Is Rhaenys Dead? How Does Rhaenys Die in House of the Dragon?
by
Updated Jul 08, 2024
Is Rhaenys Dead?
Yes, Rhaenys Targaryen is dead in the House of The Dragon Series. In the latest episode of House of the Dragon, there was a big battle between House Green and House Black. Rhaenys and her dragon, Meleys, are strong fighters, but they faced Aemond and Vhagar, the biggest dragon in Westeros.
During the fight, Aegon II and Sunfyre also joined in. Rhaenys decided to confront Aegon II, a young and inexperienced warrior. She defeated him and his dragon, Sunfyre, which could mean Aegon II's end. Instead of fleeing, Rhaenys had other plans after this victory.
How Does Rhaenys Die in House of the Dragon?
Rhaenys dies bravely in the Battle of Rook's Rest. She decides to fight on behalf of Queen Rhaenyra against the advancing army led by Ser Criston. Riding her dragon, Meleys, she faces Aegon and Sunfyre in the air. Despite putting up a strong fight, Aemond and his dragon, Vhagar, join the battle.
In the end, Vhagar kills Meleys, and Rhaenys accepts her fate, perishing alongside her dragon in flames. The battle, depicted closely in the book, ends tragically for Rhaenys, highlighting the fierce aerial combat and betrayal by Aemond and overshadowing Aegon's role in the fight.
Who Killed Rhaenys Targaryen?
Rhaenys is killed by Aemond in a cunning plan orchestrated by him and Ser Criston Cole. They scheme to lure Rhaenyra's dragons into a trap at Rook's Rest. Rhaenys arrives with Meleys to defend the castle, unaware of Vhagar's ambush. Unexpectedly, Aegon joins the battle on Sunfyre, complicating the plan.
Vhagar intervenes, attacking both Meleys and Sunfyre, with Meleys tragically falling to Vhagar's superior size and strength. Rhaenys meets her end as she and Meleys perish in flames, leaving Aemond to witness the destruction with pride.
Who is Rhaenys Targaryen?
Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, also known as Rhaenys Velaryon and the Queen Who Never Was, was a member of the Targaryen family known for riding the dragon Meleys, the Red Queen. She was the granddaughter of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and daughter of Aemon Targaryen and Jocelyn Baratheon.
Rhaenys married Lord Corlys Velaryon, who became one of the richest men in Westeros through his trading ventures in Essos. They had two children: Laenor and Laena Velaryon. Rhaenys gained her title "The Queen Who Never Was" because, despite being next in line by traditional rules, a council chose her cousin Viserys as king to avoid a potential war after Jaehaerys' death.
| Name | Rhaenys Targaryen |
| Born | 63-72 AC |
| Died | 132 AC |
| Aged | 60-69 |
| Place of Death | Rook's Rest, the Crownlands |
| Houses | Targaryen, Velaryon (by marriage) |
| Affiliations | Black Council |
| Title | Princess, Lady of Driftmark |
| Died in | "The Red Dragon and the Gold" |
| Portrayed by | Eve Best |
Who is Eve Best?
Emily "Eve" Best is an English actress and director. She's famous for acting on TV as Dr. Eleanor O'Hara in Nurse Jackie and as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen in House of the Dragon. She also acted in The Honourable Woman and played Wallis Simpson in The King's Speech movie.
Best won an Olivier Award in 2006 for her role in Hedda Gabler. She acted on Broadway and won a Drama Desk Award for A Moon for the Misbegotten in 2007. She got Tony Award nominations for The Homecoming in 2008 and returned to Broadway in Old Times in 2015.
| Name | Emily Best |
| Date of Birth | 31 July 1971 |
| Age | 52 |
| Place of Birth | Ladbroke Grove, London, England, UK |
| University | Lincoln College, Oxford, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art |
| Occupations | Actress, director |
| Years Active | 1995–present |
House of The Dragon
House of the Dragon is a TV show about dragons and wars made by HBO. It's a prequel to Game of Thrones and based on a book by George R. R. Martin. The show tells the story of House Targaryen long before Game of Thrones, focusing on a big war called the Dance of the Dragons.
