7 Ties That Bind: Game of Thrones & House of the Dragon Characters

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House of the Dragon, similar to Game of Thrones, shares some recognizable landscapes, but the links between the two series may seem vague due to the passage of about 200 years and two centuries of intervening history. House of the Dragon unfolds in this time gap before the happenings of Game of Thrones. Noteworthily, author George R.R. Martin has penned a book detailing all that happens between these two points in Westeros’ timeline. However, the names, positions, and actions of these characters offer enough connections for fans to recognize and appreciate, helping to enrich this fantasy world in a way that truly does it justice.

In both the series ‘House of the Dragon’ and ‘Game of Thrones’, you’ll recognize well-known names such as Targaryen, Stark, Baratheon, Lannister, among others, which hint that they are set in the same universe. However, it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact relationships between characters across shows because George R.R. Martin’s books reveal complex family dynamics like a Lord Baratheon passing Storm’s End to his nephew when he dies without a son. These intricacies make it difficult to follow the genealogy, even though the familial resemblance is evident.

To explore the major connections we’ll uncover, let me give you a heads-up: There are potential spoilers from Fire & Blood and House of the Dragon that lie ahead! Here are seven characters that link House of the Dragon to Game of Thrones.

The Pact of Ice and Fire

In the premiere of House of the Dragon Season 2, we were given a glimpse of Lord Cregan Stark who conversed with Prince Jacaerys Targaryen at The Wall. While it’s already established that Cregan is Jon Snow’s great-great-great-great-grandfather, there might be an even more significant link between the two characters.

Martin’s work hints at an intriguing tale about Cregan and Jace developing a close bond while they were together, with whispers suggesting Jace secretly married Sara, Cregan’s illegitimate sister. The validity of this tale is uncertain, but we do know that Jace pledged to marry his daughter to Cregan’s son – the “Pact of Ice and Fire.” Many fans speculate that this pact held deeper implications, perhaps connected to the subsequent conflict with the White Walkers. Whether there’s truth in this theory or not, it’s intriguing to note that when a Targaryen eventually wed a Stark, it ignited a war throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Jon Snow, being their offspring, might embody the essence of this pact in some fashion.

House Strong

Before I shatter your heart, let me issue one final warning about potential spoilers – by the end of ‘House of the Dragon’, according to Westerosi law, we’ll see the complete annihilation of House Strong, with Rhaenyra’s lover Harwin already deceased. Even if some believe her sons are illegitimate, they will all perish before the conflict is resolved. Lord Larys Strong, the Master of Whisperers, will be put to death for his war crimes, effectively ending their lineage in the eyes of many. However, it’s important to note that House Strong has a reputation for producing numerous bastard offspring, more so than other noble houses in Westeros. There are strong indications that House Strong continues in some form in the subsequent narrative.

Although it’s unclear precisely how powerful genes are passed on, the enigmatic figure of Alys Rivers, often said to be from House Strong, might hold the key. This woman, who governs Harrenhal, will likely maintain her position when this conflict concludes. In George R.R. Martin’s book, it was mentioned that she supposedly gave birth to a child fathered by Aemond Targaryen. The outcome of this tale remains unknown at present.

In some fashion or another, this path may reveal the highly suspected Strong lineage in the upcoming tale, as our main character, Ser Duncan the Tall (also known as Dunk), will star in the new spinoff titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms“. Though he was raised as a peasant, numerous fans believe that he carries Strong blood. Furthermore, George R.R. Martin has confirmed that Brienne of Tarth is a relative of Dunk’s. As of now, this connection remains unexplored, but it certainly sets the stage for plenty of intrigue and suspense throughout the story.

The Sea Snake and the Dragon Eggs

Lord Corlys Velaryon is one of the most captivating characters in Martin’s historical account, yet by the time of “House of the Dragon,” much of his daring exploits have already transpired. Known as “The Sea Snake,” he is a highly respected merchant and explorer who has ventured to numerous remote harbors across the globe, even the enigmatic city Asshai by the Shadow.

