What is Blood and Cheese? Major House of the Dragon moment explained

When it first aired in 2022, HBO's Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon was met with uncertainty. Considering how the final season of Game of Thrones ended, that wasn’t shocking. Instead of being given a finale worthy of the series’ greatness, the end of Game of Thrones was a dud. Fans were nervous about a spinoff that dove into the backstory behind House Targaryen. Some would have prefered a spinoff about Arya Stark, one of the most popular characters who had a life of adventure ahead of her. Thankfully, House of the Dragon was more than a success. It’s a Golden Globe winner.

One advantage that House of the Dragon has is that, unlike Game of Thrones, it's based on a finished book: Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin. That means the previous issues with the finale shouldn’t happen again. Also, if people wonder what’s next, the source material is available. Among the things people want to know is how Daemon Targaryen will react to news about his step-son’s murder. This writer will save you the trouble of reading the books or waiting on season 2. Daemon will react badly, which will lead him to hire a pair of people known only as Blood and Cheese.

WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!

Who or what is Blood and Cheese?

Blood was once a butcher and a soldier in the City Watch of King's Landing. During an intoxicated fury, Blood killed a sex worker. For obvious reasons, he’s stripped of his title. This leads him to go from riches to rags as he ends up in the poorest part of King’s Landing, Flea Bottom. Meanwhile, there’s Cheese. He was a literal rat-catcher in the Red Keep, the castle that houses the Iron Throne where the Targaryen family lives.

Now that you know their past, you can guess how they received their names. Although that’s not what makes them important. Their significance is directly tied to Daemon’s revenge over the death of his step-son Luke, who we saw got chomped to bits by the dragon Vhagar in the House of the Dragon season 1 finale. Vhagar's rider is Aemond Targaryen, who is helping his brother Aegon fight Luke's mother Rhaenrya for control of the Iron Throne. Daemon is Rhaenyra's husband. The battle lines are drawn.

"Debt collectors. An eye for an eye, a son for a son. We only want the one, t' square things. Won't hurt the rest o' you fine folks, not one lil' hair. Which one you want t' lose Your Grace?"

- Cheese

Fans of the show know Daemon is petty and vengeful. The murder of Luke won't be left unavenged. Since Aemond murders one of his sons, Daemon wants to take something away from Aemond, or at least someone on Aemond's side of the conflict. Unfortunately for Daemon, he can’t do the deed himself (he would if he could). That’s where his spy Mysaria comes in. Mysaria contacts Blood and Cheese to exact Daemon’s revenge.

Blood and Cheese’s collaboration works perfectly. Cheese knows the ins and outs of Red Keep, but he’s useless if they run into danger. That’s where Blood comes in. He can slaughter anyone who gets in their way. Together, they made their way into the castle and got the job done horrifically.

Blood and Cheese make their way through the castle until they find Queen Helaena Targaryen, wife of King Aegon, and her children. Helaena has two sons: Maelor and Jaehaerys, heirs to the Iron Throne. Grabbing Prince Maelor Targaryen, Cheese asks which one of her sons she wants them to murder. Helaena offers herself, but is told that Blood and Cheese are there to kill a son for a son. Helaena chooses Maelor (her youngest), but Blood decides differently. He decapitates Prince Jaehaerys and leaves with his head.

The aftermath of Blood and Cheese

Of course, there would be punishment for Blood and Cheese. Blood is found and then tortured to death. Meanwhile, Cheese isn’t found. However, there are still repercussions. King Aegon II orders all the rat catchers in the Red Keep to be killed. To replace them, his uncle Otto brings in a bunch of cats.

As for Prince Jaehaerys' parents, Aegon II wants to invade  Dragonstone, where Rhaenyra has made her base, but is advised against it. Instead, they send Kingsguard knight Arryk Cargyll to penetrate the stronghold. Helaena never gets over seeing her son killed and eventually goes mad.

As with most boo adaptations, things will likely be changed for House of the Dragon. However, at the 52-second mark of the trailer above, you can see Helaena at knifepoint by someone who’s likely Blood. orCheese. This proves that some things won't be switched. Also, with this being an important part of the series, don’t expect this storyline to be altered too much.

Stay tuned to Winter is Coming to see what’s next for House of the Dragon.

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