House of the Dragon Episode 9 ending explained: Helaena Targaryen’s prophecy comes true

House of the Dragon Episode 9 is here, and although I was hoping for something bigger considering the season is about to end, we get to see the families more divided than ever as the greens take control of the Iron Throne, which is fun. King Viserys (Paddy Considine) dies at the end of Episode 8, and now the real mess begins.

As you’ll remember, Alicent (Olivia Cooke) believes Viserys’ dying wish is to make their son Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) the king, however, he’s actually just out of it from his milk of the poppy tea and thinks he’s talking to his daughter Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) about Aegon the Conquerer. A classic mixup in Westeros when you keep naming your kids the same thing!

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon Episode 9!

Though Alicent is extremely conflicted in Episode 9, “The Green Council,” she really does think putting Aegon on the throne is what Viserys wanted. And so a seizure is inevitable, especially after Otto (Rhys Ifans) finds out. Anyone who is still loyal to Rhaenyra and refuses to bend the knee to Aegon will be dealt with, which leaves Rhaenys (Eve Best) in an interesting place. She sides with Rhaenyra at the petition last episode, and the greens know that. Because of this, they lock her in her room while they prepare for Aegon’s coronation.

At the end of the episode, Aegon is crowned the new king. If it wasn’t obvious before that he didn’t want the throne, it’s made known again this week as he hides from his family. But when he’s up there wearing Aegon the Conquerer’s crown and holding Blackfyre, he looks like he could be happy. I’m certain he has no idea what’s going to happen next for him and his family.

What happens at the end of House of the Dragon Episode 9?

Episode 9 ends with Aegon’s coronation, but before the screen fades to black we get a big scene with Rhaenys and her dragon, Meleys. Prior to the ceremony, Erryk Cargyll (Elliot Tittensor) frees Rhaenys from her room and she attempts to leave, though she gets pushed by the crowd in the city and ends up at the coronation. When it starts, she sneaks out and heads to the Dragonpit to get her dragon. I assumed she’d simply flee and head back to Driftmark, or perhaps send word to Rhaenyra of what’s going on. But instead, she does something unexpected.

Why does Rhaenys burst through Aegon’s coronation on her dragon?

Suddenly, Rhaenys interrupts the coronation by bursting through the floor on Meleys, injuring and killing attendees in the process. While still on dragonback, she stares at Alicent and the greens, making a statement that she cannot be played with. She’s understandably angry that she was locked in her room and continues to be disrespected. Her interrupting the coronation like this proves that she does not approve of Aegon as King, and she does not bend the knee to him.

To be honest, I don’t really get why Rhaenys chooses to make this grand play only to leave the scene and not really do much in the end. After the staredown, Meleys blows into Alicent and the others’ faces and then they fly away. There’s no fire, and really no point to the whole thing. Wouldn’t it have been so much cooler if Rhaenys killed at least one of them? I don’t know, I was let down.

Helaena’s prophecy comes true

Although it could’ve been more climactic, Rhaenys flying through the floor on Meleys does bring Helaena’s (Phia Saban) latest prophecy to fruition. You might recall Alicent’s daughter stating there is a “beast beneath the boards” in episodes 8 and 9. The quiet and quirky young woman has been known to have these prophecies, so it’s worth paying attention to her. We only have one more episode left, so if she says another cryptic statement, be sure to remember it.

I’m hoping the action revs up in the House of the Dragon season 1 finale or else…what are we doing here? And I miss Rhaenyra and Daemon (Matt Smith)! Don’t miss Episode 10 when it premieres next Sunday, October 23, on HBO and HBO Max.

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