Me, Everytime I See Gabriel Agreste On Screen:

HotD episode 4 was marvelous, it once again denoted the importance of symbolism, no matter how subte it cues and in doing so, kept my attention solely on the screen for its entire duration.

This episode has left me with a bunch of thoughts and speculations to be made:

We start with the image on Rhaenyra toying with the necklace gifted to her by daemon, even during the tour to select her suitor which set the stage for the rest of the episode quite splendidly.

The scene which took my breath away was actually the one in the courtroom, right when Daemon enters while Rhaenyra stands in the crowd. We see Daemon moving towards the throne in plain sight while Rhaenyra walks towards it in the crowd (making her approach out of the public eye), but in the end, they share a frame and move together. This, once again illuminates the subtle imagery and symbolism.

Daemon clearly showed Rhaenyra the play as a test of her tenacity and determination (you can't change my mind) but at the same time, I think he wanted her to actually open her eyes to observe the realm and not follow Viserys' stead to become a ruler blind to what occurs around him.

I somehow feel that the scene in which Daemon withdraws from Rhaenyra is a great insight to what he's feeling at the moment. It somehow starts as disbelief, verging on regret and later manifests as anger?? Following it, the scene where Daemon asks for Rhaenyra's hand (with a dagger to his throat, commendably) reminds comedically of bridgertons I have to marry you to protect your virtue.

I loved how Viserys didn't spare Otto any agony and embarrassment, and made him spell each bit of the rumor, (painstakingly so).

And, him calling Otto out for spying. Although, it was funny how Viserys called Otto's schemes 'obvious' while failing to notice them for the past 4 years. The bit where Viserys takes away the pin was GLORIOUS.

(I can rewatch this scene a billion times)

The PARALLELS throughout the episode were amazing!

The first one we observe is that while intimacy with Viserys is clearly a means for Allicent to survive despite it making her feel lifeless, (and helpless, all the same). We see Rhaenyra seeking Daemon's touch as it seemingly makes her feel alive and in control of her life.

This also throws light on the subject of free will, while the conversation between Alicent and Rhaenyra already established how Rhaenyra was privileged to receive a choice regarding who shall win her hand, Alicent wasn't. We see the same yet again, when Rhaenyra approaches sir Criston.

Another parallel this episode draws is an ironic one where Viserys tells Rhaenyra to let go of her desires and choose duty while he was the one who refused to marry Leana Valarion in order to marry Alicent. Which highlights the disparity between the genders, once again.

(I have not read any of the books and all these are based solely on my interpretation of the show.)

The Demiurge of Destiny

The silence seeps out of the earth and into her bones.

The darkness creeps, it creeps close and into her soul.

She stands still, unyielding but nonetheless alone.

Her strength comes from those who live down below.

Living in an idyllic fantasy, free from any woe.

As she lifts with her petite hand, the shield to palisade,

The mephistophelian misery that obscures their fate.

She receives no recognition, for in history she has never been portrayed.

She adorns no gowns, no ornaments present in her locks that cascade.

Yet, her eyes they hide behind the vizard as she attends the ephemeral masquerade.

To watch her principles, to keep them safe.

The fires burn bright inside the ostentatious room.

Yet, in her veins, the cold blood morbidly looms.

She makes herself unobtrusive to the human eye.

As she stares at the cacodemon, its flesh charred and dry.

They battle fierce and they battle fast.

Each time they clash, one of them nearly falling apart.

Both fought the other trying to outlast.

The hellion sneers and questions her act, it taunts her, it taunts the people behind her back.

'You fight for them? These people there?

Who burnt your home without care?

Who turned the forests dark with despair?

Who'd agonize in the hurt ne'er?'

She inhales closing the apertures of sight,

Her heart in agony, her mind in plight.

Yet, her body stands, it stands to defend,

Staring at the demon she wills to rend.

'It matters not what my heart decides,

It matters not if the rivers run dry.

