House of the Dragon Season 2: The Easter Eggs of the Third Episode
The third episode of the second season of House of the Dragon, The Burning Mill, is the one that completes the war set up on the chessboard of the Dance of Dragons. After watching, all the pawns are in place to begin this epic and inevitably bloody clash. We left Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) still intent on trying to behave as her father, King Viserys I, would have done, attempting the path of diplomacy. Completely the opposite of Daemon (Matt Smith), who instead reacted immediately to the killing of Lucerys by Aemond, hiring two assassins to eliminate the son of Aegon II. Advised by Rhaenys, Rhaenyra plays her last card before the battle begins: she infiltrates King’s Landing to secretly meet Alicent (Olivia Cooke) in the church, the only moment of the day when she is alone. Hoping for her sanity in the name of the times when they were best friends and confidants, the Black Queen asks the Green Queen for a meeting point.
House of the Dragon Season 2: The Easter Eggs of the Third Episode
But, even if the latter does not have the former arrested, one thing is certain: she has no intention of taking a step back. Not even faced with the revelation of the dream of Aegon I The Conqueror, told to her by his father, who also repeated it to Alicent on his deathbed, Rhaenyra manages to move what has now become a dangerous adversary. Aegon II’s mother mistook Viserys I’s words for a desire to name their son king, but once the mistake is revealed, things don’t change: Alicent is not willing to put her family aside. The time for speeches is therefore over: it’s time to take action. While waiting for the atmosphere to heat up, let’s find out what Easter eggs are for the third episode of House of the Dragon Season 2.
What is the Battle of the Burning Mill: Blackwood and Brackens?
The title of the third episode of House of the Dragon refers to the Battle of the Burning Mill. At the beginning of the episode, we see two houses clash, both from the Riverlands: House Blackwood of Raventree Hall, an ancient dynasty loyal to House Tully and allied with the Blacks, and House Bracken of Stone Hedge, supporters of the Greens. Together with Daemon Targaryen, the Blackwoods defeat the Brackens. Among the various characters introduced we also see what appears to be Benjicot Blackwood, played by the actor Kieran Burton. Here he is still young, but in the saga, he will have an important role, becoming Lord of Raventree Hall and head of House Blackwood, making himself known by the nickname of Bloody Ben.
Funeral of the Twins!
At the end of the second episode of House of the Dragon Season 2 we saw the twins Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk Cargyll, played by actors Elliot and Luke Tittensor, buried in the same tomb. Separated in life, they are united in death: this is one of the many omens and clues that anticipate what will happen in the Dance of the Dragons. The clash can only lead to a fight between brothers and, as we know from Game of Thrones, this war has terribly weakened House Targaryen.
Daemon Goes to Harrenhal!
As a first move Daemon goes to Harrenhal, the largest castle in Westeros, now reduced to ruins, by the Targaryens themselves: it was Balerion, Aegon I’s dragon, who destroyed it, in what is called the burning of Harrenhal, which started the War of Conquest. It is located on the northern shore of the Gods Eye Lake in the heart of the Riverlands, south of the Trident and northwest of King’s Landing. Built by Harren Hoare, called Harren the Black. As Larys Strong tells Alicent, Harrenhal is a cursed place: it is said that it issues a death sentence on anyone who passes through its gates. We see Daemon take over Harrenhal, taking it from the control of House Strong: the castle is an important strategic point, from which the Blacks can launch dragon attacks on the surrounding lands.
Who is Alys Rivers?
This episode introduces the character of Alys Rivers, played by actress Gayle Rankin. She is a healer who works for House Strong in Harrenhal. Her last name, Rivers, is a sign that she is an illegitimate daughter of the Riverlands, as that is what children born out of wedlock are called in that region. Keep an eye on her, as she will have a major role.
Milly Alcock’s Cameo
She was one of the most beloved of the first season and for good reason, since she was also chosen to be the new Supergirl: Milly Alcock, who played the young Rhaenyra, returns for a brief cameo. The actress appears in fact as a dream of Daemon, who imagines his niece, as well as his wife, as a young girl. The man is still torn about his feelings for the Iron Throne: he is still hurt by the fact that his older brother never considered him as an heir, but he sees that role as a responsibility that he does not want to take on completely. This vision represents Daemon’s sense of guilt for the murder of Jaehaerys by Blood and Cheese.
Who is Ser Gwayne Hightower?
The new characters aren’t over yet: in this episode, Ser Gwayne Hightower, Alicent’s younger brother and Otto Hightower’s son, also makes his entrance. He had made a brief appearance in the tournament of the first season, but we had not yet seen his face: he is played by the actor Freddie Fox. He is a knight and an officer of City Watch.
The Velaryon Dynasty
As you may have guessed by now, you should not get distracted for a moment while watching House of the Dragon: even the character who seems less important, or who is seen fleetingly, could have a very important role. Among the fundamental dialogues that we see in episode 2×3 of House of the Dragon, there is certainly the discussion between Rhaenys and Corlys. The two spouses talk about choosing the heir of Driftmark: the woman wants Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell), instead the man wants Joffrey. When Rhaenys points out that Joffrey would not have the blood of the Velaryons, because he was not conceived by Rhaenyra together with their son Laenor, Corlys says a decisive sentence: ” History does not remember the blood, but it remembers names “. Keep it in mind for the future.
Daenerys’ Dragon Eggs?
With war imminent, Rhaenyra is concerned with the safety of her lineage: she entrusts her young children to Rhaena, who rides the dragon Morning and also gives her four dragon eggs. Her task is to bring everyone to safety in Pentos. If you look carefully, three of the eggs you see are most likely those that will be inherited by Daenerys Targaryen.
Larys is Aegon II’s Master of Whispers?
In times of war, you need to fight on multiple fronts: some deal with dragons and military strategy, and those who provide secrets and details thanks to their network of spies and informants. If Lady Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno), also called White Maggot, has become the Master of Whispers of Rhaenyra, we see that Lord Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) is now the Master of Whispers of Aegon II.
