And, as evidenced by Season 2’s first three episodes, the consequences are already tearing her asunder.
Alicent pities her daughter.
After all, she’s a woman.
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Granted, she never states as much.
But her isolated habits speak for themselves.
She isn’t interested inher family’s affairs.
The reign of House Targaryen begins with this prequel to the popular HBO seriesGame of Thrones.Based on George R.R. Martin’sFire & Blood,House of the Dragonis set nearly 200 years beforeGame of Thrones, telling the story of the Targaryen civil war with King Viserys.
Helaena can only ever be herself, andthat self doesn’t belong.
Small wonder that she prefers the company of insects.
George R. R. MartinstylesFire and Blood, thenovel charting the Targaryen dynasty, like a historical tome.
She shrinks into herself, shock turning her as numb as a petrified deer.
Theres no turning back now.
Adeeply grieving Aegoneither isn’t capable of approaching Helaena or chooses not to.
Instead, Aegon dismisses Helaena back to her island of one.
She watches Aegon leave, and a resolved resignation fills her face.
In this, as in all things, she’s entirely alone andentirely powerless.
By Episode 3, Helaena wonders whether she deserves to feel her sorrow at all.
The reaction could be her natural inclinations, a response to the funeral, or another form of disassociation.
Either way, her discussion with Alicent ends with Helaena forgiving her mother.
Image via HBO
Every Westerosi woman is avictim of the patriarchy.
Helaena is a victim of her kingdom’s most abiding curse: familial indifference.
New episodes ofHouse of the DragonSeason 2 premiere Sundays on HBO and Max.
Image via HBO
