Summary
While one is a dark drama for adults and the other an animated comedy film series for the family, there is no denying the similarities betweenHouse of the DragonandShrek, and fans were quick to point this out after Season 1. From the medieval fantasy setting to Alicent resembling Fiona and dragons gate crashing, as well as many smaller references, there are tonnes of fun comparisons.
Thankfully, for those who grew up watching DreamWorks' classic, Season 2 ofHouse of the Dragonhas not disappointed either, delivering even more parallels between Westeros andShrek. It’s also fun to think about how the comparisons started over a decade ago, withJaime Lannisterfrom Season 1 ofGame of Thronesbeing the spitting image of Shrek 2’s Prince Charming.
5Alicent Hightower Is Fiona
Green & Gold Dresses & Reddish Hair Make These Two Royals Indistinguishable
One of the most persistent comparisons betweenHouse of the DragonandShrekis Alicent Hightower’s similar appearance to Princess Fiona. When Queen Alicent entered Rhaenyra’s pre-wedding feast in a shimmering green dress trimmed with gold, fans were quick to point out the similarities between her and Fiona, who spent the entire first film in similar raiment.
This parallel is helped by the fact that Alicent has chestnut hair which isn’t too dissimilar from Fiona’s red hair and they also both wear golden tiaras. As green is the color ofHouse HightowerinHouse of the Dragon, andher side’s faction is known as the Greens, she regularly wears the color. This makes for ongoing comparisons throughout the series, which are helped by similar scenes, such as Alicent entering her own small tent in the woods wishing not to be disturbed.
4Dragons Choosing Riders Similar To How Dragon Chose Donkey
Seasmoke Chased Addam Of Hull & Silverwing Chose Ulf
Donkey and Dragon’s relationship inShrekis certainly something, and it’s hilarious how such a large and dangerous dragon instantly fell in love with a talking donkey. However, from Donkey’s point of view, this relationship started as what he thought to be a run for his life, and inHouse of the Dragon, Addam of Hullbecame a dragon ridervia a similar fate.
Incredibly, after Seasmoke chose Addam of Hull, the parallels weren’t over, as in the following episode, Ulf, down in the depths of the Dragonmont, was surprised to have the dragon Silverwing look upon him favorably and choose him. With her snout touching him and other similar scenes fromHouse of the Dragon, such as the beautiful moment betweenAegon and Sunfyre, there are many parallels to the shots of Donkey and Dragon.
3Rhaenys Gate Crashing Aegon’s Coronation Parallels Donkey & Dragon’s Wedding Crash
Red Dragon’s Interrupt Noble Ceremonies In Both Scenes
One of the most iconic similarities betweenShrekandHouse of the Dragonhappened at the end of Season 1 when Rhaenys gate-crashedAegon II’s coronationby surging through the floorboards atop her red dragon. This mirrored the scene from the firstShrekfilm where Donkey and Dragon crashed through the stained-glass window of Lord Farquaad’s and Fiona’s wedding.
The fact that both scenes featured a red dragon crashing into a religious building for a noble ceremony isn’t the only similarity, as fans also noticed that the camerawork and specific shots are somewhat mirrored.
2Viserys' Last Meal Mirrored Shrek’s First Meal With Fiona’s Family
Both Scenes Featured Families Not Getting Along, Impaled Forks, & A Roasted Pig
Family meals don’t always go to plan and this is equally true in bothShrekandHouse of the Dragon. While Viserys' last meal started well and peace was kept betweenthe two sides of the Targaryen familyat first, things soon went south. Shrek’s first meal with Fiona’s disapproving family, on the other hand, was bad all the way through, but it is the similarity of a few components and specific shots that are of note.
For example, a roasted pig is at the center of the comedy of both feasts, with Shrek and his father-in-law, the king, sending their pig flying, and Lucerys Velaryon laughing at Aemond as part of an inside joke. The other big similarity is the way in which Shrek and Aemond rise in fury when insulted.
1Alicent & Fiona Both Gave Their Favors To Knights
These Two Similar Characters Shared Another Iconic Moment
Seeing as bothHouse of the DragonandShrekshare amedieval setting, it’s not that surprising that both feature scenes of noble ladies granting Knights their favor through the medium of a white laced handkerchief. However, the fact that the ladies are Alicent and Fiona in green and gold dresses cannot be overlooked.
With Fiona granting the as-of-yet-unmasked Shrek her favor, enduring as such an iconic image from the film, Ser Criston Cole’s request for Alicent’s favor was humourous to many as they watched Season 2. Nevertheless, unlike a few other comparisons, these two scenes are rather different, with Criston Cole being desperate for affection and Shrek using Fiona’s favor to wipe his face.