Based on current evidence, Corlys’ trip to Asshai offers our strongest theory about the origin of Daenerys’ dragon eggs. In a time preceding Corlys, a Targaryen Princess maintained a close relationship with a rebellious noblewoman named Elissa Farman. Elissa is said to have made off with three dragon eggs from the princess, utilizing them as a means to fund her journey towards the western regions of Westeros. Upon Corlys’ arrival in Asshai, he reportedly spotted Elissa’s ship moored there, leading some to speculate she circumnavigated the globe. The hypothesis among fans is that the eggs Elissa stole eventually ended up with Dany, potentially explaining why she was initially told they originated from Asshai.

Ser Criston Cole

If you find Lord Commander Criston Cole to be portrayed as a villain on House of the Dragon, you’ll find his character even more so in the A Song of Ice and Fire novels. Characters like Daenerys Targaryen, Ser Barristan Selmy, Princess Arianne Martell, and Ser Jaime Lannister all refer to him as a dishonorable traitor throughout history. In fact, Jaime Lannister often ponders Criston’s actions and his own honor, reflecting on how he will be remembered in the pages of history.

House Velaryon

In “House of the Dragon,” the House Velaryon plays a significant role that leaves many viewers questioning their whereabouts during the events of “Game of Thrones.” Despite not being heavily featured or fully developed, the Velaryons were living and thriving in the narrative, and they served under Stannis Baratheon as one of his loyal bannermen during his quest for the throne.

In the books, the Velaryons play a more significant role compared to the TV series, with greater emphasis on naval tactics. Their ships enable Stannis Baratheon to launch an early assault on King’s Landing and swiftly travel north to support the Night’s Watch. Although their distinctive seahorse banners are absent from Game of Thrones, the Velaryons prove crucial to both Stannis’ and Jon Snow’s narratives, serving unnoticed yet heroic roles.

The Three-Eyed Raven

In House of the Dragon, characters from Game of Thrones have only appeared once so far, during Season 2’s finale. This was when Daemon Targaryen experienced a prophetic vision involving Daenerys hatching dragons, the approach of the White Walkers, and a young, mysterious Targaryen with a face marking, entwined in Wierwood roots. This enigmatic figure is none other than Brynden Rivers, also known as Bloodraven or “The Three-Eyed Raven” – the Greenseer who guides Bran Stark into a cave to help him master his powers.

It seems reasonable to infer that Daemon may have caught sight of Bloodraven, given Bloodraven appeared to be observing events from the past through the Weirwood tree. However, this is intriguing because Bloodraven earlier claimed time travel communication was impossible. Yet, we’ve seen evidence suggesting otherwise – Bran managed to influence Hodor in the past. It might simply be a visual device to help viewers understand the vision sequence, but it’s still an interesting link between the characters.

Targaryen Successor

To sum up, it’s clear that House Targaryen maintains control over Westeros for nearly two more centuries following House of the Dragon. This indicates that descendants of their line survive and produce a monarchial lineage that includes Daenerys, with Rhaenyra and Daemon’s sons, Aegon and Viserys, being the survivors. For those seeking spoilers, at war’s end, the 11-year-old prince ascends the throne as King Aegon III, and later, after his demise, his brother becomes King Viserys II.

Viserys’ lineage is what connects to Daenerys, but it’s important to remember that Aegon’s offspring also significantly influenced Westerosi history. If we trace the family tree backward directly, Rhaenyra and Daemon are actually Dany’s great-great-grandparents multiple times over. It would be fascinating if HBO were to explore some of the tumultuous tales of the generations in between as well.

Currently, filming for Season 3 of “House of the Dragon” is underway, with an anticipated release on HBO and Max around 2026. On the other hand, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is slated to debut by the end of this year. George R.R. Martin’s works, including “Fire & Blood,” are already accessible in print, digital, and audiobook formats.

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2025-04-07 00:10