons. Viscerys parents were brother and sister. Viscerys’s first wife Aemma was his cousin. Even in the GOT Ned and Cate were cousins. Incest though was going out of practice though by most houses and frowned upon but who is going to stand up to a family with dragons.

[@KSDVLmom]

No Daemon meant to corrupt her and when she got into it he went limp