Every image from the House of the Dragon trailer, explained

House of the Dragon returns to iconic Game of Thrones locations

We’ll be back in the Red Keep throne room in House of the Dragon! The Iron Throne looks different than it will in King Robert’s day — there are a lot more swords shoved around it — but the majesty is the same.

This is actually a key scene we’re watching. When Rhaenyra was young (and played by Milly Alcock), her father summons the great lords of Westeros to King’s Landing to swear fealty to her. This is part of the reason she fights so hard when her claim to the throne is questioned. I’m glad we get to see this scene!

Below, we see Daemon Targaryen during his stint at the head of the City Watch, when he creates the Gold Cloaks. Daemon grew very influential in the role, which of course vexed Otto Hightower, the king’s Hand.

Another key figure is Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best), the wife of the powerful Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint). In her youth, she was passed over to become Queen of the Seven Kingdoms in favor of her cousin Viserys, in large part because he was a dude and she wasn’t. I think Rhaenys has the best line of the trailer. “Men would sooner put the realm to the torch than see a woman ascend the Iron Throne.”

Obviously, Rhaenrya is sympathetic to Rhaenys’ argument. Also, she’s giving me early Daenerys vibes in this shot:

See what I mean?

Moving on, here’s Rhaenrya and Rhaenys at the painted table of Dragonstone, where Daenerys planned her war in the final seasons of Game of Thrones. She takes after her ancestor:

The next shots are very interesting. Remember when I said that Rhaenys was once passed over for the Iron Throne? That happened at the Great Council at Harrenhal, which was held to decide the matter of succession. We can’t know for sure, but I wonder if these two shots depict that event:

The first shot in particular looks similar to an illustration of the Great Council from The World of Ice and Fire. What do you make of it?