Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2 sees Rhaenyra planning the war alongside her small council, which has many members in varying roles. BothGame of Thronesand the prequel series have demonstrated the necessity of the monarch’s small council, with the ruler of Westeros surrounded by different lords, knights, and royal family members who’ve been appointed certain roles. With theBlacks and Greens splitfor the Dance of the Dragons,Rhaenyra’s council consists of many of her local allies, members of her Queensguard, and members of her family.
WhileHouse of the Dragon’scastisn’t quite as expansive as that ofGame of Thrones, war is spreading across the continent, and new characters have entered the fold as houses from around the realm pick sides. Season 2’s premiere has confirmed that Rhaenyra’s influence has expanded to the North and the Vale, but there are more local houses from the Crownlands who’ve sworn fealty to her, such as House Velaryon and House Staunton.Her small council is commonly referred to as the Black Councilin the source material bookFire & Blood, which will be used for extra context.
16Rhaenyra Targaryen
Rhaenyra Leads The Black Council As Queen
Queen Rhaenyra herself is the leader of the Black Council and has the final say in their decisions. According to King Viserys and the oaths sworn by many of the great houses of Westeros,Rhaenyra Targaryen is the rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms, making Aegon II a usurper. The purpose of the Black Council is to see Rhaenyra take control of the Iron Throne in King’s Landing, with various members having vastly different perspectives on how to do so. Season 2 has seen Rhaenyra take steps to avoid a violent cycle, but war inches toward her regardless.
Every Death In House Of The Dragon Season 2
House of the Dragon season 2 is already racking up its death count. After the first two episodes, here are the characters who have already fallen.
15Daemon Targaryen
Daemon Is Rhaenyra’s Husband, Making Him King Consort
Daemon is Rhaenyra’s wife/uncle, who’s regarded as one of the most prominent warriors and dragonriders in the Seven Kingdoms. He’s beengranted the title King Consort on the TV series, which specifically denotes that he is not the ruling monarch. Once the heir to the Iron Throne himself due to being King Viserys' brother, there seems to still be part of Daemon who wants absolute power for himself, but his and Rhaenyra’s interests align well enough for him to remain with her. He and his dragon Caraxes leave to bring Harrenhal and the Riverlands over to the Blacks.
14Rhaenys Targaryen
Rhaenys Is A Member Of The Targaryen Family And A Dragonrider
Rhaenys Targaryen is anotherpowerful dragonrider who’s granted a position on the council as a member of Rhaenyra’s royal family. Rhaenys is the wife of Lord Corlys Velaryon and was pivotal in season 1 in bringing House Velaryon onto Rhaenyra’s side, making her an immensely valuable ally. While not always keen on Rhaenyra in season 1, her role in the Black Council has seen Rhaenys come to the defense of her cousin, enforcing Rhaenyra’s rule even against Daemon and helping her maintain order against outspoken lords.
13Corlys Velaryon
Corlys Is The Lord Of Driftmark & Leader Of House Velaryon
Corlys Velaryon is an invaluable member of Rhaenyra’s council, though he hasn’t consistently occupied his seat there in season 2.Corlys commands the largest fleet in Westerosand is the ruler of one of the continent’s wealthiest families. In response to Aegon II and the Greens usurping the Iron Throne, Lord Corlys has established anaval blockade of King’s Landing in the Gullet, blocking many of the capital’s main maritime trade routes. Corlys Velaryon is undoubtedly one of the most powerful characters inHouse of the Dragonseason 2.
12Jacaerys Velaryon
Jacaerys Is Rhaenyra’s Son & Heir
Rhaenyra’s eldest son, Jacaerys Velaryon, has proven his worth and position on the Black Council by delegating with House Stark and House Arryn, bringing valuable allies to his mother’s side. Jacaerys is young, but he’s a dragonrider who is passionate and competent in supporting his side. Season 2 shows that he’s granted attendance in the Black Council as a member of Rhaenyra’s loyal family and, importantly, as Rhaenyra’s heir.If Rhaenyra wins the Iron Throne, Jacaerys will one day rule as king, making his personal stake in the Dance of the Dragons quite high.
11Lucerys Velaryon
Lucerys Was Rhaenyra’s Second-Born Son
Lucerys Velaryon sat on the first Black Council at the end ofHouse of the Dragonseason 1 despite his young age. As a boy of roughly the age of 12, Lucerys rode the dragon Arrax. Both were killed in theHouse of the Dragonseason 1 ending, serving as the catalyst for the Dance of the Dragons kicking off into a violent cycle. Aside from being part of Rhaenyra’s royal family, automatically granting him a seat, Lucerys Velaryon was the heir to Driftmark and the holdings of House Velaryon. His death creates an issue for Corlys in season 2, as the Seasnake is left without an heir.
How Many Kids Rhaenyra Has In HOTD, Who The Father Is, & What Happens To Them
Rhaenyra Targaryen’s children from her marriages with Leanor and Daemon all played important roles in the Dance of the Dragons and what came after.
10Baela Targaryen
Baela Is Daemon’s Daughter
Baela Targaryen is the daughter of Prince Daemon Targaryen and the late Laena Velaryon, making her the granddaughter of Corlys and Rhaenys. As a member of Rhaenyra’s family and as the betrothed to Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, Baela has a seat on the Black Council. InFire & Blood, her dragon Moondancer is too small during the early stages of the Dance of the Dragons, but the colorful green dragon has been aged up slightly for the series.Baela is a competent dragonrider, making her of incredible value to the Blacks.
9Rhaena Targaryen
Rhaena Is Daemon’s Daughter
Rhaena Targaryen is Baela’s twin sister, who was previously betrothed to Lucerys Velaryon. She’s barely appeared in the TV series so far, but her familial relations grant her a position on Rhaenyra’s council. Rhaena’s dragon, Morning, isn’t large enough to be ridden during the early stages of the Dance of the Dragons, making her primarily a background character during the early stages of the series. Upon House Arryn’s request for a dragon, Rhaena, the young prince Joffrey Velaryon, and their dragons are sent to Gulltown for safety during the conflict.
8Lord Simon Staunton
Simon Staunton Is The Lord Of Rook’s Rest
Lord Simon Staunton is the first member of Rhaenyra’s council who isn’t part of the Targaryen or Velaryon families. He’s thehead of House Staunton and the Lord of Rook’s Rest, a fortress notable for its strategic location in the Crownlands. He’s a lesser lord in the grandstanding of Westeros, but his name and castle are of importance to the Dance of the Dragons, as the Battle of Rook’s Rest is a pivotal moment in the conflict.
7Lord Bartimos Celtigar
Bartimos Celtigar Is The Lord Of Claw Isle
House Celtigar has distinct ties with the Targaryens, as they’reanother noble house with Valyrian blood. Lord Bartimos Celtigar is introduced at the first assembly of the Black Council inHouse of the Dragonseason 1, where he bickers with Lord Staunton. Despite his minor appearances in the TV adaptation, he plays a vital role in the Black Council’s decisions inFire & Blood, and the book details that he’s known for his wealth and ingenuity.
