The latest episode of HBO’s fantasy drama House of the Dragon season 2, titled “The Red Sowing”, has set the stage for a thrilling finale. The show is based on Fire & Blood, a fictional history of House Targaryen by author George R. R. Martin. Most of the episodes in this season (with a single exception of the fourth episode, “The Red Dragon and the Gold”) have been low on action and high on buildup, which will lead to a massive battle in the finale. But before that, let’s discuss how House of the Dragon season 2 episode 7 is different from the events depicted in the book.
House of the Dragon is a spinoff series of Game of Thrones and its prequel. It recounts the Dance of the Dragon, an inter-house civil war between rival factions within the Targaryens that eventually led to their enfeeblement and extinction of the dragons (before Daenerys Targaryen hatched them in the finale of Game of Thrones season 1, of course).
In episode 6 of HotD, “Smallfolk” featured many changes from how it all transpired in the book. “The Red Sowing” differs even more significantly.
What happens in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 7?
Before diving into how the episode differs from the book, let’s briefly take a peek at what happens in the episode. In the first scene, we see Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Emma D’Arcy) confronting the mysterious rider of Seasmoke, who is Addam of the Hull (played by Clinton Liberty). We know he is a bastard son of Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), and thus, the blood of the Old Valyria runs in his veins. When Rhaenyra asks him what his intention is, he says it is to serve his queen, ending all tension. What’s more, at Dragonstone, Mysaria (played by Sonoya Mizuno) tells Rhaenyra that she has knowledge of Targaryen bastards in King’s Landing.
At Harrenhal, young Lord Oscar Tully pledges allegiance to King Consort Daemon Targaryen (played by Matt Smith) but makes it clear that how he treated the Riverlords was reprehensible. Even Daemon is chastened and agrees to punish Lord Blackwood for his crimes against the Brackens.
‘Game Of Thrones’ Spin-Offs: How Many Shows Will We Get To See?
George R. R. Martin Reveals 3 ‘Game Of Thrones’ Animation Series Are In The Works
Meanwhile, the Targaryen bastards (or those who claim to be so) try their luck at riding Vermithor, the biggest and fiercest of all the dragons save for Vhagar. Vermithor, as expected, burns many to ash and most others escape, but Hugh Hammer (played by Kieran Bew) manages to calm and claim the dragon. Ulf (played by Tom Bennett) claims Silverwing and flies over King’s Landing. He is followed by King Regent Aemond Targaryen (played by Ewan Mitchell) atop Vhagar. But when he spots multiple dragons at Dragonstone, he retreats. Rhaenyra watches him go back, a smile of satisfaction on her face. Greens no longer have the firepower advantage over the Blacks.
In what ways does House of the Dragon season 2 episode 7 differ from the book?
Addam of the Hull and Queen Rhaenyra’s confrontation
This does not happen at all in the book. When Rhaenyra asked for those with Targaryen blood or Dragonseeds (Targaryen bastards) to try and claim riderless dragons like Vermithor, Addam of the Hull was one of those who tried his luck and claimed Seasmoke — instead of Seasmoke claiming him like in the show. However, not all changes from the book have been necessarily bad (which is also true for Game of Thrones). The fact that the dragon chose the rider instead of the other way around promises a bigger role for Addam in the future.
Jacaerys’ objection to Dragonseeds is also an invention of the show
Prince Jacaerys Velaryon (played by Harry Collett) is shown to be miffed with his mother as she has agreed to let bastards claim dragons. In the book, it was primarily his idea that Rhaenyra gave her assent to. Jace tells Rhaenyra that obviously, he is aware of his shady parentage (which is clear for anybody with eyes; his hair should have been silver-hued and not jet black) and he can only call himself a Velaryon and a Targaryen because he has a dragon. Now, with other bastards able to claim dragons, he will be no different from them.
It does not make a whole lot of sense and is entirely unlike himself. He has been shown to be practical, to be able to do whatever it takes to gain an advantage in the war. But perhaps the writers have a reason to brew this mother-son conflict? We will know soon enough.
Lord Oscar Tully gives Daemon allegiance
Oscar (played by Archie Barnes) exists in the book, but it is his father, Kermit Tully, who leads the Blacks’ host in the riverlands. Also, while Daemon has an extended stay at Harrenhal, he has absolutely no difficulty in turning the Riverlords to his and Rhaenyra’s cause (yes, in the book, he is still loyal to her). He simply conquers the riverlands by landing Caraxes on one of Harrenhal’s towers and Riverlords rise to his cause.
We see in the episode that Oscar shows more spirit to Daemon, making him kill Lord Blackwood for his crimes against the Brackens — crimes that Daemon himself had encouraged. However, now he has to feign regret, something that he must truly detest. But he has to do that if he has any hope of mustering an army against the Greens.
13 Shows Like ‘House Of The Dragon’ To Watch If You Are Craving Some More Power-Hungry Drama
‘House Of The Dragon’ Season 3: Everything We Know So Far
This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia India
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hugh Hammer rides Vermithor in ‘House of the Dragon’.
Rhaenyra's dragon is called Syrax.
