House of the Dragon’s 8th episode, The Lord of the High Tides, had many emotions running high throughout its hour-long drama. The show has made a six-year time jump and many new characters are now in leading roles.
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The episode opens with Corly’s passing, which brings the House Valoryns to the forefront. While Corlys wants Rhaenrya’s son, Luke, to be the heir, his brother, Vaemond, disagrees based on their legitimacy. Thus, a council is called in King’s Landing regarding the succession to the throne. The entire episode introduces the rivalries and relationships that will lead to A Dance with Dragons.
Check out these new stills #HouseOfTheDragonThis Sunday, episode 8 is released. pic.twitter.com/YP1MR53wmh
— House Of The Dragon Source (@HOTDsource) October 6, 2022
In King’s Landing, Otto Hightower and Alicent are ‘ruling’ the Iron Throne as Viserys’ health has deteriorated ten folds. Daemon, Rhaenrya, and Daemon realize this, and they question Alicent about her role in the Iron Throne. Alicent says that she is only filling in as King. In the meantime, Vaemond tells the Queen that the future king of Driftmark will be ‘indebted’ to her, a clear proposal as to what he can achieve if he is named the king. Rhaenryra, who understands the stakes of the claim, tells Queen Rhaenys that she wishes to wed her sons to Daemon’s daughter, a generous offer that allows the twins to rule. Rhaenys is unsure if it’s a generous or desperate offer.
Rhaenrya is horrified to learn that her plan may not work. She visits her father during the night and pleads with him for help. Here is where the show gains many nuances. Viserys walks slowly to the Iron Throne in his hunched position on the day of the hearing. It is his slow and painful walk that is most moving. He came for his ‘only child’, a reference he makes in the previous scene. A guard offers to assist him as he struggles to climb the stairs. He declines. As he climbs higher, his crown falls from the top of his head. Just then, two hands reach out to help him. Viserys believes it to be the guard. However, when he turns around, he sees Daemon.
Episode 8: New Stills#HouseOfTheDragon #HOTD pic.twitter.com/5GVWAhRBGb
— house of the dragon scenes (@sceneshotd) October 10, 2022
After years of silence, the two share a moment in silence. This scene is full of layers. Viserys isn’t just helping his daughter, but also making sure his family remains united. Daemon is unable to help but feel regretful as he watches his brother in decline. Had he stayed back, maybe the greens wouldn’t have become as powerful? Alicent is also different. She seems to be a religious figure. The symbol of the faith that seven is represented by the star-shaped necklace around her neck, Alicent, is the symbol of the faith of seven, a god with seven different faces.
The second nuanced at court is when Vaemond refuses Viserys command and calls Rhaenrya’s sons ‘bastards’. Daemon, who wants Vaemond’s opinion on the princess, shaves Vaemonds head. Alicent glances away, but Aemon is looking at Daemon, possibly realizing that he has met his enemy.
Upon Viserys request to have supper with his family, everyone joins at the table to celebrate Jake and Luke’s betrothal to their cousins and Luke’s ascension to the Driftmark throne. That’s where he urges his family to not fight amongst themselves—not for the sake of the crown but the old man. As he gives his riveting speech, you see the tension on everyone’s face. Viserys soon sees his family happy and everyone calms down.
Episode 8 of the series saw King Viserys crown fall off his head. This was an accident. #HouseOfTheDragon, Matt picked it up, and placed it on Paddy’s head & they liked it and kept it in. pic.twitter.com/U7MV4bpXhw
— House Of The Dragon Source (@HOTDsource) October 10, 2022
The real drama begins when he returns to his home feeling satisfied. As Jake dances with Helaena, Aegon II’s sister-wife, a pig serves ed on the table near Aemond, which makes Jake laugh. Aemond gets angry and gives a speech where he calls them ‘the strong boys’ Jake punches Aemond, and the latter shoves him away. This scene showcases how Aemond and Aegon II will battle against Rhaenrya’s children during the claim for the Iron Throne.
Are we able to appreciate the power of visery’s performance in House of the dragon episode8? #HouseOfTheDragon pic.twitter.com/ILkRpsYM36
— ْ (@reblmoon) October 10, 2022
Alicent seems to be accepting Rhaenrya while they are having dinner. However, while Viserys is on his bed, he calls Alicent thinking it is Rhaenrya and claims that Aegon’s dream was true and the prince that was promised. And he says to ‘Rhaenrya’, “It is you,” he says. “You are the one. This must be done. I believe Aegon should be heir, and you must make it happen.” There is clearly a misunderstanding here, he meant Rhaenrya is the one who will unite the kingdoms. Alicent has likely believed that Aegon, her son, is the rightful heir, having heard this prophecy. Therefore, any possibility of reconciliation is unlikely now.
Here are some key points from the show:
Daemon’s new dragon’s eggs
Episode 8: Daemon Targaryen on Sunday, HBO #HouseOfTheDragon pic.twitter.com/eINk2vc4mT
— out of context house of the dragon (@oochotd) October 3, 2022
Daemon gets three eggs from Syrax (Rhaenyra’s dragon), one of which will eventually be ridden by Rhaena. Rhaenrya will also be acquiring more dragons and riders as A Dance with Dragons begins.
Jake’s High Valyrian lessons
During the history lesson, he tries to recite Aegon’s conquest in High Valyrian, and how the prince “landed at the Blackwater Rush,” a reference to how Aegon came to conquer Westeros. Aegonfort, his first castle (where the Red Keep now stands), built the Blackwater Rush mouth.
Lord Caswell’s significance
He was last seen in episode 6. Since he is Rhaenrya’s supporter, he will eventually be captured and killed for not swearing his allegiance to Aegon.
The seven-pointed star
Alicent, like I mentioned before, is righteous. However, in A Dance with Dragons, Alicent’s son Aegon becomes a part of the Faith of the Seven when Septon Eustace (in the absence of the High Septon), crowns the boy. They are the ones who are keen on backing Aegon’s claim to the Iron Throne.
Otto insults Rhaenrya & Daemon
They are not greeted upon their arrival. Otto later told them that they were given a proper greeting when they met him. This shows Otto’s insensitivity to his rivals.
Ser Arryk/Erryk
Alicent was confused as Arryk Cargylls and Erryk Cargylls, who are identical twins and Kings Guard, were both confused. In Fire and Blood, Erryk replaced Harwin Strong as Rhaenyra’s sworn shield, and sides with her faction in the Dance of the Dragons. His brother, however, is in the side of the greens.
Rhaenyra and Daemon’s son Aegon
Aegon was the name chosen by the couple to insult Alicent. Aegon was also a conqueror. Another link is the fact that Viserys, Daemon also had a brother who died before Viserys turned one. His name was Aegon. Aegon.
Viserys’ mask
The mask may have been used to refer to Baldwin IV, a real-life King who was King of Jerusalem between 1174-1185. Because he ruled with the disease he was called the Leper King or simply The Leper.
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Helaena’s prophecy
At the dinner table, she says, “Beware the beast beneath the boards.” One meaning could be that the beast is a dragon. Mysaria is also known as White Worm. He works from the city’s bottom. A third possibility is Blood and Cheese, who are expected to play a key role in the next season.
