Rhaenyra's New (dragon) Religion - House of the Dragon - A Song of Ice and Fire

[@DavidLightbringer]

🌏 Get NordVPN 2Y plan + 4 months free➼ nordvpn.com/lightbringer Risk-free with Nord’s 30-day money-back guarantee! ✌ and like, come on. it's a great service. if you are looking for a VPN, hook a brother up and use my link!

[@somegenerichandle]

the fake shows were funny. Reminded me of the fake ads Radio Westeros does.

[@Senseinita]

David your ads are the only ones I ever watch. So funny. 😂

[@TheDream6842]

Rhaenyra: "Some of you may die but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make"

[@Δ-Δ-Δ-Δ]

I swear, I prefer Rhaenyra The Cruel & Interesting than Rhaenyra The Passive or Rhaenyra, The One Who's Led Around By Her Council of Fools.

[@TheDream6842]

@@Δ-Δ-Δ-Δ Idk what they are doing with her character. Aegon is by far more interesting this season.

[@Δ-Δ-Δ-Δ]

@@TheDream6842 Rhaenyra does nothing for most of the season. Aegon at least changes, trying to be a good king, wishing for his mother's affection and getting it in some small moments, getting scarred for trying to prove his council wrong, etc. Rhaenyra most of the season stays in Dragonstone, doing not much. I cannot blame them, since that's also what happens in Fire and Blood, but well, screenwriters should be able to improve the source material, not lessen it.

[@duncanidaho4565]

He’ll yeah fire and blo❤❤od

[@haymaker710]

@@TheDream6842 she's letting her inner mad queen out.

[@TonjeHagenViktoria]

The dress and cape DEFINITELY gave high priestess/red priestess of Asshai/lets sacrifice some bastards to the flames - vibes. Great video as always 🔥

[@jamesh7469]

I think this religious "I have the favor of the gods" aspect of Rhaenyra's psyche is a REALLY smart angle to push by Condal and GRRM. It adds an interesting dimension to Fire and Blood and goes a long way to explain the colossal error of not thoroughly vetting people before handing them the family WMDs

[@Loreweavver]

She's incredibly short sighted as are they all. They all think the dream is about them and their generation and make choices that end up leading to the events of the prophecy far in the future. I think it's intentional but it's also annoying. She thinks she is destined to be the person in the prophecy so she ignores the fact that her own children would be a problem for the prophecy if she gets what she wants as they aren't pure blood and that's how she thinks of the prophecy.

[@robstewartstewart98]

Tying in the idea that the Valyrians worshipped the dragons with the idea that the dragons were made by combining fire worms with wyverns, especially with the valyrians being around so long, means they could have shifted to worshipping them over time. Especially with ideas of the psychic links, that link as it emerged might have been part of how they came to be worshipped. Even if the psychic link doesn’t lead (typically) to all valyrians entering the dragons, various levels of imprinting/memory transfer could happen. Maybe Vermathor had just enough of the old king imprinted onto him that he felt his daughter had come home.

[@StormbornDragon]

One angle I saw people say on why Rhaenyra talked about the Gods so much is the "Divine Right of Kings" which could help her dismiss anything she does wrong as "okay because the Gods ordained it"

[@StormbornDragon]

this could totally be wrong, i just thought its an interesting perspective!!

[@eldritchbeauty]

@@StormbornDragon No, this “cult of the dragon” works very well with the “divine right of kings.” Perfectly, actually.

[@courtneycherry5582]

I thought it was because if a dragon chooses you it's completely out of her hand? It's technically luck/ faith/ destiny/ gods. That mindset Not letting people run out was the messed up part and I don't think she was expecting the dragon to go on a rampage. Then everything was in the end for the greater good. At least that's how I interpreted that episode. 😅

[@GonzoJohnny]

I constantly see many parallels with both the Divine Right of Kings as well as how our (western) world is being 'ruled' these days (claiming its a rules based order but all of those making those claims prove the opposite by showing us all its clearly rules for thee, not for me) . Very few hard principles and a lot of wishful thinking/believing instead of knowing/understanding. Its ok bcuz my beliefs tell me so kind of thinking and acting. Thanks for sharing your perspective, interesting is an understatement.