Gods are gods till the men decide.

And for these men, I shall lay down my life.'

The night dawns as she enters her hearthstone.

Blood trickles from her side as she suppresses a groan.

Shadows that loom chilling her down to the bone.

Fatigued and weary as she looks at the moon that shone.

She fights her battles, she sits on her throne.

She looks after the humans like they're young saplings she had sown.

She looks out to the horizon and into the unknown.

Shield in her hands, protecting on her own.

HotD episode 9 was bewildering. Being the first episode solely about the greens, I was apprehensive regarding how it'll be carried by the audience... in one word? Powerful.

What truly made the episode were certain quotes which blew my mind.

"We do not rule, but we may guide the men that do."

"And yet you toil in your service to men... you desire not to be free but to make a window in the wall of your prison."

The words which truly sparked the desire to break free in Alicent. Free from the clutches of her father, free to make her own decisions.

We see this particularly during the coronation when:

Alicent is the one on screen, between the swords when the words 'A new king' are spoken.

Alicent stands between Meleys and Aegon. A dragon facing another desiring equal standing. Two queens who never were facing each other.

"It is our fate, I think, to crave always what is given to another. "

Helena's words overlapping with Alicent's meeting with the lords to establish Aegon on the throne. And in the end Alicent and Aemond craving it for themselves.

And finally "There is no power but what people allow you to take."

Mysaria's words left me gaping. It truly embodied the entire scenario of power is temporary being highlighted in the episode.

I believe that we might also compare these words to Aemond's condition as he too is not able to take anything apart from what is handed to him.

(I have not read the books and all my interpretations are based solely on the show.)

HotD episode 8 reminded me of thunder; when quiet, it's easy to forget it's there, but one must never mistake it's silence for weakness.

The entire episode was raging, in it's own subtle way. Littered with silent imagery and all in all was breathtaking.

We see that Rhaenyra, once again wears Daemon's necklace but only in his company, she always chose to wear a different one when in court as if change into battle gear.

When Viserys walks into the throne room, we see his hunched, bent figure which gives us a glimpse of Rhaenyra standing ahead, head high, in front of the throne. We see this again when Viserys steps down from the throne.

We see how Alicent stands outside Viserys' bedpost, only coming in to feed him milk to poppy, to Weaken him. While Rhaenyra sits beside him, to assure, to strengthen. The way Rhaenyra silently weeps while thunder roars behind her.

I LOVE how all the men around Rhaenyra know that the women are strong and capable but never hesitate to defend them. The way Viserys wanted Vamond Valarion's tongue but Daemon claimed his whole head as revenge for speaking against Rhaenyra, how Jace was ready to attack- no, tear apart Aegon for how he disrespected Baela but also, respected her enough to stop when she said so.

The episode also carries several ironies on various fronts.

The way alicent described the star symbols as a sign of presence of higher authority but in the end, after her conversation with Viserys, convinced herself to be the higher authority.

The way the entire scene with the toasts started as seeming genuine to becoming malevolent until the room boiled over with the words 'each of then handsome, wise and strong'

And finally, the way Viserys reach out to the heavens on his deathbed, seeming reaching for Aemma having only two words on his mind... my love.

I have not read the books and all my interpretations are based solely in the show.

How far can a person bend before they break and how long can the broken be wielded before they turn double edged?

This season was so devastatingly beautiful, but ironically, the metaphorical crown wouldn't be heavy if the gemstones didn't dig into the head of the wearer.

Sometimes, the line between mercy and cruelty can be thin.

The reason WHY Claudia resonates so deeply with Aaravos' story is because it's a mirror that she finds herself in. She IS the daughter in the story but not the one who pays the price. No, that was paid by her father... her father, who was brave enough to do what Aaravos couldn't. What's heartbreaking is that she doesn't even realize what she's discarding is the same thing Viren chose to embrace in death; his humanity.

The loss portrayed was so unsettling...

