House of the Dragon S02 Episode 7: “What makes us special?”

House of the Dragon asked a very reflective question in its 7th week of the second season run; a question not many get the luxury to ask themselves. It is an existential question that judging from what the 7th episode titled “The Red Sowing” calls on every one to ask themselves; ‘what is it that makes us special?’

The episode which largely focused on the ‘Blacks’, Rhaenyra’s faction, put to question what really makes people as individuals seem significant or of higher standing than others. Is it the names we were born into? Is it our worth to others? Or what we make of ourselves in our time on Earth?

House of the Dragon uses “The Red Sowing” episode to show this; bringing into view a plethora of characters who symbolizes this theme.

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Is it the names we are born into that elevates us?

The episode of course, begins with Queen Rhaenyra standing up to Addam of Hull; a character who the audience were introduced to at the start of the season and in the last episode, was fortunate to be chosen by the dragon, Seasmoke as its rider. Though Addam exhibits humility to bend the knee to Rhaenyra as the rightful queen of the 7-kingdoms, our protagonist still feels threatened by the idea of a commoner suddenly climbing up the ladder and elevating his status as a dragon rider.

This act not only threatens the stability of the war but also puts to question the authority of ‘Targaryens’ and what makes them special. Before now, Targaryens were regarded as being closer to gods than men because of their bond with dragons, but what happens when commoners get to claim that right and mount a dragon themselves? Rhaenyra’s council asks her this question which the Queen herself gets to wrestle with before eventually making a resolution.

Now, she resigns herself to the fact that ‘Targaryens’ may not be special anymore but the fact they still have their name as ‘rightful rulers’ of Westeroes is good enough for her. This impression let’s her go on with the daring act of putting civilians at arms length so she can win her war.

Elsewhere in the episode, this notion is however challenged, as Daemon Targaryen sees his own authority challenged by the noblemen of Riiverrun for the command he gave to Willem Blackwood. The Rogue Prince now turned King Consort is forced by those he had considered beneath him to execute the man he had ordered to commit savagery in the Riverlands.

Hence, Daemon Targaryen’s authority is put to question despite bearing the name ‘Targaryen’. Ironically, the House of the Dragon episode counters Rhaenyra’s  belief and the notion that just having the right family name elevates anyone above every other.

This of course, is somehow only possible because Daemon needs the armies of the Riverland lords, which takes us to;

Is it our worth to others that makes us special?

Well, certainly, in a sense depending how anyone wants to look at existentialism; to be special, you need some sort of validation from others and of course, yourself. But knowing your own worth doesn’t mean others would instantly see your worth or respect you. You have to mean something to them; either by what you give them or how you can aid their efforts.

Here, the character of Addam of Hull comes in; a commoner who is regarded as a bastard gets to claim the symbol of power that even the nobles feel threatened by. Of course, he doesn’t use the new found power to threaten the status quo like others would do in his situation, he lends his services for a price, which Rhaenyra has no other option but to see a need for.

Hence, Addam of Hull is able to elevate himself with his worth to Queen Rhaenyra.

The rest of the dragon seeds who go on to later claim dragons on dragonstone reflects this existential theory, as Ulf the White and Hugh the Hammer elevate themselves the moment they become useful to the Queen and her war efforts.

Elsewhere in the episode, Larys Strong plays a similar game even though different on all accounts — he forces those in the seat of power to see his worth. Of course, a cripple in Westeroes is as good as being a bastard despite the name he is born into. Even though by status or station, they get to inherit titles or whatnot, respect is not so easily gained without a show of worth.

Speaking of worth, Dowager Queen, Alicent Hightower in this episode of House of the Dragon, finds herself contemplating her own worth in the entire war. She has the name, the standing and all, but after being cast aside by her son, Aemond Targaryen, she finds herself going on a soul searching journey alone.

Is it what we make of ourselves in our time on Earth?

Now, this is by far an interesting question, in that before our names, our status or becoming a part of a community or people, we are first individuals and we are before any other thing, recognized by what we as a person can do with our own hands.

Addam of Hull’s brother, Alyn embodies this. Despite being the son of Lord Corlys Velaryon, he is raised as a low born bastard who has to forge his own path for himself and himself alone by way of salt and sea, much to the admiration of his father, Corlys.

Another character who finds himself challenging his own purpose and worth, is Rhaenyra’s son, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon who knowing he is secretly a bastard of Lord Harwyn Strong feels challenged and threatened by his appearance and the fact that commoners can now claim dragons. He does not have the Targaryen features like the rest of the royal family to distinguish himself as one, so what makes him different from the commoners or bastards?

What is his purpose in all of these? Jacaerys finds himself asking — a question every one asks themselves at a point in their lives.