[@Zando91]

I read a recent article Emma D’Arcy did with GQ where they go into detail about Rhaenyra’s mindset: There is a growing fanaticism in her. Part of it tied to the loss of her father and the loss of the throne and trying to be close to him. She’s constantly seen reading histories and lore and hoping to see her name in history next to her father. This delving into the histories is also a coping mechanism for the losses she has experienced. Another part is based on narcissism and seeing herself as a god. I think the idea of the prophecy is getting to her head. The dragon keepers threw that into her face when she says the “gods placed these people here” and they reminded her that no, you Rhaenyra placed these people before yourself. I found her behavior in the sowing really creepy and effective. Like a cult leader, she told the seeds what they wanted to hear because ultimately they are there to serve her purpose. Stationing guards so the seeds can’t leave is creepy and also not giving them any direction in how to go about taming the dragons was creepy. You could see the look in her eyes at the fire, blood and violence. A sense of awe and fascination that reminded me of Aerys II and Daenerys. I hope they continue building upon this with Rhaenyra. I like the inversed mindset of Daemon and Rhaenyra: the rightful heir forgetting the true reason and purpose of the throne going down a path of violence. The one who wanted the throne the most realizing it’s not worth it. It’s also a nice parallel with Alicent. Alicent is losing her faith while Rhaenyra is gaining it.

[@emilybroderick2421]

I'm glad you talked about all the nuances of Emma's performance that are defining this character. They are so talented 🙏🙏🙏

[@realBatman-89]

The stage training is evident

[@jajimenezfamily]

It is like watching a masterclass every time they appear on screen. They are so damn talented.

[@realBatman-89]

@@jajimenezfamily Tom is also incredible. He does a lot with his eyes. Had to rewatch his scenes in the King the other day.

[@cpolt1192]

The acting on display is excellent for sure. I love Emma. Their portrayal of Rhaenyra gets better and better. Did not expect to feel so much empathy for Aegon (TGC) either! I could go on...

[@IDKtheBand]

I'm playing through Elden Ring as Aerea Targ right now and this is soooooooooo helpful for my immersion hahaha thank you!

[@GrayArea]

Great video! Dragons are 2 the Valyrians as the Sandworms of Dune are 2 the Fremen! Shai-Hulud

[@DavidLightbringer]

really appreciate it @grayarea

[@YarPirates-vy7iv]

Worms and lizards, can't someone write about worshipping magical koalas instead?

[@Dani_1012]

I love this comparison

[@aworldofmoirairene7655]

Okayy Grey hitting us with some Dune and ASOIAF comparisons!!👏🏽

[@romahnae]

Rhaenyra bonding with Vermathor may have been my favorite scene to date.

[@queenxx1690]

Bonding ?she did not bond with him

[@motorcitymangababe]

​@@queenxx1690 bonding, not Bonding- sometimes you just chill with the dragons lol

[@cpolt1192]

Yes I loved that. Then when she turns around with huge old Vermi behind her .. epic shot

[@Babylauncher3000]

​@@queenxx1690 Vermithor allowed Rhaenera to touch him directly after commanding him to "serve". He wouldn't let her ride him but he definitely recognized her authority.

[@MarcosSantos-dj6lk]

Is cool that Alicent becomes less religious you can see by her outfit using less religious objects. In other side Rhaenyra becoming having more faith becoming more fanatic maybe? Believing that the Valyrians gods are helping with Dragonseeds.

[@WatashiMachineFullCycle]

My favourite thing in this adaptation is the parallel between Rhaenyra and Alicent. They are constantly at odds, as one of them shifts the other moves in the opposite direction.

[@happilyevernever4289]

That's dumb when you remember that they had young Rhaenyra say that without dragons, Targaryans are just like everyone else. Like she relays to Viserys that she doesn't believe the statement that- Targaryans are closer to gods than men- as the others say. So I don't really buy into Rhaenyra actually being religious or cult-like. Atleast young Rhaenyra didn't seem deluded, so I don't know how she became that suddenly out of nowhere. I see her using dragons as a very powerful weapon to get people in line.

[@shippendales8543]

​@@happilyevernever4289this Rhaenyra has gone through a lot of stuff She won't think like her teen self at all She also lost her child And seems to believe that as a woman she can't show weakness since her council doesn't seem to fear her at all Looking for another outlet makes sense Rhaenyra fully believes in her father's dream too It's actually an interesting parallel to Alicent to have Alicent lose her faith and Rhaenyra perhaps gain it

[@MarcosSantos-dj6lk]

@@happilyevernever4289 I don't think is dumb is very similar to Rhaegar situation and other targaryens

[@persephone342]

@@WatashiMachineFullCycle I believe that this will pay off as we move forward too. Alicent will become more dedicated to keeping her family together after seeing Rhaenyra’s decent into madness. We saw Rhaenyra try everything before giving into her new Priestess of Doom role, so seeing Alicent go from the High Priestess of the Seven to stripping herself of those virtues and embracing the nature aspect of her own heritage from House Florent. Perhaps Helena will be able to communicate her visions to her mother, giving her an edge to spirit her family to safer lands. Alicent is just starting to learn who she is without the titles, vestments, and trappings of Royalty and Faith. This is the beginning of Alicent, not the end.