To even the loss we felt as the audience, seeing what made Viren who he was... his own son, to seeing what he made himself and the loss of what could've been and how his death proved the one thing we didn't want him to show... him having a human heart. And that's what this show did magnificently... it made this audience root for people against our will.

From the unfinished story of the lovers forever frozen in time to the mournful ballad rayla sang to console the stormbringer.

The only thing left to see is how these weapons charecters are to be utilized.

How callum will embrace his darkness and if Rayla will be able to kill him if need be. Or if promises will not be the only things to be broken next time.

The Unsung Heroes

He lifts on his shoulders,

The weight of all our sins.

He does not know where his journey began,

Nor how it would end.

He wraps his arms around his sister,

He lifts her off the ground.

Promising to return safely.

A silent wish to which he felt bound.

He kisses his mother's wrinkled forehead,

Cherishing each moment,

Like an extraordinary treasure,

He had just found.

For, far away he would be,

From his family's loving embrace.

Staring at the snow-capped hills,

Or the depths of the sea.

He thinks aloud on peaceful nights,

When the winds lull him to sleep.

'Honor I'll bring to my mother,

The promise to my sister, I'll keep.'

A broken promise, an open wound,

He lies on the ground.

The sanguine hue of his blood,

Cakes the mud around.

I pray for those who stay awake,

In the darkest hours of the night.

Who live and fight for our sake,

Regardless the pain and the plight.

The silence cries, it cries for them,

Those who left behind their names.

A soldier dies, he dies condemned,

Becoming a distant face in a wooden frame.

His sister asks why her brother,

Was mercilessly slain.

His mother's screams echo,

As she screams in disdain.

Heavy breathing, bloodshot eyes,

Where did they go wrong?

Clutching his badge to their chests.

Walking on their own.

After the war, he didn't return,

And they were left alone.

Oh, mighty warrior, our fearless protector,

Never were you wrong.

In the hearts of those who love you,

Always will you belong.

HotD episode 6 was astonishing, I had been unsure of the flow now that the first segment was over but I have been left completely satiated.

My mind was raging by the end of the episode and I couldn't help but awe at the subte portrayals the show holds mastery over.

Once again, the main theme of how a dragon can never be subdued is reflected so calmly yet powerfully.

The true power of House Targaryen over House Valerion.

We first see this in the conversation between Daemon and Leana at the table with the other lords. Laena's wish to decline the offer is ever so silently disregarded. The frame where Daemon's hand rests on top of Laena's, wearing a ring which symbolizes royalty.

We see this yet again, when Rhaenyra has been holding back her anger (even having tears in her eyes) and finally unleashes on Laenor and commands him to remain at her side.

The episode also reflected certain cruel ironies...

Alicent's children only wearing green, symbolizing their mother's banner of war still stands proud while Rhaenyra's children wear blue... the color of Ser Harwin's eyes.

Ser Harwin's created life due to his affliction with a dragon (targaryen), yet rather than being protected by it, he was killed by fire. (I really loved seeing him as a father and I wish we could've gotten more scenes of him with the boys).

Alicent trying to bring back Otto Hightower as the hand only gave light to one cruel fact...Even partiality is fair when it's in favor of our own.

Laena's death was by no means less than that of a dragon rider. While the battle she fought was different, I'm glad Vhagar honored her command. (Her death really brought me to tears) Nevertheless, I'm glad that Daemon refused to make a choice on her behalf. Atleast in that sense, he is better than his brother.

I have not read the books and all my interpretations are based solely on the show.

Link to previous post:

https://at.tumblr.com/strollthroughstars29/coming-to-the-feast/hzcat81w8qxu

HotD episode 10 was a masterpiece, one I both adored and hated. The entire episode felt like a dream of being chased yet having the feeling of not being able to run at all.

