House of the Dragon’sreturn with season 2 has reinvigorated audiences' love for theGame of Thronesfranchise and its prequel show, with manyanticipating a spectacle full of dragonsand intense politicking. Set hundreds of years before the events ofGame of Thrones,House of the Dragonsees the fight for control of the Seven Kingdoms between two sections of the Targaryen bloodline.
In the emerging war between the Blacks and Greens, several characters offer much to the narrative despite having less screen time than the main characters. Many of these characters would be categorized as underrated, as their contributions to the story are often overlooked.
8Helaena Targaryen
Eccentric Targaryen Who Is Wife To King Aegon
Regarded as eccentric and unusual in her behavior, Haelaena Targaryen gets the least amount of screentime out of her siblings, with her brothers actively playing a part in events. Out of her siblings, Helaena has the best relationshipwith their mother, Alicent Hightower.
When Helaena grows up, she marries her brother Aegon Targaryen, resulting in the couple having children and keeping tradition with the Targaryen customs. After her father’s death, Aegon ascends to the throne, usurping Rhaenyra Targaryen as Viscerys' choice of heir. As a result, Helaena becomes queen of Westeros, and one of the most influential figures in the realm.
7Ser Harrold Westerling
Loyal, Honorable Lord Commander Of The Kingsguard
As theLord Commander of the Kingsguardunder King Viserys, Ser Harrold Westerling is a respected knight throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Westerling has shown great loyalty to Viserys and his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, acting as the sworn shield for the princess in her younger years. After the death of his king, Aegon, the son of Alicent, usurps the throne instead of granting Viserys' wish for Rhaenyra to become queen.
In the chaos that surrounds Aegon’s ascension, Westerling becomes disillusioned with the Hightowers' scheming. The knight leaves his post after the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower, orders him to assassinate Rhaenyra at Dragonstone.
6Mysaria
The White Worm Who Maneuvers From Outside The Red Keep
In King’s Landing, Mysaria, otherwise known as the White Worm, has grown to be one of the most influential individuals in the city, scheming from outside the royal walls. Originating from the eastern lands of Yi Ti, Mysaria has built up her reputation as a master of spies, and is formally the paramour of Prince Daemon Targaryen.
As one of the most powerful players in King’s Landing, Mysaria kidnaps the incoming king, Aegon, toset up a meeting with the Hand of the King. Mysaria’s actions allow many of her wishes to be heard and entertained as policies, as she is keen on ending child abuse within the city.
5Lyonel Strong
Wise, Honorable Lord Who Is Grandfather To The Prince
Lyonel Strong is one of the most honorable and wise lords inHouse of the Dragon,rising up the social ladder through the honest advice he shared with King Viserys. Lyonel’s honest approach with Viserys eventually led to him becoming the Hand of the King when Otto was removed from his position of power.
Despite his ascension in King’s Landing, Lyonel is blighted by Harwin Strong, his son. Harwin becomes the father of Princess Rhaenyra’s three children, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey, while she is married to Laenor Velaryon. Despite Lyonel’s kindheartedness, he and Harwin are killed at the hands of Larys Strong, his younger son. Larys commits these killings in an effort to pleaseAlicent, who wanted Lyonel to confess Harwin’s actions.
4Rhaenys Targaryen
The Queen That Never Was
Rhaenys Targaryen is one of the most famous Targaryens inHouse of the Dragon.The princess is famed for missing out on the Iron Throne to her cousin Viserys, despite her being the rightful heir to King Jaehaerys.
Married to the Sea Snake, Corlys Velaryon, Rhaenys has become an influential figure in Westeros. She even has dragon, Meleys, to command. In theDance of Dragons war that starts to emerge in season 1, both sides attempt to win the favor of Rhaenys and her husband’s house, as the powerful duo is feared across the realm.
3King Aegon Targaryen
The New King Who Acts Like A Fool
Aegon is shown to be an unambitious fool as he grows up in Westeros' capital. The firstborn son between Viserys and Alicent causes problems for many through his behavior. Initially not keen on being king, despite his mother and grandfather’s wishes, Aegon sought to enjoy his affluent lifestyle despite his title.
After his father’s death, Aegon is pushed towards the throne against his wishes, but goes missing before his coronation. After being crowned Protector of the Realm, Aegon is set up to battle Rhaenyra in a war for the crown. Season 2 is set to bethe foreground for the Dance of Dragons.
2Jacaerys Velaryon
Illegitimate Son Of Rhaenyra Who Fights For His Family
As the firstborn son of Princess Rhaenyra, Jacaerys Velaryon is considered an heir to the Iron Throne despite the accusations surrounding his heritage. Despite being the child of Laenor in name,Harwin is the actual father of Jacaerys and his brother. The true nature of their parentage is of great discussion among lords in King’s Landing.
As Rhaenyra’s eldest child, Jacaerys shuts out the noise surrounding his heritage, acting as a responsible royal member who cares deeply for his family. Even amid the animosity between the Green and Black factions, Jacaerys remains focused on his objectives. The young prince even visits the Starks to try and aid his mother’s cause in the fight for succession.
1Corlys Velaryon
The Sea Snake Corlys has become one of the most admired and feared men in all of Westeros. Asthe head of House Velaryon, he is the leader of the royal fleet. Corlys' experience sailing around the world as the captain of the Sea Snake has given him a lot of experience and wealth that has allowed him to head one of the most powerful houses. Married to Rhaenys, Corlys and his wife are ambitious. The pair tries to use their daughter to become King Viserys' new wife, despite her young age.
After the beginning of the Dance of Dragons, Corlys and House Velaryon choose to side with Rhaenyra against Alicent’s wishes. Corlys and his house opt to rebel against the crown and King Aegon. Corlys' support gives Rhaenyra a significant advantage, as Corlys is a master sailor who commands a massive fleet that can be utilized in the upcoming war.
