Things are heating up on House of the Dragon season 2 now that the first battle in the Dance of the Dragons has gone down. No, neither Rhaenyra nor Aegon arranged this battle, but because blood was spilled between the Blackwoods and the Brackens, the Battle of the Burning Mill is remembered as the first battle of this civil war. The latest episode, appropriately titled "The Burning Mill" opens up with this scene from the book, something fans had been looking forward to seeing after it was teased in the episode trailer.
The Blackwoods and Brackens have been rivals for centuries. In Fire & Blood, the book on which House of the Dragon is based, we're introduced to a character named Benjicot Blackwood, aka Bloody Ben. Benjicot doesn't actually take part in the Battle of the Burning Mill in the book, but fans were quick to notice a resemblance between illustrations of Benjicot and an actor featured in that trailer. It wouldn't be totally surprising if the show decided to include the character in the battle; it's not uncommon for the writers to change both minor and major details. Take a look at one tweet anticipating Bloody Ben's potential introduction:
Ben Blackwood, known as bloody Ben, is reportedly making his debut in the next episode. He was one of Rhaenyra’s suitors in episode 4 and will come to support her claim... #HouseoftheDragon pic.twitter.com/WbZDhbEqHn
— Team Black (@bestoftheblacks) June 24, 2024
Given the similarities in appearance, I get how fans got mixed up. But, as the new episode proves, this isn't not Benjicot after all. The majority of those who participate in the battle — as we see in a quick cut to piles of dead men on the ground — are killed, including the character who looks like Benjicot. So don't worry, Fire & Blood fans; though you might be disappointed we don't get to meet the head of House Blackwood yet, that's not who we see get killed.
We haven't met Benjicot Blackwood in House of the Dragon yet
How are we so sure it's not Bloody Ben in the opening scene of the new episode? Well, because he's named as "Davos." Admittedly, when watching an advanced screener of the episode, I completely missed it, but I made the realization when I watched it again on Max with the subtitles on. This character we see is Davos Blackwood, who is not a character from Fire & Blood. This is the first time he's introduced in the Game of Thrones universe, and, sadly, it's the last time we'll see him.
In Fire & Blood, Benjicot is a young boy when he becomes the head of his house after his father dies fighting in the Battle of the Burning Mill, and fortunately for him, he lives a long life. Without giving away too many spoilers for those who haven't read the book, Benjicot leads an army through multiple battles, one of which being the last of the Dance of the Dragons, the Battle of the Kingsroad. This is where he receives the nickname "Bloody Ben." It's likely we'll get to meet Benjicot in House of the Dragon when the Battle by the Lakeshore takes place, which will likely happen in the third season. Unless the show changes the timeline of events or incorporates him somewhere else, don't expect to see him in the current season.
Despite the timeline not matching up, Fire & Blood fans are still bummed that we don't get to meet Benjicot this early on, and many have taken to social media to express their disappointment. The general consensus seems to be that the actor who portrays Davos Blackwood, Kieran Burton, would be a perfect casting for Benjicot, with some even begging HBO to reuse him when the character is eventually introduced.
In any case, Burton posted some fun behind-the-scenes photos and videos from the set of the new episode which are worth checking out:
We'll definitely be meeting more characters from Fire & Blood as House of the Dragon season 2 continues, even if that doesn't include Benjicot Blackwood. Catch new episodes every Sunday night at 9:00 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
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.