[@ralondadouglas]

When you said it, it dawned on me that Luke’s dragon showed no fear after being bullied 😢

[@leslieshE]

I'm so happy Emma is playing Rhaenyra. They made me fall in love with this character all over again. ❤

[@ZendikarMage42750]

In regards to around 7:30, these dragon keepers would be descended, at least by dint of training, from the ones Aenar brought over before the Doom. I could see their order having a dim view of using dragons for war as a reflection of Aenar and Daenys's own beliefs, particularly if you're right about the Doom being an abolition

[@cloverazar5315]

I was just coming to say that! If these dragon-tamers are the descendants of Aenar’s literal free-holders, then it would make sense that they know full well how horrific a pack of unscrupulous dragon-lords can be

[@Tinkerbe11]

One KZbinr (I don't remeber who) suggested that Vermithor, who is a fierce fighter, chose Hugh because of his bravery and assertiveness. One leader chosing another. But Silverwing, who is a kind mother dragon, chose Ulf, because he was the most helpless and bumbling guy, and her mother instincts kicked in and she wanted to nurture and protect him. This made a lot of sense to me, and I thought I share it with you.

[@Gort-zs5ph]

As an observer that didn’t read the books, It appears the HBO writers are the masters of this universe, but your show helps weave the parts of the story together that I may have otherwise missed. Great job, thank you.

[@cat_alyst6306]

The fact that Rhaegar named a bunch of witty Planetos tv shows is….chefs kiss! 😂 I HATE ads but Dave’s are hilarious.

[@obviouslyPSM]

Cole did say “we have given this war to the dragons” and the sowing of the seeds seems to take that in a very literal way.

[@andrefaria4922]

I think the anti war aspect about the Dragonkeeper is based on the assumption that the valirians were gods or the next thing best to it. So the expansion of the valirian empire was interpreted as an act of the gods, to spread what was seen as a superior civilization. Rhaenyra wants to give god power to what in the eyes of the dragon keepers are common people , low born, who don't represent the will of the gods and so Rhaenyra is in their vision sacrificing core valirian beliefs in the name of a feudal civil war. That is the read I have of the Dragonkeepers walking out. Another thing I like to say I love the way the dragon keepers are in the show prefer them much more than the book ones.

[@jacksonwages1537]

I see the chaotic sowing as having another function, it eliminates any other dragon claimants, and so it helps Jace clear up his succession. It eliminates people who could possibly ride dragons at all. They don't want any of these people to stick around and challenge Jace in the future by claiming a dragon.

[@yogadork_namaste]

I thought the balerion skull was big, but with rhaenyra standing in front of vermithor, i see that his head looks so much bigger.

[@YarPirates-vy7iv]

That's cuz he's got all his fleshy bits still. Muscle and fat and skin and what not.

[@ericjacobs5315]

I don't think the prop department took scale of the dragon skull into account and just tried to make Balerion's skull big as hell but able to fit in frame in that underground scene

[@paulchavez3039]

Emma D'Arcy is so phenomenal I can't even fully describe how good they are as an actor. How packed that monologue was in front of the dragon seeds was beyond worthy of Shakespeare.

[@ArielEveMachado]

In Fey Fire’s latest episode breakdown she made this really cool point about how Rhaenyra basically re-creating the Eleusinian Mysteries with the sowing of the dragon seeds and the ones who died being blood sacrifices to the dragon gods.

[@tinyvibe6921]

I think by “not being playthings” they refer to the idea of experimenting with this dragon claiming by setting the seeds loose. These are “games” experimental.

[@DavidLightbringer]

that's a good explanation

[@Henbot]

Feel like Hugh Chad is entirely still on track for his arc in fire and blood, all the stuff with him claiming dragon and being elevated and his will to help the small folk are all in perfect ingredients for him to heed a prophecy and want to rule

[@farahgiovanna]

I was thinking the same thing in regards to religious fervour and dragons. The moment she touched Vermathors nose and closed her eyes, and the Dragon closed his eyes, looked almost like a supplication and a prayer, but stronger, bolder more visceral.

[@jonhauge-evaldsson783]

Telepathic communication!

[@DistritoColor]

I felt that like a connection between them. Like "I feel you" and "I feel what you're feeling too".

