Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Fire & Blood, the book on which House of the Dragon is based.House of the Dragonseason 3 will have multiple major fights and battles, but the biggest was set a huge challenge byGame of Thrones.House of the Dragonseason 2’s endingwas mostly set up for what’s to come, including the Battle of the Gullet (with the Velaryon fleet vs the Triarchy), and Rhaenyra Targaryen taking King’s Landing.
Those alone should makeHouse of the Dragonseason 3the biggest yet, but there’s also the matter of Daemon Targaryen’s battle with his nephew, Aemond Targaryen. In the season 2 finale, Helaena toldAemond he will die at the Gods Eye, and that could well happen at the end of season 3. It should be an epic event, but has a lot to live up to.
Aemond vs. Daemon Is House Of The Dragon’s Biggest Fight
The Two Targaryens Are On A Collision Course
There have already been some big clashes in theGame of Thronesprequel. These range from Aemond and Vhagar killing Lucerys Velaryon and Arrax inHouse of the Dragonseason 1’s ending, to, well, Aemond again (there’s a pattern here) facing off again Rhaenys Targaryen in season 2, episode 4, “The Red Dragon and the Gold.”
…[Aemond and Daemon] battle atop their dragons: Vhagar, the biggest in the world, and Caraxes, one of the most ferocious, in a shocking, bloody showdown.
The latter was the most epic sequence the show has done yet, but Aemond vs Daemon should be able to top it. The pair’s battle in theDance of the Dragonsis dubbed the Battle Above the Gods Eye, taking place in the sky over the Gods Eye lake (for context, Harrenhal sits on the lake’s north shore). It sees them battle atop their dragons: Vhagar, the biggest in the world, and Caraxes, one of the most ferocious, in a shocking, bloody showdown.
House of the Dragonseason 3 is expected to release on HBO and Max in 2026.
What’s more, though, is thatHouse of the Dragonhas been setting this up for a long time. It’s been clear in showing theparallels between Aemond and Daemon; it’s had them face off in season 1, and both either talking or thinking about facing the other in season 2. They’re both great rogues, skilled warriors, and two of the show’s most fascinating characters, making this its most tantalizing tease of combat.
Game Of Thrones Season 4 Set A Huge Bar For Aemond vs. Daemon
Oberyn vs. The Mountain & Brienne vs. The Hound Are A Challenge For HOTD
House of the Dragonhas arguably had better dragon scenes thanGame of Thrones, but in terms of actual character fights, it’s not yet beat the best of what that show offered.Game of Thrones’ best fight scenescame in season 4 (the peak of the show itself), with a couple of different fights: Prince Oberyn Martell, aka the Red Viper, vs. Gregor “The Mountain” Clegane, and then Brienne of Tarth’s scrap with Sandor “The Hound” Clegane.
Above Game of Thrones & House of the Dragon episodes on IMDb
Game of Thrones season 4, episode 8
“The Mountain and the Viper”
9.7
Game of Thrones season 4, episode 10
9.6
House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4
“The Red Dragon and the Gold”
9.5
The Mountain vs. the Viper is perhaps the closest comparison to Aemond vs Daemon of those. Not in terms of how it plays out, but that was the most anticipated fight from theA Song of Ice and Firebooks, much like Aemond against Daemon is fromFire & Blood. It’s also an intensely personal one, which adds so much heft to it on-screen.
How Every Main Character In House Of The Dragon Dies In The Books
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The choreography of the fight is, of course, incredible:the balletic brilliance of Oberyn trying to match and move the sheer might of the Mountain. It’s a stunning sequence in that regard alone, but it’s elevated by the tension, the David vs. Goliath-esque standing of the two characters, and above all, the raw fury and venom of the Viper, played perfectly by Pedro Pascal, that gives it so much more emotion and weight.
Together, these two fight scenes show just how brilliantly Thrones could marry fight spectacle with emotion and strong character work…
Similar can be said for Brienne fighting the Hound. There’s no showmanship here, the fancy movements of Oberyn swapped out for pure brute (and brutal) force. This is among the most visceral scenes inGame of Thrones, where you feel every single blow. It’s ugly, dirty, messy, and real. Together, these two fight scenes show just how brilliantlyThronescould marry fight spectacle with emotion and strong character work in terms of the rivalries at play, which is what Aemond vs. Daemon needs to top.
Aemond vs. Daemon Could Beat Game Of Thrones’ Best Fights If Done Right
The House Of The Dragon Fight Could Be Truly Spectacular
In terms of scale alone, Aemond vs. Daemon can obviously beatGame of Thrones’ fight scenes. With Vhagar facing Caraxes, there should easily be a fiery, furious majesty that makes it truly epic, but it’s pairing that with character and emotion that will be required to beat the Mountain and the Viper and Brienne vs. the Hound.
Daemon’s Vision Explained: Daenerys Targaryen, White Walker & More Game Of Thrones Connections
Daemon Targaryen has more visions at Harrenhal in House of the Dragon’s season 2 finale, connecting to his story, Rhaenyra, and even Game of Thrones.
Luckily,House of the Dragonhas already started laying the groundwork for that with the parallels and rivalry between Aemond and Daemon, but it needs to ensure it can maintain it while on dragonback. That’s not as easy, given there’s less chance for them to be up close and personal (apart from the end of the fight), but if the show can achieve it and offer up an experience that’s both visceral and emotional, then it could be the most spectacular fight we’ve ever seen in this franchise.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
Game Of Thrones
Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is a multimedia franchise created by George R.R. Martin. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is the basis for the award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones, which lasted for eight seasons. After the incredibly divisive final season of Game of Thrones, the series was followed up by the prequel series House of the Dragon, which also received critical acclaim.
