House Of The Dragon S2 episode 3: Who is the villain now?

Let loose the hounds of war and watch as brother slain brother, friend murder friend…

House of the Dragon season 2 delivered a cracking episode 3 in its third week for fans of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, and ‘gods’ was it an epic one.

To start with, the episode had lots going on, surprises to deliver and of course, a scene stealing cameo which for sure won’t be spoiled here. However, aside the cameo, the episode revealed something very interesting about the Targaryen family many did not suspect until it was revealed — there is a secret Targaryen who sides the Blacks right under the noses of King Aegon II Targaryen and his Green Council.

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The real message of House of the Dragon

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But that is not what this review is about. This review is about the central message of the episode, a message that in all its glory reflects and satirizes the real world and asks the question — why war? Why go to war when there are chances that conflicts can be averted as soon as they arise, if those in the corridors of power give into rational thinking?

We speak of conflict and crises, and there is no bigger narrative than the Israel-Palestine war at the moment or the unnecessary war between Russia and Ukraine that divides Europe.

House of the Dragon in its third episode for the second series shows 2 feuding houses; the Brackens and the Blackwoods who like Israel and Palestine have been at odds for centuries that no one left alive even knows what started it in the first place. Both houses are caught in the tussle over a land with the sides they choose to align with, being dragged into the narrative. Does this remind anyone of any recent events?

We saw brother kill brother last episode, and now, this episode raises the question about how men are so quick to call for war and run into battle without having a second thought on its consequences.

Bringing the leading female characters to the fore front; Rhaenyra, Rhaenys and Alicent — neither of them want war and unlike their male counterparts, they recognize the devastating consequences of a full fledged war. Hence, Rhaenyra on her on terms, decides to try one last time to prevent a war by reaching out to Alicent Hightower of the Green divide.

But it is the message in the scene that brings to reality what the series tries to show and has since proven; the World of Westeros is a man’s world and no matter how much Rhaenyra wants to deny it and claim to be the Queen, men will always have a reign over her and undermine her will. Alicent’s last words highlights this; There is nothing either of them can do but watch as the men tear themselves and families apart.

And typical House of the Dragon, asks the philosophical question — will either of them remember what the war was about in the first place? Or who the villain is?

Rhaenys asks Rhaenyra this; was it the moment Rhaenyra’s son, Lucerys Velaryon took the eyes of Alicent’s son, Aemond Targaryen or was it when Aemond in revenge killed Lucerys Velaryon or was it the night that Aegon’s son, Prince Jaeharys was coldly murdered that began the war?

The House of the Dragon season 2 episode 3 brings the philosophical nature of war to forefront and the sad reflection of our own real world where missiles are our own dragons, and each bloc either a Green or a Black depending on how anyone wishes to call it.