[@samf.s.7731]

How is it possible that even your advertisement segment is entertaining?

[@lutilda]

"Everyone Loves Aemond" is such an underrated joke. 😂😂 I always enjoy the Reading Rhegar segments way yoo much. Lol

[@joaorodo]

Amazing vid! People being shocked that Rhaenyra would do ritual sacrifice to gain dragons is beyond me 🤣

[@haymaker710]

Did Rhaenyra get a gold dragon, a silver dragon, and a bronze dragon for the Olympics?

[@jajimenezfamily]

This comment isnt getting nearly enough attention!

[@htvtc21]

seasmoke and silverwing are both silver/grey, hate to be that guy 😕

[@ShiniesoftheGanders]

​@@htvtc21 Syrax Vermithor and Silverwing

[@johnnysmall]

dragon cult practice is SO BACK

[@dansfishing]

It's so hot right now

[@johnnysmall]

@@dansfishing lmao

[@iheartcicada]

Dude, the only people that actually cared about so called "dragon cult practice" walked out the door disgusted with what Rhaenyra is doing.

[@htvtc21]

uhhh did we watch the same show? the dragon cult is dead, now it's left with a fake liberal who destroys tradition for no good reason

[@Chief.95]

I just wanna say that I think the new intro music is highly effective. I enjoy it quite a lot, and it puts me in the right headspace/gets me stoked for the video. I think it serves its purpose wonderfully. Thanks Dave!

[@rollyro71]

"So You think You Can Pyromance" I need to stream that 🍻

[@woufski6426]

Haven’t seen anyone mentioned this yet, but speaking of faith, it looks like the dragons would only accept the riders when they get over their fear and accept their fate/faith and give in/surrender to the dragon. You know, “so be it” or “whatever happens happens” type moment. This happened in all three cases of Addam, Hugh, and Ulf, while ser steffon didn’t quite go through that transformation and got flamed by Vermithor as a result.

[@woufski6426]

Aka fuck it moment, lol. Ugh, now I need to go back and look at Armond when Nana decided to accept him.

[@WeaselSoup-su5yu]

You reminded me of a line in the The Lord’s Prayer from my Catholic upbringing: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

[@djadelaney]

I think the Valerian culture and religion is really tied to the eugenic bit about Targaryen DNA and I think a huge part of the bastard-phobia is that bastards are often excluded from the kind of education and training that a purebred Targ would get, which like, opens the door for someone who hasn't fully accepted the culture and religion to have a dragon and maybe then use that dragon to erase the system. So the system has bastard-phobia built in to protect itself when it could just chill about "legitimacy" and invite the bastards in, which would protect it better than making a bunch of incest babies. Imagine Alyn's loyalty if Rhaenys had raised him. She was chill in a way Catelyn wasn't... He could have taken Silverwing if Corlys weren't stupid, I bet.

[@LargeMichael68]

Ulf being claimed by Silverwing is so Donkey and Dragon from Shrek coded

[@mochrimek]

Emma’s way of smirking after having that bonding moment with Vermithor was none less than chilling. I am so happy we’re getting fired up Rhaenyra. But we had to see her GET to that point which i thought was a great writing choice, tbh. So excited for tomorrow’s finale, and can’t wait for more Lightbringer content until season 3 ❤❤

[@Brellowcrop]

That was one of my favourite things about episode 7. That little bit from the dragon keepers

[@motorcitymangababe]

Addam has always been one of my favorite characters from fire and blood and so far im adoring his actor's interpretation of the role- but im also pleasantly surprised to get a Hugh and Ulf I actually like! Also- i definitely think Rhaenyra was tapping into her connection with syrax (and to a lesser extent, vermithor- dont twll me they didnt share a vibe when she summoned him.) I do wonder if that implies there is a tiered approach to dragon connections- people who can only ride, and those who can ride but have deeper connections overall (like we've already seen dany have with viseron and rhaegal)

[@blackartsviper77]

A thing that popped to mind about Seasmoke is that he's probably the only "spurned dragon" alive/in the story? Maybe that would explain his restlessness and then the impetus to claim a dragonrider, perhaps as "to prove himself" when the bond was finally somehow broken. Unfortunately, probably there's no way to adequately translate this to the screen - even if the guys in charge of writing thought about this. About not going after Vhagar, is a very bad idea for Rhae to hop on Syrax there - both the dragonseeds could just turn cloak on her right there because, after all, Granny Gator is still the scariest firebreathing croc in the pond. Much better try to at least establish a personal connection with them before going to battle. Favoured by gods' will as might be, it's not a long shot that she'd be at least a little cautious to immediately put her life in their hands Also, good catch on Vermithor's snout bump on Ulf! Goddam, he was snout bumped THRICE by two dragons in this episode, what a lucky - heheheh - bastard. So yeah, Grumpy Bronze's "eau de neckflap" probably is one of Silverwing's favourite scents... AND having it on a completely new, random bumbling dragonseed must be at least a little intriguing for her.

