House Of The Dragon episode 1 recap: Could Rhaenyra Targaryen eventually sit on the Iron Throne after her father Viserys’ reign comes to an end?-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro

The young princess stands in front of her father on the Iron Throne (Picture: HBO)

Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon episode 1 and content warning for references to birth trauma and baby loss.

Three years after Game of Thrones came to an end with its contentious eighth season, the world of Westeros is back in the form of new prequel series House Of The Dragon.

The show kicked off with a bang with the release of episode 1, which saw viewers introduced to characters including Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock), her uncle Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), her father King Viserys Targaryen I (Paddy Considine) and the Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans).

Taking place 200 years before the events of the original series, the premiere of the season featured one of the most disturbing moments ever seen in a GOT-related production as Queen Aemma (Sian Brooke) goes into labour, shortly before losing her life.

It also set the scene for the narrative that will unfold over the next nine episodes, after Rhaenyra – who will later be seen depicted by Emma D’Arcy in her adult years – is named heir to the Iron Throne.

History behind Viserys’ ascension to the throne unveiled

House Of The Dragon begins with a much-needed history lesson, as viewers discover how it is that Viserys came to become King following the previous monarch’s death.

The choice for an heir was between cousins Viserys (far left) and Rhaenys (far right) (Picture: HBO)

After the King before him lost both of his sons, two members of the Targaryen clan were eligible to be named the next heir to the Iron Throne – Viserys, the King’s oldest male descendant, and Rhaenys, who was the King’s oldest descendant and a woman.

Following a vote of more than 1,000 lords, the results of which were read out at Harrenhal, it was confirmed that Viserys had been chosen to become the next in line to the throne, leaving Rhaenys to become known across the realm as the ‘Queen Who Never Was’.

Prince Daemon and gold cloaks strike fear in heart of King’s Landing

From the start, it’s made very apparent that Prince Daemon – the King’s younger brother – is perceived by the King’s small council as something of a loose canon, despite his sibling letting him off for his behaviour with a slap on the wrist.

Daemon wastes no time in using the Gold Cloaks to demonstrate his power (Picture: HBO)

Viserys decides to place his sibling in charge of City Watch, known widely as the Gold Cloaks… but doesn’t realise how his brother will use his newfound position to strike fear across King’s Landing.

In a fashion true to Daemons’ cutting nature – but still shocking nonetheless – he roots out criminals across the city, chopping off the hands of thieves, having the penis of a rapist sliced off and cutting off the heads of murderers.

Birth ends in tragedy as Queen suffers horrifying fate

As Queen Aemma goes into labour, the bloodshed of the childbirth bed draws parallels with the violent clashes taking place between knights at the tournament being held in honour of the King’s heir, where one competitor sustains an axe to the face.

However, the childbirth takes a far darker turn when Viserys is told by the Maester that he must face a devastating choice after they fail to deliver the baby safely, who they realise is breach.

Viserys is told that he must decide whether to leave his baby’s fate to the gods or allow the Maester to cut directly into Aemma’s stomach, knowing that doing so will result in her death.

Aemma, who’s been given milk of the poppy to ease her discomfort, has no idea what’s going on as she’s pulled down the bed and each of her limbs is pinned down on the bed, but as she spots the Maester approaching her with a knife, she screams out to her husband to stop.

In one of the most horrifying moments ever witnessed in a Game of Thrones-related production, the incision is made as Aemma screams out in pain, and the attendants reach into her womb to retrieve the baby.

The King is left devastated by his loss (Picture: HBO)

While they initially manage to deliver Viserys’ baby son Baelon as he mourns his wife’s death, it later emerges that the child died after just a few hours.

Viserys makes history naming Rhaenyra his heir – but will she remain that way?

In the wake of his wife’s death, Viserys is forced to endure a small council meeting where the other lords question who will be the next heir to the throne.

The young princess has endured years of her father being desperate for a son (Picture: HBO)

While his brother Daemon was initially next in line to inherit the title, everything changes with Viserys learns about a speech his sibling made at a pleasure house to his Gold Cloaks, where he dubbed his late nephew ‘heir for a day’.

Viserys banishes Daemon from the city and tells Rhaenyra in their first conversation since the funeral that he’s naming her his heir, the first time a girl or woman has officially been named as such.

Having informed her of the ‘dream’ their ancestor had about the Song of Ice and Fire – a premonition of the events that are to come in Game of Thrones in the fight against the White Walkers – Viserys has the lords of the land pledge their allegiance to him and Rhaenyra as his heir in front of the Iron Throne.

But is she to retain her position in the line of succession? Or could someone usurp her? As fans know full well, everything’s up for grabs in this game of thrones.

House Of The Dragon is available to watch on Sky Atlantic and NOW, with new episodes released at 2am on Mondays.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : House Of The Dragon: Where have you seen the Game Of Thrones prequel cast before?

MORE : Who is House Of The Dragon star Milly Alcock and how old is she?

Entertainment – MetroRead More