Home of the Dragon author explains why Rhaenyra needed to be the one to kill [SPOILER]

The throne room in King’s Touchdown has seen myriad emotional and highly effective moments through the years, however Home of the Dragon season 3 episode 2, “Queen’s Touchdown,” depicts probably the most highly effective moments it’s ever seen. Within the ultimate minutes of the episode, Rhaenyra Targaryen manages to lastly declare the Iron Throne; nonetheless it’s not in a second of triumph, however pushed by means of heartbreak, grief, and uncooked emotion.  

The episode begins within the speedy aftermath of the Battle of the Gullet, starting with Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) studying of the loss of life of her son Jace (Harry Collett). Because the warfare momentum shifts and turns towards the Greens, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) makes an attempt to flee King’s Touchdown, paving the best way for Daemon (Matt Smith) and Rhaenyra to assert town for themselves.

Collectively, Rhaenyra and Daemon burst into the throne room. Earlier than Rhaenyra ascends to the Iron Throne, Daemon brings out Alicent’s father and former Hand of the King, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), and implores her to execute him. “In the event you want to rule, present them you don’t waver,” Daemon says. However Rhaenyra reveals reluctance. “I don’t know if I can,” she says. She finally kills him, however she falters, unable to ship him a swift, clear loss of life. 

“We did wish to honour the truth that Rhaenyra had by no means been skilled with a sword earlier than,” showrunner Ryan Condal stated throughout the official Contained in the Episode featurette. “She misses the primary time.”

When Rhaenyra takes her place on the Iron Throne, we see it partially performed out by means of the reflection of Otto’s blood. She steps on the throne as a heartbroken mom; the value of energy. “Rhaenyra really tracks by means of Otto’s blood on her solution to the throne which we simply beloved, and also you get this iconic shot of the throne ready for Rhaenyra, as she climbs it in Otto’s blood,” Condal continued.

As for particularly why Daemon made Rhaenyra kill Otto, author and producer Sara Hess explains, “I feel particularly as a result of she’s a lady, he’s acknowledging that to be able to assume this place, it’s a must to present that you just’re keen to do no matter it takes — even this.”

“Probably greater than the lack of Jace, that’s the second when it comes residence to her that that is what it means to sit down in that chair,” she added. “The collection till now has been driving in the direction of this second. It’s this superb prophecy, and it’s the second the whole lot comes true.”

For star Emma D’Arcy, the scene represents a poignant second in Rhaenyra’s story; it is a fruits of the character’s journey. “I’ve to attend — and the viewers has to attend — three seasons for this second of ascension,” they stated. “I needed the ultimate steps of that journey to really feel extremely exhausting to take. It’s such as you kind of really feel the burden of 4 years of strolling in these final steps.”

Now that Rhaenyra has claimed the Iron Throne, we as followers are going to see a really totally different aspect to her. “The Rhaenyra character that we knew is now a really totally different particular person, from the purpose that Otto’s head rolls away from his physique,” Condal teased.

Home of the Dragon season 3 continues Sundays on HBO.