House of the Dragon season 1 recap: 10 things to remember before season 2

House of the Dragon returns on June 16, and it's not a show you can go into blind. There will be moments you’ll forget from the first season that won’t be mentioned in the preshow recap. If you have the time, you’ve probably rewatched season 1. At the very least, you looked up scenes from YouTube. If not, that’s where this article comes in.

Life comes at you fast, and the opportunity to watch season 1 or even look up clips may not be possible. It could be easier to read an article on the bus or during your morning oblutions. This article will quickly give you the important moments to remember before you start season 2.

10. Aegon is king

Aegon II Targaryen becoming lord of the Seven Kingdoms has to be first on the list. His ascension to the Iron Throne is why there’s a war coming between him and his older half-sister Rhaenyra targaryen. Rhaenyra was named heir to the Iron Throne early in season 1 of House of the Dragon. After King Viserys died in Episode 8, Aegon's mother Alicent and grandfather Otto claim that he's the true heir. This set the war into motion.

9. Daemon Targaryen can't be trusted

Never forget that Daemon Targaryen will do what’s best for him. He’s manipulated everyone he’s come close to, including his wife/niece, Queen Rhaenyra. He even choked her for disagreeing with him in the season 1 finale. Daemon will stand up for her, but only because it pleases him. This is a characteristic that will never change.

8. Winter is Coming

In the series premiere, King Viserys tells his daughter Rhaenyra about the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy, about a night when the White Walkers will storm the Seven Kingdoms. This prophecy comes to be during Game of Thrones. Part of the prophecy is that a Targaryen must be in charge of all Seven Kingdoms when that long night comes. This could drive Rhaenyra to be more aggressive during her war and resist attempts to divide the kingdoms up.

7. Lucerys Velaryon's death

In the series premiere, King Viserys says that, "The idea that we control the dragons is an illusion." Prince Aemond Targaryen found this out the hard way. He didn’t want his dragon to kill his nephew Lucerys Velaryon, but he couldn’t control it. But now that Luke is dead, any hesitancy about war his mother Rhaenyra may have had is gone.

6. Rhaenyra and Alicent

The rivalry between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower — her former best friend and the mother of her rival Aegon — has burned for years. Alicent tried to sabotage Rhaenyra's life and throw mud on her name. Alicent’s son killing Rhaenyra’s son just made it worse. Alicent even tried to stab Rhaenyra during a family funeral. "Exhausting, wasn't it?" Rhaenyra told her at the time. "Hiding beneath the cloak of your own righteousness. But now they see you as you are."

This could be the most important thing to remember. At some point, Rhaenyra and Alicent will see each other face to face. When that happens, the fire of their dragons will have nothing on the rage between them.

5. Targaryen madness

Queen Rhaenyra hasn’t yet shown the Targaryen madness that affected King Aerys II and Daenerys Targaryen. But after Rhaenyra’s son was murdered, it might be around the corner. Just because King Aerys II's madness was the most well-known doesn’t mean he was the first.

Let's not forget that Rhaenyra isn't the only Targaryen. There are others that could fall victim to this curse.

4. Alicent's sons are the worst

It doesn’t matter if they’re young, teens, or adults, Alicent's sons Aegon and Aemond are awful. They stole a dragon, assaulted innocent people, and killed one of their nephews. The war in season 2 probably would have happened anyway, but Aemond killing Lucerys (accident or not) is the spark that started the fire. If season 2 follows the books, they're just getting started.

3. Death of the king

This is the moment when everything starts to go bad. King Viserys’ death and Alicent’s word on who Viserys wanted to succeed him threw the Seven Kingdoms into chaos. There was death, betrayal, and underhanded deals being made. House of the Dragon season 1, episode 9 is a must-watch before starting season 2. This was one of the greatest penultimate episodes in TV history.

2. Aegon’s illegitimate children

Remember when I said Alicent’s kids are the worst? It’s easy to forget the “smaller” atrocities among the other things they’ve done. One of them is Aegon’s illegitimate children, at least one of whom lives in Flea Bottom in the slums of King's Landing. With the legitimacy of the Iron Thrones always in question, their existance may come up in season 2.

1. Sneaky Larys

There’s no way Larys Strong doesn’t influence the war to come. In season 1, he worked closely with Alicent. With civil war looming, she’ll need him again. However, Larys is a snake. His loyalty goes to the highest bidder (or prettiest feet).

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and Twitter account, sign up for our exclusive newsletter and check out our YouTube channel.