Highlights
- Rhaenyra Targaryen is the rightful queen, named heir by Viserys and supported by Westeros lords’ oath of loyalty.
- Jacaerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra’s heir, shows promise as a future king, dedicated to his studies and a natural leader.
- Daemon Targaryen, despite being a terrible person, is entertaining to watch with Matt Smith’s portrayal adding to his popularity.
Season 1 of House of the Dragon set the stage for the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons between rival Targaryen factions. The two sides are often referred to as The Greens and The Blacks, due to Alicent Hightower’s dramatic entrance at Rhaenyra’s pre-wedding feast in a green dress. Some interpreted this as a call to war, seeing as House Hightower calls its banners with a green flame, and in the books, Rhaenyra wore a black dress.
While the Hightowers and their allies support the claim of the king’s son who they crowned Aegon II, The Blacks back Rhaenyra Targaryen, Viserys’ firstborn child and official heir. While the books are arguably more ambiguous, House of the Dragon makes it very easy for viewers to get behind Rhaenyra and the rest of The Blacks.
5 King Viserys Wanted Rhaenyra To Succeed Him
She Is The Rightful Queen
Perhaps the number one reason to support The Blacks, is that the throne should be Rhaenyra Targaryen’s by right. She was named as heir from a young age, and despite constant pressure, Viserys never wavered. He died believing that Rhaenyra would succeed him and that he’d finally brought peace to his family, with his daughter and wife reconciling at his last meal. On top of this, all the lords of Westeros swore an oath of loyalty to Rhaenyra.
Furthermore, at multiple points throughout the first season, she demonstrated she would make a good queen, as she was always able to swallow her pride in attempts to mend the rifts with Alicent’s family. In episode 10 of the first season, she even considered peace terms, as she acknowledged it was her duty as queen to keep the realm at peace.
4 Jacaerys Would Make A Great King One Day
The War Is Fought Not Only For Rhaenyra, But Her Line Too
While the Dance of the Dragons is primarily a war of succession between Rhaenyra and Aegon, the further implications are that whoever wins will see their own heir ascend the Iron Throne in time. In the last few episodes of Season 1, Rhaenyra’s oldest son and heir, Jacaerys Velaryon, shows himself to be a king in the making.
Jace is dedicated to his studies, understanding that it is his duty as a prince to put himself in the best position possible for when his time comes to rule. He is shown to be a capable fighter, while remaining chivalrous, but is also not afraid to defend his family’s honor or to protect those he loves. He heeds the counsel of his mother and shows himself to be a natural leader in his interactions with his younger brothers. All of this makes Jacaerys another great reason to root for Team Black in House of the Dragon.
3 Daemon Is Daemon
He May Be A Pretty Awful Person, But Daemon Is Certainly Fun To Watch
While Daemon Targaryen is a pretty awful human being who killed his first wife, he also has redeeming qualities, such as an enduring loyalty to his brother, whom he loved deep down. Moreover, Daemon is simply pure entertainment, and as long as his actions are contained in a fictional TV show, it’s strangely hard not to root for him.
Whenever the Rogue Prince is on the screen, anything can happen, and Matt Smith’s phenomenal portrayal certainly bolsters the character’s popularity. Furthermore, as an incredibly decisive and effective commander, supporters of the Blacks can hopefully look forward to many victories on the battlefield during The Dance of the Dragons.
2 Aegon Is Unfit To Rule
Aegon Is Cruel, Lazy, & Reckless
One reason to support The Blacks is that the alternative is Aegon II remaining on the throne. Beyond his numerous transgressions that make him a bad person, Aegon is entirely unfit to rule. In fact, until he heard the rapture of his people, Aegon had no desire to be king.
Although he certainly has powerful players in his corner, such as his brother Aemond, his mother Alicent, and his grandfather Otto Hightower, all capable of ruling and winning the war, it is unlikely he will pay heed to their counsel. Aemond in particular knows that his elder brother will be a terrible king, and as a highly skilled warrior and student of history and philosophy, he believes he would make a better ruler.
1 Lucerys Was An Innocent Messenger
It’s Easy To Understand Rhaenyra & Jacaerys’ Pain
The tragedy that befell Rhaenyra and her family in the penultimate episode of Season 1 is certainly a reason to get behind The Blacks. Lucerys flew to Storm’s End as a messenger, not a warrior, and although Aemond did not mean for Vhagar to kill his nephew, chasing him on such a large dragon amidst a storm was a reckless decision.
From Rhaenyra’s perspective, she is in the right to seek vengeance for the death of her child, and fans will be able to get behind her, as long as she doesn’t go too far, as was the case with her distant descendant Daenerys.
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