Summary
InHouse of the DragonSeason 2, the Targaryen Civil War has come to Westeros.
But, while the Targaryen conflict destabilizes the kingdom, other families have been enemies for much longer.
The Targaryen rift began withRhaenyra and Alicent’s (Olivia Cooke) falling outinHouse of the DragonSeason 1.
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.
The two friends become enemies as Alicent campaigns for her son to get the crown that Rhaenyra expects.
Their bitter rivalry passes to their children, who fight each other from a young age.
Despite Viserys' (Paddy Considine) attempts to keep peace in his family, their hatred grows.
Yet it plays a role in theDance of the Dragonsas well.
But that is far from the last of it.
What Happened Between the Blackwoods and the Brackens?
George R. R. Martincreated an extensive history for Westeros.
His novels and supplementary materials lay out much of the history.
But giving a sense of reality to the fantasy world is Martin’s tendency to leave some things open-ended.
Image via HBO
Much of the history has long faded into legend, and little is definitive.
This can be seen inhowFire & Bloodis structuredas it relays different and contrasting accounts of events.
Yet still, the Blackwoods and Brackens occasionally agreed.
Both supportedAegon the Conqueroragainst Harren the Black, the King of the Isles and the Rivers.
However, like so many times before, the feud refused to end.
What Are the Blackwoods and Brackens Doing in ‘House of the Dragon’?
But war presents an opportunity and the two families are eager to fight each other at the slightest provocation.
This appeared to be a Bracken, as their banner features a red horse on a yellow background.
Of course, now we know that clip came from Episode 3.
While all of Westeros experiences war,the Riverlands, in particular, is a common battleground.
However, that changes asthe Battle of the Burning Mill is the Dance of the Dragons' first battle.
This is a confrontation that breaks out between the Blackwoods and the Brackens.
What started as yelling and pushing escalated quickly.
The battle itself does not appear in the episode.
But whatever the reason, there is no turning back now that a battle has taken place.
How Is the Battle of the Burning Mill Different in ‘Fire & Blood’?
Though his death and the actual fighting do not appear on-screen, they are both discussed throughout the episode.
Were the Blackwoods and the Brackens Involved in ‘Game of Thrones’?
Barba prepared her younger sister, Bethany, to displace Melissa at the direction of their father.
Though she succeeded, the relationship didn’t last.
The trend of the Blackwoods and the Brackens choosing different sides continues in the War of the Five Kings.
As the story continues, the dispute between the Blackwoods and Brackens will become more important.
House of the DragonSeason 2 will premiere in Summer 2024.
Season 1 is available to stream on Max in the U.S.
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