George R.R. Martin’s Rhaenyra Targaryen Is Nothing Like You Think She Is

House of the Dragon ’s second season is already less than a month away from arriving at Max, and all the recently released promo teasers and trailers prove that there’s nothing peaceful and amicable to expect from the approaching installment.

Though the show’s creators already teased much bigger roles for the younger heirs of House of Targaryen divided by a big feud between Rhaenyra and Alicent, the latter ones still seem to be on the forefront of the upcoming full-scale war.

Despite that, however belligerent Rhaenyra appears to be in Game of Thrones ’ prequel, fans of George R.R. Martin’s books aren’t used to seeing her like this at all.

How Is Book's Rhaenyra Different from the Show's?

Compared to the original source, the show’s Rhaenyra Targaryen gets a much more different role with a much more brutal approach. Unlike House of the Dragon, Martin’s Fire & Blood gives a somewhat passive role to the character, leaving her behind the facade of all the gruesome things going on between the members of divided House of Targaryen.

In this regard, given that the book’s Rhaenyra doesn’t express any interest in going to the front line, she seems more of a ruler within her residence rather than a brave soldier ready to fight the enemy with a sword in her hands.

As heir with no role in the direct war in particular, Rhaenyra pays much more attention to the way she’s perceived thanks to her look that never misses an elegant dress or a couple of exquisite jewelries. Even George R.R. Martin himself once stated that Rhaenyra “always dressed richly, favoring purple and maroon velvets and golden Myrish lace in intricate patterns. Her bodice often glittered with pearls and diamonds, and there were always rings on her fingers.”

While reading everything written below, House of the Dragon fans may think there’s some sort of confusion as the whole description is just nothing like the show’s Rhaenyra, and it is actually true.

House of the Dragon’s creators seem to have turned the character to a completely different direction, making her not only the heir whose word decides everything, but also the main warrior among all of the family members, thus making her forget the gowns and diamonds she was once used to.

The second season’s trailers have already given solid proof that Rhaenyra will fight for her right for the Iron Throne with her own sweat and blood exchanging royal clothes for a shield and a sword.

House of the Dragon’s different approach to its main character can result in many different outcomes for Rhaenyra herself, starting from her feminine side fading as she becomes a fierce warrior and ending with some potential dangers coming her way as soon as she appears on the battlefield.

Still, there’s no definite answer yet to all those questions fans are having right now, but things may become clearer once the second season lands on Max on June 16.

Source: So Spake Martin