House of the Dragon Season 2 opened with Jacaerys Velaryon seeking support from major houses in Westeros, particularly House Stark. While speaking with Lord Cregan Stark, he learned more about the long history of the bond between their ancestors.
In times when peace and unity are threatened, a strong support system goes a long way, and it’s good to know that the Starks have never forgotten their oath—the pledge made by Lord Rickon Stark to King Viserys I when the latter named Rhaenyra as his heir in the first season. However, this allegiance holds a more sacred reason that goes beyond the politics of Westeros.
The alliance between House Targaryen and House Stark goes back to the time of Aegon the Conqueror
In Season 2 of House of the Dragon, Cregan told Jace of King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne’s visit to the North and how their dragons refused to cross the Wall. There was already a hint that beyond that barrier was a threat unlike anyone had ever seen before. Of course, there’s an implication that the Starks had always known what the Wall had been keeping out for decades.
Exploring further back in the history of the Starks and Targaryens, Aegon the Conqueror had almost completed his quest when he met Torrhen Stark, the King in the North. Originally, House Stark wanted to stand its ground and resist the foreign invaders, but seeing how Aegon, his sisters-wives, and their dragons decimated several ancient houses, he knew better than to put up a futile fight.
Jace recalled to Cregan how “the great Torrhen Stark would’ve sooner died than bent the knee.” It was always a puzzle for those who have read George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood why the brave, noble lord chose to kneel before Aegon. The prince said so in the same scene: “He believed the Conqueror could bring unity to the Seven Kingdoms,” via Max.
While this is partially true, a popular theory suggests that Aegon might have told Torrhen about the prophecy. He calls it A Song of Ice and Fire, which also hints at the equal role the Starks and the Targaryens play in his dream. After all, when winter has come, and the White Walkers start to invade Westeros, the battle begins in the North. It’s also worth noting that the Starks have always known what lurked beyond the Wall, so it’s possible that Torrhen bent the knee when he heard about Aegon’s vision.
Surprisingly, the prophecy was never mentioned in Game of Thrones, and it seems like Torrhen was the only Stark who knew about it.
Will the Starks have a prominent role in Season 3?
The prequel saga tells the fantastic tale of the Targaryens and the bloody civil war that ensued, but it’s only proper for the series to highlight House Stark and their participation in the Dance of the Dragons.
We hope to see more from the noble Northern house in Season 3 as we anticipate one of the biggest battles in the history of Westeros. Production for the upcoming installment is set to commence next month, so fans may have to wait until 2026 for the premiere.
House of the Dragon is currently available to watch on Max.
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