Throughout the second season of “House of the Dragon,” viewers have been introduced to a variety of new characters whose roles have remained somewhat ambiguous. However, in episode 7, titled “The Red Sowing,” the narrative begins to coalesce, revealing the significance of these newcomers, often referred to as dragonseeds. This episode emphasizes that even amidst the power struggles of nobility, the smallfolk and working class play a crucial role in the unfolding drama.
The episode opens with Queen Rhaenyra encountering Addam of Hull, the new rider of the dragon Seasmoke. Their meeting takes place on a beach, where Addam expresses his desire to learn the art of dragonriding and serve Rhaenyra as queen. When questioned about his parentage, he refrains from mentioning his father, Corlys Velaryon, and instead accepts Rhaenyra’s invitation to Dragonstone.
In King’s Landing, Alicent Hightower is recovering from her injuries sustained during a protest. Feeling disheartened, she seeks solace in the Kingswood, accompanied only by Ser Rickard of the Kingsguard. Meanwhile, Lord Jasper Wylde learns of Seasmoke’s new rider and shares the news with Larys Strong, who decides to withhold this information from Prince Aemond for the time being.
Rhaenyra shares the news of Addam with Mysaria, who suggests that there may be more potential dragonriders hidden among the Targaryen bastards scattered throughout Westeros. Rhaenyra is inspired by this idea and declares her intention to raise an army of bastards. Corlys, upon discovering Addam’s actions, grants him leave from his sailing duties to pursue dragonriding, but their relationship remains unaddressed.
In Harrenhal, the young Lord Oscar Tully has returned as the Lord Paramount of the Riverlands following his grandfather’s death. Faced with the challenge of gaining the trust of the Riverlords, he decides to support Rhaenyra while also addressing the injustices committed against House Bracken. He orders Daemon to execute Willem Blackwood for his crimes, seeking to restore order.
Meanwhile, King Aegon Targaryen is struggling to regain his strength after his injuries. Larys Strong pushes him to work harder, despite the maester’s advice for rest. Corlys attempts to recruit more dragonriders, but Alyn, Addam’s brother, declines the opportunity, preferring the sea over dragonriding. In the Vale, Rhaena Targaryen and Rhaenyra’s sons are sent to Pentos, but Rhaena sneaks off in search of a wild dragon, driven by her lifelong dream of claiming one.
Rhaenyra’s plan to gather an army of bastards raises concerns for her son, Jaecerys, who fears it may undermine his legitimacy as her heir. He is acutely aware of his own status as a bastard, and the potential for other dragonriding bastards to threaten his claim weighs heavily on him. Meanwhile, word spreads in King’s Landing about Rhaenyra’s invitation to Targaryen bastards to Dragonstone, prompting several hopefuls to consider the opportunity.
As the episode progresses, a group of hopefuls arrives at Dragonstone for Rhaenyra’s dragonriding auditions. The dragonkeepers express their disapproval, but Rhaenyra remains determined. She introduces the recruits to Vermithor, the largest dragon after Vhagar. However, chaos ensues when Vermithor reacts violently, setting many of the hopefuls ablaze. Amidst the chaos, Hugh Hammer displays bravery, and Vermithor ultimately accepts him as a rider.
Ulf, another hopeful, inadvertently awakens Silverwing while exploring the dragon lair. Instead of incinerating him, Silverwing chooses Ulf as her rider, leading to a chaotic first flight over King’s Landing. Aemond, witnessing the spectacle, is compelled to pursue them but ultimately decides against confrontation, recognizing the overwhelming odds against him.
As the season approaches its climax, Rhaenyra’s new army of dragonriders is poised for action. The episode concludes with a sense of anticipation, as the stage is set for the impending conflict between Rhaenyra’s forces and the greens.
The episode encapsulates the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and ambitions that define the world of Westeros. With only one episode remaining in the season, viewers are left eager to see how Rhaenyra’s newfound strength will be tested in the battles to come.
Source: ELLE, Forbes
