10 saddest deaths in ‘House of the Dragon’ including Viserys Targaryen and Lucerys Velaryon
10 most heartbreaking deaths in ‘House of the Dragon’: From Queen Aemma to King Viserys
Death is a major motif in HBO's 'House of the Dragon,' as the old must give way to the young. Death is more than just a plot element in the hit drama series, as seen by the deaths of King Jaehaerys, who settled the issue of his succession at a Great Council, and Queen Aemma Arryn, whose terrible death set the stage for Viserys' second marriage. Here is the significance of 10 tragic deaths within the larger narrative framework.
1. Lucerys Velaryon and his dragon Arrax
Prince Lucerys and his dragon Arrax's deaths are the ultimate tragedies of 'House of the Dragon'. To remind Borros Baratheon of his father's pledge, Rhaenyra Targaryen sent Prince Lucerys Velaryon, her secondborn son, on a diplomatic trip to Storm's End but the mission was unsuccessful. With Aemond and Vhagar following and tormenting Lucerys and Arrax under the overcast, rainy skies, the killing scene itself was reminiscent of a horror film. In this pursuit sequence, both dragons lost control, and Vhagar suddenly materialized to chomp Lucerys and Arrax.
2. Queen Aemma Arryn
The tragic death of Queen Aemma (Sian Brooke), the wife of King Viserys (Paddy Considine), marked the gory premiere of the first season of 'House of the Dragon,' per Business Insider. Viserys must choose between saving his wife and the baby as Aemma went into labor and the baby got stuck. In an attempt to secure a male heir to the Targaryen throne, Viserys offered Aemma as a sacrifice, but his baby boy was declared dead shortly after his birth. Tragically, Aemma died during an induced labor due to severe shock and blood loss.
3. Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys
Princess Rhaenys addressed their legacy with her husband in Episode 3 of Season 2. It was obvious that Aemond Targaryen and Criston Cole had a plot up their sleeves. Even if there were far too many warning signs, it did not mitigate the tragedy of Aemond and Vhagar's murder of her. Rhaenys did not flee when she learned in Season 2 Episode 4 that she cannot beat Vhagar at the fight of Rook's Rest. Rather, she secured herself more firmly in her seat and persevered bravely through to the very end.
4. Lady Laena Velaryon
Another tragic childbirth scene from 'House of the Dragon' could be found in the case of Laena Velaryon. Laena had a difficult time giving birth and her husband Daemon was given the same option as Viserys: save his wife or save the child. But Laena took charge of the situation and chose her own destiny. She approached her dragon Vhagar and gave him the "dracarys" command to burn her alive. However, the entire incident became even more distressing because of Vhagar's reluctance to kill his rider.
5. Joffrey Lonmouth
Ser Criston Cole's true colors were finally revealed to viewers with Joffrey Lonmouth's death. Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon made an agreement when they got married that would let each go after their other lovers, Joffrey and Criston. Criston was confronted by Joffrey during their wedding. Criston killed Joffrey viciously during the celebration, hitting Laenor in the process. The abruptness, severity, and profound sorrow experienced by Laenor upon Joffrey's death justifiably warrant a spot on this list.
6. Arryk and Erryk Cargyll
Even if Arryk and Erryk Cargyll were able to choose to fight to the very end, it did not lessen the sadness of their deaths. The twins split for the first time in Season 1 after the Greens captured the crown. Erryk left and enlisted in Rhaenyra's Queensguard, while Arryk sided with Aegon II. Season 2 Episode 2 sets up the brothers' battle when Criston Cole orders Arryk to kill Rhaenyra. Upon realizing what he had done, Erryk used their sword to stab himself after killing his sibling.
7. Jahaerys Targaryen
In the first episode of Season 2, Daemon adapted a notorious murder from 'Fire and Blood', sending two mercenaries, Blood and Cheese, to kill Aemond as payback for Lucerys' murder. Upon failing to locate the prince in the Red Keep, the pair proceeded with their backup plan, "a son for a son". They locate Helaena Targaryen, who was forced to point out her son. She pointed at her daughter in an attempt to deceive Blood and Cheese, but they called her bluff and attacked Jaeharys with knives, severing his head in his crib.
8. Lyonel and Harwin Strong
The Hand of the King, Ser Harwin Strong and his father Lyonel, were not very popular figures for a while. However, their terrible deaths at the hands of Larys Strong, one of their own, were still quite remarkable. While the father and son were traveling to Harrenhal, Lyonel's youngest child Larys had hatched a plan to assassinate them. The bandits made sure Lyonel and Harwin were imprisoned inside the burning castle of Harrenhal. Despite their noble service to the realm, the two met a grisly end.
9. Lady Rhea Royce
Viewers hardly knew anything about Lady Rhea in 'House of the Dragon' Season 1, and what little they did know came from Daemon's mouth. Most of those remarks were not very pleasant, considering that he called her the "Bronze B***h" and declined to marry her. Rhea appeared independent, and competent until it became evident to her that Daemon came to kill her. Given her limited screen time, Rhea's death came as more of a shock, but it's heartbreaking to watch her succumb to Daemon's ambition and malice.
10. Viserys Targaryen
Viserys Targaryen's death was preceded by a protracted disease resembling leprosy. He suffered from "the rot" during the first season. Viserys' health progressively deteriorates as his children get older and the question of his succession becomes more pressing. His death was an emotional moment in 'House of the Dragon' - chilly, gloomy, and silent. The monarch had steadfastly stood by his decision to designate Rhaenyra as his heir all his life, but all this was undone in his dying moments.
