This article contains spoilers fromThe House of the Dragonseason 2 finale.
Summary
House of the Dragonstar Phia Saban explains why her character, Helaena Targaryen, warns Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) about his death in the season 2 finale. The scene occurs when Aemond tries to convince Helaena that he needs her to ride her dragon, Dreamfyre, into battle now that the Greens are outmatched by the Blacks' dragons. Her refusal comes with her ominous vision of Aemond’s fate seen through her prophetic abilities that have been teased throughout the series, and that will continue to be pivotal inHouse of the Dragonseason 3.
I think in that moment, she does believe that that is true, and I also think that what he’s asking her to do, which is to get Dreamfyre and go and fight for a cause that she thinks is about ego and this sort of toxicity — and kill people after everything that she’s been through — it’s just a step too far. She’s used to doing things for the convenience of her family, but that’s a step too far.
The issue is that she knows him, and she loves him. That is what keeps the family together, is knowing each other and loving each other, even when it gets complicated. And I think that she knows, knowing Aemond, that for him to back off, she needs to go for his ego as well, and just be honest. And she goes, I’m not going to do it — and by the way, this is not going to end well for you! Do you know what I mean? And I don’t think she thinks that it will necessarily change his path, but it’s just a little moment where she stands up for herself.
Helaena Has More Power Over Aemond Than Anyone Now
Her Visions Give Her An Advantage
Much ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2revolved around the fact that Aemond cannot be controlled by anyone. He refused to heed the commands and advice of his brother, King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney), his mother, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke), or his Small Council after becoming prince regent. With Vhagar under his command and through ruling in his brother’s stead,Aemond felt invincible and refused to listen to anyone, believing he could shape the world to his will.
Where Sharp Point Is & Why It Matters That Aemond & Vhagar Burned It
Aemond Targaryen and his dragon, Vhagar, destroy Sharp Point in House of the Dragon season 2’s finale, and it does hold significance for Rhaenyra.
Helaena has now proved him wrong as she not only refused his demands for a second time, but showed him he is doomed to a grim fate despite all the power he wields.Her prophetic abilities are a power that Aemond does not have or understand, giving her more control over him than anyone else in his family or his court can attain. Helaena has not demonstrated any desire to play the game of thrones, and therefore is unlikely to use this power to manipulate Aemond, but she is the one individual who could do so if she desired.
Helaena has lived a difficult life and will face more difficulties ahead, but her power can afford her some protection moving forward.
Helaena cannot save Aemond or change what is to come inthe Dance of the Dragons, but at leastshe can use her visions to protect herself from Aemond and others who will try to manipulate her. It could also prove useful in defending herself in her toxic relationship with her brother and husband, Aegon, when he inevitably returns to King’s Landing to take back the Iron Throne from Aemond. Helaena has lived a difficult life and will face more difficulties ahead, but her power can afford her some protection moving forward.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