[@jajimenezfamily]

We need “eau de neckflap” merch asafp!

[@buffysummers7887]

Vhagar fighting Aemond absolutely follows that concept that Daenerys points out in the books about the whip & Drogon -- the dragon rises in opposition to a danger, and does not seek to avoid it

[@Dangerman-zg3ui]

Dragon cult? We Elden Ring now.

[@emilybroderick2421]

Vote RHAENYRA for Elden Lord 2024

[@shadow6024]

Sometimes when I’m listening to lore vids I forget which universe is getting talked about out for a few sentences😂😂 Grrm reused a lot of his ideas in that game

[@wjhall307]

GRRM recycles his and others ideas, repurposes them and puts them to good use

[@jaythebookfiend1541]

Oh man, Vermithor leaving his scent on Ulf is a great catch! Great vid, generally, and exactly what the week called for. Sinister spiritual fervor’s never been so fetching. Reading Rhaegar’s really getting into a flow with these ads, good to see him workin’ for rent. ;)

[@leyla71477]

As I watched the scene Hugh claims Vermithor, I thought he might hold some grudge against Rhaenyra for she just threw them all in front of the dragon like sheeps. Even though he emerged victorious, he might have died as he saw many others did. So I think like this can come up later on at any minor disagreement between the two

[@donjuan9602]

You’re my favorite channel in the whole entire platform of KZbin

[@mariannesagard8823]

Yes,Here you get the really good stuff 🔥

[@mattgreen7692]

I usually skip the sponsored ads in most videos, but instances like this one are why, for certain creators like Lightbringer, I watch them. Worth it for the list of Valyrian shows. "So I married our mother." "Whose Blood is it anyway." "Everybody loves Aemond."

[@sommer8337]

SO STOKED! This is exactly what I’ve been hoping to hear you talk about! Thank you!

[@quincy839]

"everybody loves Aemond" LOLOLOLOLOL

[@samf.s.7731]

So I married our mother. 😂

[@Senseinita]

😂😂

[@ThommyofThenn]

Daemon: "I guess that makes me the King of Queens!"😂😂😂

[@Plantbasedgirl90]

I liked how you picked up on Emma D'Arcy facial "acting", in certain scenes she reminds me of Daemon how he holds his head in a certain way, she was doing the same. It makes me wonder if this is an insight to her dark side, coming out. Also did you notice her braids? It reminds me of Daenerys braids as she got more powerful her braiding did too. Good call with Ulf an Vermithor connection. Great post, thanks.

[@robertkulb6640]

We need a Dragon Keeper’s Union t-shirt.

[@buffysummers7887]

🏹🎯

[@tesshagensieker1700]

This style of dragon worship you are describing reminds me of The Priory of the Orange Tree and the Seikii religon where dragon (gods) choose their riders and the people almost treat the riders as religious figures such as saints.

[@HowAboutNo_426]

We making it out of Old Valyria with this one🎉

[@sommer8337]

Regarding your question about Daemon- I’m not sure how he will react. He’s just been on a long, strange trip. On one hand, I see him almost worshipping his wife and her Targaryen goddess-ness…. On the other hand, he might see things like Jace and the Dragon Keepers do… and also be a wee bit jealous that Rhaenyra somehow managed to thrive without him holding her hand. We shall see.

[@persephone342]

I believe he will side more with Jace on this matter since both are men and ultimately understand what drives a man to risk his life in the pursuit of glory, conquest, land, and titles, along with the praise and love of the people. These men are seeking the eternal glory of legacy. Women can also desire these same things, but they are far less represented in Westerosi culture and many women were skilled diplomats and knew how to run their businesses so to speak. The men were often at war, and the women held the power while they were away. They listened to their people’s concerns and used their softer power to influence. I see Daemon embracing more of this soft power and becoming a stronger diplomat, along side his battle worthiness, and his ability to lead men to the cause. He’s committed to the Targaryen dynasty and will do everything possible to keep this dynasty alive for the future. He knows more than what we saw in his visions, and I suspect he will experience more in the future.

