In “The Green Council,” the penultimate episode of season 1 of House of the Dragon, Rhaenys Targaryen emerges as a key power player. Of course, this is no surprise, considering that on top of being a Targaryen, she married into House Velaryon, one of the most powerful and dominant families in all of Westeros.
While the HBO series keeps many aspects of this noble house intact from its source material, Fire and Blood, there are also some notable changes. Many of these radically reshape how viewers are led to understand the various of this noble clan and their impact on the events taking place across the continent of Westeros.
Laena Isn’t Incinerated By Vhagar
One of the most heartbreaking deaths in House of the Dragon is that of Laena who, like so many other noblewomen, finds herself dying in the midst of childbirth. Determined to go out in her own way, she orders her dragon, Vhagar, to incinerate her.
Dramatic though it is, this is a very substantial change from the book. In fact, Laena never manages to make it to her dragon at all. Instead, she collapses, after which she is scooped up by Daemon. However, it is a change that does more justice to her character than she is allowed in the source material.
Laenor Doesn’t Survive In The Book
Though he was only present for roughly half the season, Laenor nevertheless showed himself to be one of the most likable characters in House of the Dragon. It is thus with a sigh of relief that viewers got to see him depart for Essos in the company of his lover, Ser Qarl.
This is a notable change from the book, in which Laenor is slain by Ser Qarl as the result of a quarrel of some sort. What’s more, it is unclear in Fire and Blood just who was responsible for this deed, though the series makes it clear that the scheme was brought together by Rhaenyra and Daemon.
Vaemond Isn’t Executed In Front Of The King
House of the Dragon, like Game of Thrones, contains many random and shocking deaths. One of the most notable of these is the death of Vaemond, who is killed by Daemon after he insults Rhaenyra’s honor in front of the gathered court at King’s Landing.
While Vaemond does die in the book, he is seized by Daemon (on Rhaenyra’s orders) and, after being beheaded, is fed to her dragon. The TV adaptation wants to go for the shock value, while also reinforcing just how willing Daemon is to fight for Rhaenyra’s honor, even if that means flouting the laws of the kingdom.
Other Velaryons Are Punished For Spreading Rumors About Rhaenyra
Obviously, Vaemond’s “execution” in front of the entire court is a shocking moment. It is also quite abrupt in the novel as well, and it endangers, for a time, Rhaenyra’s alliance with Corlys. To make matters worse, in the novel several other of the clan have their tongues taken out for daring to repeat the rumor (at the orders of King Viserys himself).
In the series, there is no mention of this additional gruesome detail. For Viserys, clearly, it is enough that Vaemond has been punished for daring to impugn his daughter in front of the gathered notables of the realm.
In The Books, Rhaenyra Doesn’t Conspire To Help Laenor Escape
The Rhaenyra who appears in House of the Dragon is, in some ways, a softer version of the character, particularly compared to her counterpart in Fire and Blood. One of the most notable changes sees her conspiring with Daemon to help Laenor escape to Essos, freed at last from the chains of duty.
This is a conceit that is totally original to the series. In the books, in fact, Rhaenyra isn't mentioned as being overly ive of her husband's lifestyle though that could just be the maesters not funny knowing. She seems to hold him in the haughty disregard with which she views most people who aren’t her uncle.
Vaemond Is Corlys’ Nephew In The Book, Not His Brother
The Velaryons are, of course, one of the most powerful houses in Westeros. As such, it makes sense that Vaemond, as the younger brother of its head, would see himself as necessarily in line for true power. This element is so important in House of the Dragon because, in contrast to House of the Dragon, Vaemond is Corlys’ brother rather than his nephew.
This is a change that works particularly well for the television adaptation. Among other things, it helps to add another layer to the heated exchanges that happen between Rhaenys and Vaemond as they each vie for control of the Driftwood Throne.
There Were Rumors Corlys May Have Been Involved In The Strongs’ Deaths
The death of Lyonel and Harwin Strong at Harrenhal is a truly stunning moment, in large part because a member of their family is transparently responsible. It’s a haunting reminder of just how fragile the bonds are in Westeros.
In the book, there is far more ambiguity about who was responsible for the atrocity. There were some who suggested that Corlys himself might have done it, to get revenge on the man who cuckolded his son and his family name. The series’ version of the character, however, seems content to believe in the lie, no matter how transparent it is.
Laena’s First Husband Was Slain By Daemon
Daemon is clearly one of Matt Smith’s best roles. He is cruel and cunning, and he is ruthless in his pursuit of the power and influence he feels he deserves. His book counterpart is, if anything, even more so.
One of the most notable things that he does in the books is goad Laena’s first husband into challenging him to a duel, knowing full well that he would almost certainly get the better of him. This is, in fact, exactly what happens, and his killing of the other man smooths his own way into Laena’s marriage bed.
Laenor Actually Had A Funeral
House of the Dragon includes a remarkably moving scene in which the various of House Velaryon grieve the ing of Laena. It provides everyone an opportunity to mourn the loss of someone who was, by all s, well-loved.
In the books, Laenor is given a similar funeral, largely because of his father’s insistence. This scene is lacking from House of the Dragon, presumably because the unfortunate young lord’s body has been so badly burned (in fact, the body is that of an unfortunate servant who was sacrificed so that he could escape to Essos).
There’s No Indication Laenor Rode Seasmoke During the War On the Stepstones
Though Game of Thrones had many great battles, there have been relatively few in House of the Dragon. One of the most notable happens on the Stepstones, and Laenor takes a key role, riding on his dragon Seasmoke and breathing fire on his enemies.
This is a change from the books. Though Laenor was bonded to Seasmoke, there is no specific mention of him going into battle in this way. House of the Dragon clearly wants to establish him as a dragonrider on par with the other of his mother’s family.
