Warning: Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon's premiere episode!Game of Thrones Easter eggs and connections, taking place nearly 200 years before the events of the original story. House of the Dragon, in particular, will focus on House Targaryen's history with the Iron Throne and the family's eventual downfall as the rulers of Westeros.
Though Daenerys Targaryen nor other notable characters from House Targaryen's infamous civil war, but for now, Rhaenyra has a path to the Iron Throne.
Rhaenyra might be from the most powerful family in the Seven Kingdoms, but she doesn't show much interest in royal duties, instead preferring her role as a dragonrider. The character's debut appearance in House of the Dragon comes as she rides atop her dragon, Syrax, revealing her deep connection to the creatures. Upon declaring that she would rather serve her family with a sword, Rhaenyra is quickly reminded by her pregnant mother, Aemma Arryn, that her womb is how she would fulfill her responsibilities as a Targaryen. Ironically, Aemma dies shortly after during childbirth, and so does Viserys' hopeful heir. As the corpses of Aemma and the infant are laid to rest on the funeral pyre, Rhaenyra yells "Dracarys" to her dragon, ordering it to set the pyre on fire. Though viewers would be familiar with the High Valyrian command, "Dracarys" is used differently for Rhaenyra, showing that there can be different bonds between dragons and their riders. It also confirms Daenerys was not the only Targaryen to use the command with her dragons.
Why Rhaenyra's First "Dracarys" Moment Is So Different From Daenerys'
"Dracarys" is the High Valyrian word for "dragonfire" and is used by House Targaryen as a command for dragons to use their fire-breathing abilities. Daenerys commonly used the word as a weapon when controlling her trio of dragons–Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion. She taught the young dragons how to use their fire before it quickly transformed into a way to instantly kill anyone Daenerys deemed a threat. Aside from Pyat Pree, Daenerys used "Darcarys" to instruct her dragons to kill Kraznys mo Nakloz and Varys, burning them alive. In addition, Daenerys used the dragonfire's more extensive range during the Second Siege of Meereen, the Battle of Goldroad, and the Battle of King's Landing. While other Targaryens may have used "Dracarys" for similar weapon purposes, Rhaenyra's initial use of the command has a much more somber meaning.
During the funeral for Aemma and baby Baelon, Rhaenyra almost can't get out the word "Dracarys" for the dragon to set the pyre ablaze. Using the command for such an emotional sequence reveals a different side of the dragons and their bond to figures in House Targaryen. This is reiterated later in House of the Dragon's first episode as King Viserys uncovers his plan to make Rhaenyra his heir as the two stand next to the skull of Balerion the Black Dread. Dragons were integral to Daenerys' arc, but Game of Thrones only scratched the surface with their significant relationship to House Targaryen. House of the Dragon can finally dive deeper into the bonds of dragons and their riders, presenting the creatures' versatile roles for the powerful family.
House of the Dragon releases new episodes Sundays on HBO Max.