[@sommer8337]

Reading Rhaegar is the very best! I imagine having him as your roommate really keeps you on your toes… as well as keeping you stocked up in ear plugs and valium! Ha ha 😂 Thank the gods for Nord VPN, so you can get a little peace and quiet while Rhaegar enjoys his fave daytime soap opera “The Days of our Doom”. Ha ha 🤣🤣

[@mariannesagard8823]

😂😂😂

[@mariannesagard8823]

Thank you for another great Video 🔥And yes , You can really see and feel The transformation going on in Rhaenyra's mind .Her Facial expressions are so Incredibly well done ,she looks like a dragon 🐲🔥 Noone else has ever done this before, Bastards Claiming Dragons..And she sees it works ! Just As Daenarys ,when she walked into Khal Drogo's funeral Pyre ,and hatched the dragons.🔥 Loved the comparison!

[@IDKtheBand]

Thanks!

[@TheAstroWitchLux]

It's interesting that Dragonstone is again the scene if a cult just like in GOT with Melisande and Stan is.

[@ScarlitWidow]

7:47 so i was very surprised that Rhenera had the knowledge and ability to call the dragons without the tamers. a cool addition

[@curtthechameleon]

Ahh, love when David brings that Light. Thanks good Ser.

[@dominic3797]

The fact this video has only 4k views in 2hours but has a 15% watch/like rate feels criminal

[@jessjess23brooks89]

People are stingy with likes all over KZbin these days. I like David's videos before I even watch them, because well I know I'll always like it ☺️

[@nexiz47]

I like all the dragon bond speculating. The way I read Ulf & Silverwing: She's a playful dragon (pushing him around, while she almost seems to be laughing) and senses Ulf as kindred spirit.

[@bebethebard]

Love this vid, Emma’s performance was stellar in this episode. I’m excited to see more of it going forward. This is all I wanted with a Targ show!! 🐉

[@trevorwinn5012]

I think Rhaenyra knowing Aegons prophecy also makes her feel like the "Gods" have ordained all of this so she believes her actions are justified , great writing !

[@TheArcanumJinx]

Here early for the algorithm! Can't wait for the finale aftershow w/ you, tim and nettles!

[@linitwee1906]

The image of Vermithor hiding behind a rock is sending me 😂

[@josephbeyerlein1381]

It is interesting how this differed from the books, because in the books it is Jacaerys who comes up with the plan, calls together the dragonseeds specifically of Dragonstone, and tells them to claim the dragons. He differed though by telling the to find the dragons themselves and promised lands and knighthoods to those that succeeded. Addam and Alyn of Hull(Addam is the older brother in the books) both volunteer to be dragon riders, Addam finding and bonding with Seasmoke while Alyn tried to bond with Grey Ghost but failed to find him and then nearly died trying to bond Sheepstealer. Silver Denys did die in the books as well with his sons, but i believe it was against Sheepstealer as well because the Cannibal drives Sheepstealer off and is the one to eat him and his family. In that multiweek red sowing from the books I think the claiming order went Addam to Seasmoke, then Ulf to Silverwing, Hugh to Vermithor, and finally Nettles to Sheepstealer mere days before their first combat test. The religious cult, Ulf joyriding to KL, the Vhagar-Vermithor standoff, and whatever the heck Rhaena is doing are all show inventions. It is interesting to note in the books Rhaenyra does follow the Faith of the Seven, because she makes Jace and Luke swear on the Seven Pointed Star to go as envoys, not warriors, an act that partly leads to Luke's death. It will be interesting seeing what else changes from Fire and Blood to House of the Dragon, but at least we got to see Vermithor first

[@jademonolith]

Something was off when Jacerys was having an emotional talk with his mother and got a reply about the gods laying a prophecy before her.

[@Sotmdraws]

I can totally see her embracing her death if it means the song of ice and fire is fulfilled.

[@lesliemisaacs]

That is such a scary thought. I’m not looking forward to getting to that point in the show. I think the writers will change how it goes down.

[@RockChick63174]

​@@lesliemisaacs🙄

[@amyra8159]

​@@lesliemisaacs i think show runners are trying to show that too. Hotd have not ended yet. this would show how and so many targaryens lost their mind to fulfill their prophecies. It could be shown as a horror scene, cautionary tale of the tragedy of targaryens who thought their only motive of existence is for the larger than life goal. When they stop paying attention to real world and are okay with sacrificing the things they care about, or even themselves for so called greater good, i think that would show how creepy dragon dreams were and how tragic Targaryen line was. They can't even possibly run away, magic is in their blood. They were kept alive from the valarian doom only to get slaughtered for the ambitions of someone else's war they have no idea about.

