Warning: Spoilers Ahead
Devoted fans of House Of The Dragon have been left reeling by the “heartbreaking” events at the climax of the show’s new episode.
The second season of the Game Of Thrones prequel series, based on George R.R. Martin’s 2018 book Fire & Blood, is being released in weekly episodes, with the fourth having arrived last night (July 7) on HBO in the US.
The season picks up following King Aegon II’s coronation and the death of Queen Rhaenyra’s son, with House Targaryen divided in two. With Aegon II ruling from the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra and her Black Council consider their next move, with civil war looming.
In the aftermath of the shocking events at the end of episode four, in which Princess Rhaenys (Eve Best), ‘The Queen Who Never Was’, is killed along with her dragon Meleys, many fans took straight to social media to share their reactions.
“Salute to House of the Dragon,” wrote one X user. “Which just dropped an all-timer of a Game of Thrones episode in what’s already been a spectacular season, so far.”
“That was one of the greatest fantasy battles ever put to screen. Jaw-dropping & heartbreaking in equal measure. I’m devastated.”
Salute to House of the Dragon, which just dropped an all-timer of a Game of Thrones episode in what’s already been a spectacular season, so far. That was one of the greatest fantasy battles ever put to screen. Jaw-dropping & heartbreaking in equal measure. I’m devastated 😭 #HOTD
— Luke Elliott **Mostly Updates** (@LuminousLuke) July 8, 2024
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Other fans pointed out that the tragic events of the new episode are even more poignant when considered alongside previous revelations.
“In case Rhaenys’ death had not hurt you enough, I come to remind you that Vhagar, before being Aemond’s dragon, WAS LAENA VELARYON’S,” wrote one attentive X user. “RHAENYS DIED AT THE HANDS OF HER DAUGHTER’S DRAGON.”
In case Rhaenys' death had not hurt you enough, I come to remind you that Vhagar, before being Aemond's dragon, WAS LAENA VELARYON'S.
RHAENYS DIED AT THE HANDS OF HER DAUGHTER'S DRAGON 💔💔💔#HouseOfTheDragon#LaCasaDelDragon#HotD pic.twitter.com/xxCrA4VTdY— Dracarys ⧗🔥🖤 (@julsbay99) July 8, 2024
Check out other reactions to Episode Four below.
Rhaenys and Meleys my heart is broken 💔🥹#HouseOfTheDragon #HOTD #ACasaDoDragão pic.twitter.com/fAXmBhZ50G
— @TuitaaWill 🐺 (@WillscgPriv) July 8, 2024
Me trying to save Meleys and Rhaenys #HouseOfTheDragon #HOTD pic.twitter.com/GGoawvufGn
— Sancheezzzy (@Scoby20) July 8, 2024
While other dragons are throwing flames.
Meleys was throwing hands and feet! 🐉#DemDragons #HOTD
pic.twitter.com/cyUgL6uVVl— Darren (@DarrenNesbitt) July 8, 2024
Me trying to stop vhagar from sneaking up on Rhaenys: #HouseOfTheDragon #hotd pic.twitter.com/2PWOotuZKa
— Targ 💭 (@1llicitBuck) July 8, 2024
Aegon trying to speak High Valyrian to Aemond #HousOfTheDragon #Hotd #demthrones #DemDragons pic.twitter.com/tCXE7Rlko6
— J. (@Prettyboyj) July 8, 2024
Mood right now after what just happened. #HouseOfTheDragon #HOTD #DragonsYall pic.twitter.com/MuJYicnmyi
— Geeks of Color (@GeeksOfColor) July 8, 2024
After Miguel Sapochnik departed co-showrunning duties after the first season, this second batch of episodes is being solely led by Ryan Condal. Cast members include Matt Smith, Emma D’Arcy, Rhys Ifans, Steve Toussaint, Eve Best, and Olivia Cooke.
Prior to the season two premiere, House Of The Dragon was renewed for a third season in June 2024.
It was also announced last month that the next Game Of Thrones spin-off TV adaptation is set to hit screens in early 2025. Currently titled A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms, it has begun filming in Belfast, although an exact release date has not been confirmed.