Summary
Another brilliant episode from House of the Dragon. The huge time jump has finally taken place, and it’s improved the show. With tension at an all-time high, it’s gripping to see the characters battle against each other. And plus, in the episode, we see yet another violent death.
This recap of the HBO series House of the Dragon season 1, episode 6, “The Princess and the Queen” contains spoilers.
It’s been well documented that a time jump would be happening, and it feels like this would be the perfect episode to do so, especially after House of the Dragon season 1, episode 5. Read the recap below to see if it finally happened.
House of the Dragon season 1, episode 6 recap
The time jump takes effect as soon as the episode starts, as episode 6 of House of the Dragon begins with the older Rhaenyra giving birth. But as soon as she gives birth, her staff say that the Queen, Alicent, demands to see the baby. So, despite the pain, Rhaenyra takes the baby, a boy called Joffrey, herself to see Alicent. Ser Laenor learns what is having to do, and he helps her as she struggles to walk through the palace. Once they reach Alicent quarters, which Criston guards, an aged Viserys offers congratulations.
Alicent takes the baby from Rhaenyra. When Alicent is alone with Ser Laenor, she remarks that maybe one day he will have a child that looks like him. But who is the father? Most likely Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor’s commander — Ser Harwin. Alicent tries to reason with Viserys that Rhaenyra’s children are not those of Ser Laenor. But it seems that he has no interest in listening to such claims. Only Criston seems willing (and able to believe) Alicent’s claims. As Aegon has a wank on the window sill, his mother disturbs him. She rants about Rhaenyra and explains to her son how Rhaenyra will challenge him and even bring him harm when Viserys dies, and everyone tries to secure the throne. It seems that Aegon and Rhaenyra could have quite a battle between them.
Prince Daemon and Lady Laena are now married. But rather than live somewhere permanently, they are guests. Which, as Daemon puts it, means they have no responsibility. However, the pregnant Laena wants their children to live according to their birthright. Rhaenyra listens as Ser Harwin gets shouted out for having relationships with her, with the warning being that if news came out that her children were his, it would be disastrous for all. Ser Laenor gets steaming, likely with one of his lovers. His drunk arrival annoys Rhaenyra. She tells him of the disgusting rumors that plague their family. She reminds him that whilst they both agreed, he can not abandon his family now. So, as heir to the throne, she commands him to remain at King’s Landing.
The ending
Whilst initially it seemed that Daemon and Laena had a happy marriage, it sounds like Daemon pines for Rhaenyra, something that Laena is more than aware of. During council, Rhaenyra tries to befriend Alicent by suggesting their children join together to rule the kingdoms. But Alicent doesn’t take nicely to the offer; in fact, she believes that Rhaenyra is acting out of desperation. The situation continues to stress Alicent out, and she is concerned that no one in King’s Landing will take her side. One of her supporters, though, goes to some prisoners that have been sentenced to death. In exchange for mercy, he has their tongues removed.
Laena attempts to give birth as a stern Daemon watches. But the child seems unable to come. Next, she goes to one of the dragons and has herself burnt to death as Daemon watches. One of Rhaenyra’s sons asks if he is a bastard. The next day, she tells her husband that they are leaving. But she does allow him to bring his lover along with them. At the end of the episode, Rhaenyra and her family leave King’s Landing as another city gets burnt into ruin. And Alicent has found herself thrown directly into the middle of it all. Has she just made a deal with the devil? It seems so.
What did you think of House of the Dragon, episode 6? Comment below.
Additional reading