[@shadow6024]

Loved this episode and Rhae scenes. Great vid!

[@tinahs8269]

If I were Rhaenyra, I'd be a little angry with Ulf about going to KL ....best to keep your secret weapon secret until ready to use.

[@_strife]

David promised us a video this week in the Sunday steam and damn it David gave us a video this week praise Garth

[@vegan_witch]

Yes it is warm in Sacramento, I live there too. Small world!

[@julianemantovaninovello5660]

hmmm what if Rhaenyra's fanatism regarding dragons plays into Aegon III hating dragons as well

[@AlecArtComics]

Dope! A new drop! Excited to watch this later tonight!

[@Elizabeth-xg9fm]

Liked before I even watch, I'm addicted to your videos David! And the birds 😂

[@RobbieeCastillo]

Hey David (I’m assuming you’re name is David 😅). I love your content! I stumbled upon it recently and I can’t get enough! So insightful! So good!! Can’t wait for more Asoiaf content ❤❤❤

[@anna_luin]

Welcome Robert. Check Davids previous videos there are days upon days of awesome videos and content :)

[@RobbieeCastillo]

@@anna_luin thxxx but I think I’ve pretty much seen all of them in the last few weeks 😹😹

[@anna_luin]

@@RobbieeCastillo hahah the binge is real!

[@RobbieeCastillo]

@@anna_luin yup. It’s a problem 🤣

[@hannahboyd3322]

@David Lightbringer I would love to hear something about the choice to make vermithor 'squeak' before his dracarys lol

[@Audentior_Ito]

"The games of men" line might refer to the intra-dynastic squabbling rather than the "glorious" conquest of Aegon the Conqueror or the Freeholds?

[@marssaintilien6902]

So many people are bashing Rhaenyra for going forward with the ritual but it isn't anything she herself and her own family don't go through themselves to bond with a dragon; evidenced by the mention several times that Rhaena almost lost her life the last time she tried to bond with a dragon. She also was honest about the possibility that they might die. She didn’t hide it. They were all willing participants. They knew what were they getting into and the possible reward was worth it to them.

[@hypatiakovalevskayasklodow9195]

YES👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 THANK YOU👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I was getting sick of comments like “why didn’t they attack Vhagar right then and there?!” These dudes just climbed onto a dragon for the first time. They have no experience. Vhagar is over 130 years old and cant even fit into the dragonpit. Vermithor is like what, 90? and hasnt been ridden since Jaeherys died. He is technically a wild dragon now.

[@NYCfrankie]

Lord hammer my apologies. For what? You died in the battle

[@Lord.Bloodraven]

Nanna vahgar was ready for a 1 v 4

[@WeesanTV]

It's like each week, my brain empties its contents onto the floor, my thoughts grains of rice scattered. And diligently, week after week, here comes LML* to sweep up the rice grains and make them into a rice-art-mosaic to explain the week's topics more better to my brain. (I know we're more David Lightbringer these days, but me and Dave go way back so I can call him LML it's no problem)

[@DavidLightbringer]

yep always go by LmL

[@dunkwm000]

the gang’s all here 🙌

[@klarakhan]

I dont even notice that I'm bopping my head every time the intro starts anymore 😂

[@cherrysIushies]

hughes shame in seara being his mother is understandable, given the society in which they live, however, i love seara and her sisters story so much i was very disappointed in the way he spoke abt such an iconic princess!

[@TheAstroWitchLux]

It sounded more like his mother was half Targ rather than full like Saera (or possibly Viserra if she faked her death and lived as a commoner). So perhaps his mother was Jaehaerys' daughter with a commoner.

[@briennesfatsister4788]

Great video. I love your theory about Ulf having "Big Daddy Vermithor's" stink on him, and Silverwing saying "Okay, Daddy."

[@felooosailing957]

