Includes SPOILERS for Fire & Blood, the book House of the Dragon is adapted from.
House of the Dragon season 3 may still be on the horizon, but there’s ample time for fans to ponder which beloved characters might meet their fate when the series returns. This captivating HBO prequel draws from Fire & Blood, a detailed companion book to George R.R. Martin’s iconic A Song of Ice & Fire saga. While it stays true to the lore, the show has taken creative liberties, resulting in a timeline that diverges from the source material in several key moments. Additionally, since the exact episode count for the upcoming season remains a mystery, predicting the developments in the plot and character arcs becomes even more challenging.
HBO has officially announced that House of the Dragon will consist of four seasons in total. This indicates that the anticipated Storming of the Dragonpit event might serve as a climactic ending for season 3. Alternatively, the Battle Above the God’s Eye could also be a suitable conclusion, although the producers may choose to retain certain characters for promotional purposes in season 4. With these speculations surrounding House of the Dragon season 3, viewers can expect a significant number of character deaths that will undoubtedly stir emotions.
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The Fate of Otto Hightower: Anticipated Death in Season 3
Otto Hightower’s Death: A Turning Point After Rhaenyra Retakes King’s Landing
In season 2 of House of the Dragon, Otto Hightower found himself sidelined after King Aegon II Targaryen dismissed him from his role as Hand of the King, replacing him with Ser Criston Cole. Otto’s subsequent journey took him back to the Reach, where he aimed to consolidate the Hightower forces to support his grandson. Throughout the season, the Hightower army was seen on the move, but questions arose about Otto’s true whereabouts and intentions, leaving viewers on edge.
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At the conclusion of season 2, viewers witnessed Otto captured and imprisoned in a dungeon, an event not directly transcribed from the books. This creative decision could significantly alter the timeline of Otto’s demise, as HBO may wish to extend Rhys Ifans’ portrayal on screen. In the original text, however, Otto faces execution following Rhaenyra’s successful capture of King’s Landing, which is expected to unfold in the early episodes of season 3.
4
Jacaerys Velaryon: The Tragic Hero Destined for Death
Jacaerys Velaryon?s Fateful End at the Battle of the Gullet
One of the significant events hinted at in the montage at the end of season 2 is the impending Battle of the Gullet. This confrontation showcases Rhaenyra’s forces clashing with the Triarchy, who are determined to dismantle Corlys Velaryon’s naval blockade. The adaptation diverges from the book’s portrayal, particularly with the introduction of Tyland Lannister, while the absence of Nettles is notable.
The Velaryon fleet loses a significant portion of its ships, and Rhaenyra loses her heir and his dragon.
The death of Jacaerys Velaryon stands out as a pivotal moment during this naval confrontation. Rhaenyra’s dragonseeds, including Jace, heroically join forces to assist the Velaryon fleet in resisting the Triarchy?s navy. Unfortunately, this victory comes at a great cost, resulting in a pyrrhic outcome for Rhaenyra and her allies. The Velaryon fleet suffers substantial losses, and tragically, Rhaenyra loses her heir and his dragon in the chaos.
3
Criston Cole: A Character Set for a Dramatic Downfall
Criston Cole’s Inevitable Ambush by Stark/Tully Forces
The anticipated demise of Criston Cole is likely to evoke mixed feelings among the audience, as it will follow a contentious disagreement over war strategy with Aemond. After Daemon assists Rhaenyra in seizing control of King’s Landing, Cole and Aemond successfully capture the largely unprotected Harrenhal. Aemond, however, embarks on a destructive path, setting the Riverlands ablaze in an attempt to lure Daemon into battle. Conversely, Cole advocates for a strategic retreat to regroup with the Hightower army, showcasing the tension brewing between the two characters.
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Ultimately, Cole’s strategy proves to be the right one, particularly if he had the formidable Vhagar at his side. However, fate takes a cruel turn when Cole is ambushed by the Winter Wolves of the North, alongside forces from the Riverlands. This brutal encounter occurs at a ridge south of the God’s Eye, resulting in the slaughter of Cole and hundreds of his men during the infamous event known as the Butcher’s Ball.
2
Helaena Targaryen: The Foreboding of a Tragic End
Helaena Targaryen’s Fate: A Tragic Conclusion Foreshadowed
House of the Dragon has subtly hinted at Helaena’s tragic fate through various scenes, notably her precarious position near a ledge of the Red Keep during the season 2 finale. The precise timing of her death within the series remains unpredictable, especially considering that it occurs following the demise of her son, Maelor, as depicted in the book. Notably, Maelor has not yet been cast in House of the Dragon, and his absence during the Blood & Cheese killings in season 2’s premiere raises further questions.
After Rhaenyra’s conquest of King’s Landing and the heartbreaking loss of Maelor, Helaena Targaryen tragically chooses to leap from her room in the Red Keep, ending her own life. As a character beloved by fans, portrayed beautifully by actress Phia Saban, this moment is poised to be one of the most heart-wrenching in the series, capturing the profound emotional weight of loss and despair.
1
Storming of the Dragonpit: A Catastrophic Event Ahead
Catastrophic Storming of the Dragonpit: Anticipating Character and Dragon Losses
Many of the fatalities associated with the Storming of the Dragonpit involve minor characters and dragons, which is why it is essential to group these events together. Following Rhaenyra’s victory at King’s Landing, Larys Strong incites unrest among the smallfolk, culminating in a chaotic riot triggered by the untimely death of the cherished Queen Helaena Targaryen. This riot spirals into a sequence of events that leads to devastating losses in George R.R. Martin’s universe.
The chaos results in the deaths of Prince Joffrey Velaryon and several dragons, including Shrykos, Morghul, Dreamfyre, Tyraxes, and Rhaenyra’s dragon Syrax. Although only one dragon has been fully introduced in the series thus far, the emotional weight of dragon and direwolf deaths resonates significantly with audiences, especially considering the horrifying circumstances surrounding these events. As House of the Dragon progresses, this sequence could emerge as one of the most harrowing experiences for viewers.
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