The Epic Tale of the Dance of the Dragons

The Prelude to Chaos

HBO's Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon delves into the story of one of the most devastating wars in Westeros' history. The answer to who wins the 'Dance of the Dragons' highlights the complex battle that unfolds in this epic tale. House of the Dragon season 1 sets the stage hundreds of years before Daenerys Targaryen was born, introducing a host of new and exciting characters to tell this gripping story.

Custom image of Rhaenrya Targaryen, the Iron Throne, and Alicent Hightower

The first season sets up the Dance of the Dragons, chronicling exactly what led to the monumental Targaryen Civil War. With the conflict beginning at the end of the season, there remains a lot of bloodshed and chaos until fans figure out who emerges victorious in this intense battle for the Iron Throne.

Custome image of a dragon egg, Rhaenyra Targaryen and a dragon in House of the Dragon

Greens vs. Blacks: The Targaryen Civil War's Factions

The House of the Dragon season 1 ending sees the Targaryens split into two parties: the Greens and the Blacks. The Greens believe that Rhaenyra does not hold a claim to the throne, rather, Viserys' firstborn son Aegon does, despite Rheanyra being named heir. The Blacks, on the other hand, support Rhaenyra's claim to the throne, even though she had two bastard children with Harwin Strong.

Alicent and Rhaenyra clasping hands in House of the Dragon

Rhaenyra's Black faction includes Prince Daemon, the Sea Snake Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Queen Who Never Was and Corlys' wife Rhaenys Targaryen, Rhaenyra's children from her first marriage, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey, and her children from her marriage with Daemon, Aegon the Younger and Viserys. The Greens, on the other hand, have the Royal Treasury and all the vestiges of King's Landing — including the Iron Throne.

Alicent wields a knife at Rhaenyra in a scene from House of the Dragon

The Bittersweet Victory and Its Aftermath

The Dance of the Dragons results in heavy losses on both sides, with nearly all the dragons perishing, as well as key figures like Prince Daemon, Queen Rhaenyra, Lady Rhaenys, Queen Helaena, Aemond, Daeron, and all three of Rhaenyra's children from her first marriage. King Aegon II effectively wins the war when he has Rhaenyra burned and eaten by his dragon, Sunfyre.

Vhagar attacking Lucerys and Arrax in House of the Dragon season 1 episode 10-1

However, his victory is short-lived as he is advised to surrender, and his advisors take matters into their own hands by poisoning him. Aegon III, Rhaenyra's son, becomes the undisputed leader of Westeros, but the conflict leaves a deep scar on the Targaryen legacy, paving the way for a tumultuous reign.

Aegon III looking sadly out of a window in House of the Dragon artwork

The Impact of House of the Dragon

House of the Dragon brings a fresh perspective to the Dance of the Dragons, with dramatic changes in the relationship between Alicent and Rhaenyra, the faked death of Laenor Velaryon, the exclusion of Daeron Targaryen, and the altered circumstances surrounding Aemond's involvement in Lucerys' death. These deviations from the original narrative add new layers of complexity to the epic tale, setting the stage for a riveting portrayal of the Targaryen Civil War on screen.

Laenor Velaryon rowing away with a saved head in House Of The Dragon Season 1