I have developed a hypothesis for why the dragonkeepers protest. Perhaps it is ultimately connected with the whole "The Doom was an inside job - The Doom was a liberation hypothesis". In the end, it appears to be the case that, if Aenar Targaryen appreciated the perversion of the Valyrian Freehold, and if it is actually the case that Aegon the Conqueror only conquered Westeros to have it united for the Long Night, then actually they both judged the dragons as "not plaything for the games of men", not instruments of war or enslavement, but divine, and those who used them for evil as the most terrible sinners. Perhaps the dragonkeepers are, like a lot of religious creeds, a religion of pacifists, coming from Old Valyria herself. Those fanatics who believed that the dragons were only there for their magic, their power that was used for the life of the Valyrian Freehold, for it to remain a beacon for the world. Perhaps Aenar himself was converted to this kind of faith, one which accepted the existence of a divine hierarchy in Valyrian society -for in the end, the dragonlord families were vital for their very culture-, but disapproved of the infighting and the military campaiging, of their corruption. If all were irrevocably perverse, then it was a "divine" calling that the Targaryen remained the only dragonlords, at least for the most radical: and that all that remained of Old Valyria was them. If this is indeed the case, the dragonkeepers would have then be allowed to live out their days with the Targaryens, eventually settling with them in Kings' Landing. The Targaryen themselves, with the exception of truly rogue figures such as Maegor and Daemon, did not use their dragons for war... that is, until the Dance of the Dragons. That is: Aegon, son of Aenys, only used Quicksilver to defend his claim against Maegor, which was already wrong. and the faction of Jahaerys, which did have Vermithor and Silverwing at least on their side, did not. As for the Battle of the Stepstones, Laenor does use Seasmoke for war, but crucially, he is not a Targaryen: he is a Velaryon, a lesser house, without divine purpose. Finally, the issue of Viserys and Alicent has been raised in the Faith of the Seven, and therefore they do not hold dragons as gods... unlike Rhaenyra and Daemon, who are pretty much Valyrian in their practice. This brings us to the Steffon Darklyn issue: he might have been approved by the dragonkeepers for he was a noble man, but in the end, they understood the judgment of Seasmoke as an indictment: only dragonslords may ride dragons, and only for peace. Rhaenyra, however, as all heretics do, judges herself a more appropriate mouthpiece for the gods. Her conclusion is that she must leave the war to the dragons, as actually Criston Cole said a couple of episodes ago. The Dance will become a brutal carnage, a sacrifice of sorts for the dragon gods.

[@Ninyth]

I find it fascinating that they may suggest that the new dragon riders inherit their dragon riding abilities from the mother. Even with adam it is pushed in dialogue beside the fact that most of us more likely would think of his valeryon father ;) But I love this, because i also loved the theory of the dragon gen on X chromosome for years. The videos from Preston Jacobs „A Song of Ice and Fire: The Genetics of Dragons and War Part 1-4“ make so much sense and are a lot of fun to watch. My personal head canon is now a mix of this theory and the ancestors spirits inside the dragons by bloodmagic idea.

[@ryanwarren7295]

Love supporting the channel bruv

[@jacobhill3302]

From the thumbnail, wasnt aware how fond I was of the shape of Emmas eyes

[@TeboMoney6]

I appreciate HBO for not doing any breaks , they gave us all 8 episodes every Sunday .

[@Neelix_x]

You don't have to appreciate them for that. That's like the bare fucking minimum, considering it takes them two full years for 8 episodes.

[@Slechy_Lesh]

dragon show runners bad

[@user61696]

​I'd rather have them invest in the lore and production than spew episodes ​lacking in these aspects @@Neelix_x

[@markpjf85]

Cool info valid points and understanding what is happening in house of the dragon religion > and gods 🐉 David 👏👌

[@samk522]

Based on the preview, Aemond's going to try to convince Helaena to ride Dreamfyre for him, so presumably she *can* ride her in battle. She just really, really doesn't want to under most circumstances. Perhaps Aemond can use some sort of tactic to persuade her against her better judgment. I'm sure I don't know what that persuasion would look like.

[@SuffrnFrmRealNss]

Definitely always think about Mortal Kombat when Cyrax is onscreen 😅

[@PrincessLicorice]

24:57 Well, Vermithor is Silverwing's Bae, so that....brings up another interesting idea.

[@Coasterr200145]

I have to say you do the best job with your sponsors!

[@_juanadecastilla]

I love that there's yet another paralelism with Alicent here, since she was devoted and religious because she was taught it was right and now that she knows the truth [and her sons are insane] she's being tested; then Rahenyra wasn't ever a rule follower in that sense and now she is giving into it just to fullfil her house duty, and, maybe, to justify her actions in war? Anyways cant wait for the debate on sunday. Greetings from Argentina

[@GabbyOssi]

Yes, thank you! This is exactly what I thought about when watching the last episode. Religious fanaticism rising! Good catch also with Vermithors scent also on Ulf! I feel like there must be some additional reason other than "you'll do". Why didn't Silverwing accept Rhaena otherwise? Or maybe she just happened to try on a more cranky day, who knows 😂

[@hypatiakovalevskayasklodow9195]

Eau d’Vermithor 😂😂😂😂 by Hugh the hammer. What a mighty commercial would that be