There were so many things I wish to highlight. But first, the ironies:

The cruel irony of how everyone had to lose something to attain the crown. While Viserys lost his body, Rhaenyra lost her child (and recieved the crown in front of the pyre)

The way that Daemon ignored Rhaenyra's gut-wrenching calls to him but was the first to bend the knee, fulfilling his role as her ally but failing as her companion.

The fact most predominantly shown was how without the dragons... Targaryens are nothing. To think that the Dance of Dragons began because of a Dragon refusing the command of their rider.

The way Rhaenyra, even through her pain, made it a priority to inform her sons of what had happened in order to save them the pain.

There were also so many parallels in this episode.

Both Daemon and Corlys refusing to acknowledge that they weren't the only ones who have lost a child (completely sidetracking the sentiments of their spouses to have their overdramatic diva moments).

Rhaenyra stripping Otto of his pin, the same way her father did.

Daemon crowning Rhaenyra, the same way he put the crown on his brother's head.

And finally, Rhaenyra receiving the crown standing in front of the burning pyre of her child facing away from it, and in the end... recieving the news of Luke's death standing alone, facing refusal of her claim as a ruler in front of a fire, looking towards it rather than away, thus disregarding her desire to not be a queen of the ashes... now she wishes to set it ablaze herself.

All in all, it was a fitting end to season one and I can't wait to see how season two turns out.

(I have not read the books and all my interpretations are based solely on the show)

Previous

I feel like this season of House of The Dragon is going to be utterly ruthless in it's approach.

As always, the intricacies never fail to take my breath away...

Last season, the opening showed blood on rock... rock that does not stain. But this time, we see blood tainting canvas, likely to leave deep gashes that won't be washed over, won't signify beginning anew.

This is further seen in how the last shot we saw of Rhaenyra was with her back facing the fire and darkness in her eyes. Yet, here we see in in the same room with a map of the seven kingdoms... alit with fire, demanding Aemond's life and walking out without a word.

Fire in all it's duality is clearly seen when alicent lights a candle for Viserys parallel to Luke's pyre being burned and finally as she wished to quell her guilt, lighting a candle for Luke, only for it to cut to Rhaenyra being obscured by flames, signifying that this stain isn't going to be washed off, it's not a rope that's frayed, but one that's cut.

And finally, Helena saying beware of the rats but not knowing who it is... Alys, who betrays information or her, who betrays herself.

In all its glory, there are four fronts that are going to impact the game moving forward:

Alicent's desire for victory, and whether she sees it in sleeping with Crison Cole, or allowing her soul absolvement from guilt by making peace between her and the blacks (Rhaenyra).

Otto's thrist for violence and who he deems (un)worthy enough to sacrifice.

Rhaenyra's vengeance, and which wing will forever be grounded next.

And Daemon's venerence towards Rhaenyra and who he's willing to betray for it.

HotD episode 7 was frightening in its approach. It resonated a single message loud and clear... fire will reign.

The entire episode carried the strength of fire is such a subtle manner that it left me stunned and at a loss of words. Each conflict was illuminated and outlines by bright, raging flames.

The first time we see the symbolism of separation by fire is during the conversation between Viserys and Daemon.

We see it again, when Raenys calls Corlys out for desiring the throne for himself, ending his delusion of righteousness.

We see it behind Alicent and Rhaenyra when Allicent loses control and goes feral as the dam of her patience breaks.

We even see it behind Laenor's 'death' and his end in flames itself.

Another aspect which consumed me was the blood and the comparisons drawn by it.

While on one hand we see Rhaenyra bleeding alone, without Laenor by her side.

We see Rhaenyra and Daemon bleed together as he binds himself to her by marriage.

We also get a beautiful parallel of Daemon and Rhaenyra walking on the same beach where Laenor and Rhaenyra once started their relationship. A new start and perhaps a better one.

In the end, only one thing stands true:

Fire is a prison. The Targaryens are made of fire, meant to burn together.

I have not read the books and all my interpretations are based solely on the show.