“House of the Dragon” is, just like its predecessor “Game of Thrones,” a fantasy-series. But if you look a few hundred years into the past, you can quickly see that the stories are not entirely fictional.
What was the template? The historical template for both series lies in English history.
- Game of Thrones is based on the conflict between the houses of York and Lancaster – aka Stark and Lannister. This conflict is also known as the “Wars of the Roses.” It took place, with interruptions, from 1355 to 1485.
- House of the Dragon was inspired by the English Civil War, which raged from 1135 to 1154 after the death of King Henry I in England. This period is also referred to as “the Anarchy.”
These historical references are not surprising. The author of the book template, George R.R. Martin, is a huge history fan, having previously written historical short stories and even studied history as a minor.
Rhaenyra really existed
Many of the actions in House of the Dragon seem like fictional drama. However, the events are not that unrealistic – apart from the dragons, perhaps.
Even Rhaenyra Targaryen truly existed. However, she was not named Rhaenyra but Matilda, also known as Empress Maud.
- Matilda was also supposed to become queen after the death of her father, King Henry I.
However, the Catholic Church and the population did not want to accept a woman as ruler, and she was denied the throne. But let’s start at the beginning:
How did it all begin? The tragedy began in 1120 when the only heir to Henry I’s throne, William Adelin, died in a shipwreck. Henry reacted in two ways:
- He married the much younger Adelheid von Löwen to possibly sire another male heir.
- He appointed his daughter Matilda as the official heir to the throne and repeatedly convinced the nobility to swear allegiance to her.
But when Henry passed away in 1135, his nephew Stephen of Blois seized the opportunity and had himself crowned king of England with the support of the church.
The result: a 15-year war for the crown of England, which was even considered particularly brutal and destructive by the standards of medieval warfare.
What parallels exist? The beginning of the story feels very familiar to us as viewers of House of the Dragon.
- King Viserys Targaryen has no male heir.
- He marries the younger Alicent Hohenturm to bear an heir.
- He appoints his daughter Rheanyra as his successor, who, due to her gender, is rejected by many.
- Daemon Targaryen reminds one of Stephen of Blois, even though he is the uncle and not the cousin of Rhaenyra.
Moreover, both wars were considered particularly destructive, especially affecting the common population. In House of the Dragon, the dragons are, of course, primarily to blame for this.
Did Matilda make it to the throne?
Despite her long efforts, Matilda never managed to ascend to the throne. Ultimately, the tensions were resolved when King Stephen adopted Matilda’s oldest legitimate son as his heir.
This son eventually ascended to the throne in 1154, after Stephen’s death, and was always politically advised by his mother during his reign.
As for how things will turn out for Rhaenyra Targaryen in the series, we can currently follow in the second season of House of the Dragon. Everything about the first episode, and what it has to do with Blood & Cheese, can be found here: Blood & Cheese explained: Season 2, Episode 1 of House of the Dragon
