The Epic Battle and Ultimate Demise of Meleys in House of the Dragon

After King Viserys I passes away in House of the Dragon season 1, episode 8 "The Lord of the Tides," House Targaryen becomes vulnerable to a potential civil war. Despite his efforts to prevent it, the late King's unequal Small Council and the power balance in King's Landing hint at the looming threat. His firstborn daughter from his late wife, Aemma Arryn, was declared heir, but this was challenged by his second wife's son, Aegon. This rivalry and desire for the Iron Throne ultimately plunged the realm into a chaotic civil war, marked by betrayal and confusion. The Greens, who held control over King's Landing, declared war by crowning Aegon in the Dragonpit before the masses. Meanwhile, Alicent prepared to combat Viserys' loyalists who supported Princess Rhaenyra.

Princess Rhaenys urgently requested an audience with Rhaenyra and Daemon on Dragonstone in the beginning of "The Black Queen" episode. She recounted her imprisonment in King's Landing after refusing to declare for Aegon, and shared the latest happenings in the city. Rhaenyra felt betrayed while Daemon reacted angrily, but Rhaenys helped them understand the situation. With the support of Rhaenys and her husband, the Sea Snake - Lord Corlys Velaryon, Rhaenyra was emboldened to strike back. Her crowning on Dragonstone marked the official start of the Dance of the Dragons war as the Blacks united to claim the throne.

Prelude To Battle

HBO's Dance of the Dragons season 1 concluded with Lord Borros Baratheon taunting House Targaryen for their lack of knowledge about their rulers and the state of Westeros. His statement held some truth, as the factions had already formed and Rhaenyra had sent her sons to secure allies throughout Westeros. Unfortunately, Prince Lucerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra's secondborn, was killed by his uncle, Aemond, during a mid-air dragon chase. The deaths of Lucerys and Arrax as a result of this bullying sequence left Rhaenyra looking particularly menacing, indicating that the Blacks are sure to retaliate strongly.

At Rook's Rest, one of the pivotal battles of the Dance of the Dragons takes place, resulting in the deaths of key characters and dragons. House Staunton's seat in the Crownlands, Rook's Rest is strategically located on the northern shore of Blackwater Bay, west of Crackclaw Point, and northwest of Driftmark. Aegon II and his Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Criston Cole, adopt an aggressive war strategy after the Sack of Duskendale, laying a trap for the Blacks at Rook's Rest. Aegon II's army, consisting of knights, men-at-arms, and sellswords, seeks to subjugate the houses of Rosby and Stokeworth. Despite Lord Staunton's request for assistance, Ser Criston Cole inflicts damage on the smallfolk, fields, and livestock. Princess Rhaenys arrives on her dragonback nine days after the Greens' siege, leading to a decisive battle.

The Fates Of Rhaenys And Meleys

Meleys, one of the most fearsome dragons, and her rider Rhaenys (played by Eve Best in House of the Dragon) flew above Rook's Rest, unaware that it was a trap. Ser Criston, the Commander of the Greens, had positioned his archers and Scorpions to attack the dragon. Despite Meleys' ability to dodge and burn the enemy soldiers, the Greens outnumbered her. Meleys engaged in aerial combat with Aegon II on Sunfyre and Aemond on Vhagar. Princess Rhaenys, also known as 'the Queen Who Never Was', and her dragon perished in a blaze of glory. However, her attack resulted in severe injuries to Aegon II and the loss of a wing by Sunfyre.

Aegon II was transported to King's Landing for treatment, while Sunfyre remained at Rook's Rest, guarded by Ser Criston's men. The Greens conquered Rook's Rest and executed Lord Staunton and his men. Meleys' head was displayed on a cart through the streets of King's Landing as a warning against rebellion. The Blacks suffered a significant loss with the death of Rhaenys, and the Sea Snake blamed Rhaenyra for her demise. Despite both sides' casualties, the battle at Rook's Rest was a memorable event, and it is likely to be featured in the second season of HBO's House of the Dragon.