House of The Dragon (2022): A Legendary Tragedy in Game of Thrones Prequel
I believe fans of the Game of Thrones series already know about the legendary story that happened with the Targaryens clan. Before Westeros was conquered by the Lannister (the setting of time told in the Game of Thrones), Targaryen was the first house that unite all of Westeros area. In 2022, HBO released the tale of Targaryen’s house into the cinema! If you want to know a little detail about this prequel from my point of view, please read the passages below. Let’s hype this series together! :D
First of all, I am a new fan of the Game of Thrones series, so pardon me if there’s any misinformation. I just share my thoughts based on what I know so far. Well, the first time I knew this prequel was released, I was so thrilled. My friends have known me as an imaginary person and believe in fantasy like dragons, fairies, and magic. So, I was so happy that finally HBO released this kind of story into an action movie.
My first impression when I watched the first episode, was “WOW! They are killin’ it!”. As usual, HBO has a really good technique to tell a complicated story in an hour episode that is brief yet full of untold detail story about Targaryen’s house. The scene began when King Jaehaerys summoned a great council to choose an heir. Finally, from the council’s discussion who invited over 1000 lords to the ceremony, Viserys was chosen to succeed to the throne. This point marks almost the end of the House Targaryen’s golden era. Then the story continues with Viserys becoming King in Westeros and its people still living in peace. However, after King Viserys couldn’t bring a son to the world with his first wife, Aema, his throne was endangered. He didn’t want to have another wife, but the council resisted him to marry again, so he can save his throne.
Shortly, King Viserys finally wed Alicent Hightower. He had 3 children with her. They are Aegon, Haelena, and Aemond. The ceremony to choose an heir was urged by the Council after Aegon’s birth. It is because he is the firstborn son of Viserys. At that time, society believed that only a son who worthy to reign in a kingdom. However, Viserys didn’t agree with such a statement. He remained stuck to his decision that the one who will take the throne after his death is his firstborn kid, Rhaenyra. Since Rhaenyra is a girl, neither the Council nor its people agree with Viserys’ decision.
From my observation, the problem that causes war within Targaryens is their ambitions to take over the throne. By doing so, they can survive and protect their loved ones. For example, Rhaenyra was chosen by Viserys himself so that she would succeed to the iron throne after his death. The official ceremony was held and attended by lords all over Westeros. However, after Viserys’ death, some of Westeros’ society believed that Aegon was worth succeeding in the throne more than Rhaenyra because he is male. The Hightower or the Green is challenging Rhaenyra’s authority. On the other hand, people who are with Rhaenyra are called the Black. Whose team are you guys on? For me, definitely, the righteous Black team is much more eligible for the throne.
Besides the intricate yet interesting storyline present in this series, the production team is needed to be praised. I love how they choose the actors. They did a good job in finding actors who are not only good at presenting the characters alive, but physically they look alike. For instance, the actors who play young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) and young Alicent (Emily Carey) versus the actors who play older Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and older Alicent (Olivia Coke), look almost alike. That is so incredible, they put a lot of details into account.
Next, let’s talk about cinematography. What can I say is their cinematography cannot be better than this right? I love how they coordinate the color with the mood within the story. For example, when Laena Velaryon dead, the color tone used is dark. It represents the condolence of Velaryon’s house. Whereas in the first episode when there was a celebration for Aegon’s first birthday, the tone used was bright as it reflects happiness and a happy future for the baby.
Moreover, I love to see that the dragons in Westeros are alive! They are so beautiful, although a bit scary. Not to mention how the Targaryen and Velaryon children screen time when they were riding their dragons. Those scenes are too unfortunate to be missed out. In addition, I was so thrilled when the dragons spewed fire from their gigantic mouths. It felt surreal. The most breathtaking part of the human and dragon interaction in this season is when Aemond Targaryen claimed Vhagar. As you guys have known, Vhagar was one of the biggest dragons of all at that time. How could a little kid like Aemond be able to claim her? Nevertheless, Vhagar became Aemond’s not long after Laena’s death.
Well, now we are discussing the most unique element that I can find in this series. Targaryens and Velaryons were speaking the High Valyrian language. This language can be understood by dragons. That’s why besides having dragon blood, both Targaryens and Velaryons can communicate with dragons to develop companionship. And yes, this language doesn’t exist in the real-world y’all. Oh my god, I can’t imagine how someone or a group of genius create a new language from the scratch; grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and meaning. They’re soo amazing!
The last aspect that I want to share is the costume. Personally, I am in love with the design, fabric, and pattern of traditional dresses and clothes from all around the world. Especially, the dresses worn by Princess Rhaenyra and Alicent Hightower. I fell in love with the design itself. The special feature of their dresses is the fabric used in the sleeves were long and it escalates the overall outfit. I think I want to make my wedding dress design inspired by this feature LOL.
To sum up, the first season of House of the Dragon is a huge success. No wonder many people love it. All aspects of this series are well represented in its detail. Cannot wait for watching the next season when “the Dance of Dragon” begins. Let’s be patient until 2024 fellas!
