The “House of the Dragon” season 2 finale, which aired this past Sunday, left fans buzzing with excitement and questions. Here are ten details you might have missed in the explosive conclusion:

#10: Cripples, Bastards & Broken Things

“House of the Dragon” and “Game of Thrones” have this knack for making us feel sorry for characters who’ve done terrible things. In a poignant scene between Larys Strong and Aegon, the burnt King mentions that a valuable piece of his anatomy has been scorched off, cooked like sausage. This mirrors Theon Greyjoy’s torment in “Game of Thrones,” where he had the same body part cut off by Ramsay Snow, who taunted Theon with a piece of pork sausage. Theon eventually overcame his suffering and rediscovered a sense of purpose, a journey Larys encourages Aegon to undertake here. Aegon even considers honorable nicknames, a callback to his struggle with choosing a suitable moniker in the season premiere.

#9: Lord Tyland’s Lunch

On Prince Aemon’s orders, Tyland Lannister engages in shaky negotiations with Triarchy pirates. He ends up mud wrestling with Admiral Sharako Lohar, who repeatedly calls him “Tywin,” the fearsome “Game of Thrones” antagonist. After their tussle, Lohar offers Tyland an unsettling meal, joking about his hesitance to accept. This exchange subtly references the Westerosi law of guest right, which dictates that hosts and guests must not harm each other once food and drink are shared. This law was infamously broken by Tywin Lannister and Walder Frey, leading to their eventual downfalls. Fortunately for Tyland, Lohar’s suggestion appears to be a simple joke.

#8: The North Remembers

“Game of Thrones” began with the Starks of Winterfell, but they’ve been less prominent in “House of the Dragon.” In the season premiere, we met Cregan Stark, who offered Prince Jacaerys support for the war. In the finale, we see Stark soldiers crossing the Twins, waving the direwolf sigil. Jace’s negotiations with Cregan and for passage across the Twins made this march possible. Without this bridge, the northern armies would have taken a longer path, arriving too late to participate in the battle. This glimpse teases more of Cregan Stark’s storyline.

#7: A Wooden Throne

Helaena’s prophetic vision strikes again. When Aemond insists Helaena ride her dragon into battle, she declares Aemond’s rule—and perhaps his life—won’t last long, predicting Aegon’s return as king. She describes Aegon’s throne as “wooden,” suggesting his victory will be temporary and easily challenged. It might also refer to his injuries, making the Iron Throne uncomfortable. It seems neither Targaryen brother has long to wear their crowns.

#6: A Man Without Honor

Criston Cole’s spirits have been low since the battle at Rook’s Rest. He doesn’t resist when confronted by Gwayne Hightower about his past deeds, suggesting true honor doesn’t exist. His breakdown of morality echoes Jaime Lannister’s speech to Brienne in “Game of Thrones,” where Jaime expressed frustration with “honor.” Both men understand that justice isn’t black-and-white. Cole cradles a handkerchief Alicent gave him before battle, showing his heartbreak despite his moral ambiguity.

#5: A New Dragon

The finale introduces a new wild dragon, but there’s another you might have missed. During a scene with the Hightower army, a dragon flies in the background. This dragon is likely Daeron’s Tessarion, who has been hinted at throughout the season. Tessarion might not be as large as other dragons, but her presence with the Hightowers sets up major showdowns.

#4: A Son for a Son

In the final minutes, Alicent and Rhaenyra discuss reclaiming the Iron Throne. Alicent struggles to accept this can’t happen without her first-born’s death. Rhaenyra uses the phrase “a son for a son,” a callback to the season premiere. This phrase underscores the season’s theme of lost sons, bookending the narrative that began with the death of Lucerys Velaryon and Jaehaerys Targaryen. The pattern of loss suggests more tragedies in Season Three.

#3: Who Pays the Price?

In their usual spot, Rhaenyra and Mysaria discuss the casualties of war, with dragons circling above, symbolizing the “Dance of the Dragons” civil war. Mysaria’s question about who truly pays the price shifts the focus to the innocent, including the dragons. The dragons, with no political motivations, are used as tools of war, becoming collateral damage.

#2: Dark Wings, Dark Words

Daemon’s nightmares culminate in a vision at the weirwood tree, resembling Daenaerys’s journey into the House of the Undying. The montage includes white walkers, the three-eyed raven, and colored dragon eggs. Before the vision, a soldier in antler-like armor appears, resembling Robert Baratheon’s battle attire. Daemon later recites the Stark words to Rhaenyra, connecting past and future events.

#1: It’s All a Story

The episode’s subtle motif is the “story” theme, referenced by multiple characters. Helaena warns Aemon with it, and Daemon mentions the “end” of his story when swearing allegiance to Rhaenyra. This echoes Tyrion Lannister’s speech about the power of narratives in the “Game of Thrones” finale. Stories shape heroes and villains, and those remembered well in Westerosi lore win the game of thrones.

These subtle details enrich the story, providing deeper connections to the lore of Westeros and setting up intriguing possibilities for the next season.

Sources: WatchMojo The House of the dragon S02E08 [2024] HBO Entertainment

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