Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4.
Summary
House of the Dragon’sintroduction ofthe world’s “most beautiful” dragon was exciting, but its visual aesthetic didn’t quite live up to my expectations, continuing an issue I had withGame of Thrones. Thedragons inHouse of the Dragonhave generally been a drastic step up fromGame of Thrones, offering the peak of the Targaryen dynasty the vibrancy and majestic royalty it deserves. Daemon’s Caraxes is unforgettable with its unique anatomy and blood-red scales, and Baela’s Moondancer has recently contributed to the show’s aesthetic with a beautiful green design.
House of the Dragonrecently aired its best episode yet, and while I was overwhelmed with excitement to see dragons facing off in combat, there are some aspects of HBO’s TV universe that still fall short of the books. George R.R. Martin’sA Song of Ice & Firenovelsare prolific works of fantasy fiction, yet the TV world constantly tones down fantasy elements. One aspect of season 2, episode 4, was the most recent reminder of this issue.
Sunfyre Looks Good In HOTD - But Doesn’t Live Up To His Book Description
Sunfyre Is Described As The Most Beautiful Dragon That’s Ever Lived
Sunfyre became an instant favorite in “The Red Dragon and the Gold.” WhileRhaenys & Meleys' deathswere tragic, I was equally harrowed watching such a lovely, loyal creature brought down due to the temperament of its rider. While I’m not too keen on Aegon (despite Tom Glynn-Carney’s unbelievable performance), I felt for him in the scene where he arrives in the dragonpit to mount Sunfyre. My only complaint is that Sunfyre looks good, butthe golden dragon doesn’t live up to the description set inFire & Blood.
In George R.R. Martin’s lore, Sunfyre is described as the most beautiful dragon that’s ever been seen, with gleaming gold scales and golden flames. However,House of the Dragon’siteration of the dragon is barely more gold than Rhaenyra’s Syrax. In an interview withEW,House of the DragonshowrunnerRyan Condal spoke about the idea for Sunfyre’s design, stating that the strategy was to avoid a"fantasy dragon.“While I understand the tonal difference certain magical aspects could impose, it seems essential to remember that thisisa fantasy universe.
House Of The Dragon Repeats Game Of Thrones' Problem With Toning Down Fantasy
Game Of Thrones Constantly Toned Down The Fantastical
Compared to the likes ofThe Stormlight ArchiveorThe Wheel of Time, George R.R. Martin’s universe is undoubtedly a low-magic fantasy. But it’s still the same world where Blackwater Bay was detonated by green fire, and a dragon was ridden over a 700-foot ice wall to combat a herd of zombies. Yet, when it came to the Azhor Ahai prophecy, Euron Greyjoy’s fascination with dark magic, or the Stark family all being wargs,Game of Thronesremoved or oversimplified what they could.
Part of the issue withGame of Thrones’final season is that the magical elements of Azor Ahai and the Long Night being scrapped left a major part of the story bare and pointless. I can’t help feeling that,despite how far fantasy has grown in mainstream media, it’s still not treated as seriouslyas a genre.House of the Dragonexists in a magical world, and it’s okay to embrace that beyond just the minimum requirements.
Sources:EW
House of the Dragon
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.
