Season 3 of House of the Dragon has been hailed as a masterpiece, answering pressing questions from fans. The season adapts George R. R. Martin's Fire and Blood, focusing on Rhaenyra Targaryen's long struggle for the crown. After years of being denied her birthright and suffering heavy losses, she finally begins to assume the role she was destined for.
Emma D'Arcy, who plays Rhaenyra, told Elle about her character's journey: "I guess there's something about that final ascent describing the whole journey to this moment, i.e years of interpersonal complication, of fighting for her own legitimacy, of navigating untrustworthy actors. I suppose I wanted her to have to carry years of difficulty up the stairs."
Rhaenyra Claims the Iron Throne
In Season 3, episode two, Rhaenyra makes her long-awaited return to King's Landing to claim the Iron Throne. However, the path is not straightforward; she is forced to make a brutal choice that results in a shocking death. Despite seizing the throne, Rhaenyra is far from victorious in the Dance of the Dragons.
Prince Daemon (Matt Smith) earlier experienced a vision of Rhaenyra seated on the Iron Throne, convincing him she is the chosen one to unite the realm against darkness. This vision inspires Rhaenyra to take power.
What Becomes of Rhaenyra in Fire and Blood?
In the original source material, Rhaenyra becomes Queen of Westeros, but her reign is short-lived. The moment she sits on the Iron Throne, the ancient seat—forged from melted swords—carves into her legs and hands, a grim omen that the throne itself rejects her claim.
The common people turn against her, spreading tales of her cruelty, triggering a series of catastrophes and betrayals. Left defenceless, she flees King's Landing with her only surviving son, Aegon the Younger, and retreats to Dragonstone.
But her brother Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is already waiting. He and his dragon, Sunfyre, have seized Dragonstone and killed Rhaenyra's allies. In a harrowing turn, Aegon has Rhaenyra devoured by his dragon while her son watches in horror.
Game of Thrones Confirmed Rhaenyra's Fate
Rhaenyra's death was referenced in the original Game of Thrones series. In a scene from Season 3, Joffrey Baratheon (Jack Gleeson) tells Margaery Tyrell (Natalie Dormer) while touring the Sept of Baelor: "Rhaenyra Targaryen was murdered by her brother, or rather, his dragon. It ate her while her son watched. What's left of her is buried in the crypts right down there."
Who Plays Rhaenyra Targaryen?
Two actors portray Rhaenyra across different time periods. Emma D'Arcy, 34, plays the adult version, having previously appeared in Wanderlust and Truth Seekers. Milly Alcock, 26, plays the younger Rhaenyra; she starred in Upright and is currently playing Supergirl in cinemas, a role she will reprise in the upcoming film Man of Tomorrow.
House of the Dragon Season 3 is streaming on Sky Atlantic, NOW, and HBO Max.
