Based on George R.R. Martin’sFire and Blood,House of the Dragonhas been a veritable success for HBO. While theGame of Thrones’prequelmay not have quite reached the lofty heightsof its predecessor in the eyes of fans and critics alike, the live-action depiction of “The Dance of the Dragons” has proved a riveting and memorable watch for the most part.
Fittingly for a tale chroniclinga bloody civil warbreaking out over the notion of a woman on the throne,House of the Dragonplays host to an array of compelling female characters, aided by the sterling efforts of a stellar ensemble cast. While the majority of these faces are prominent members of the royal family, the show also utilizes a number of female characters originating outside of High Valyrian bloodlines to great effect.
10Aemma Targaryen
Played By: Sian Brooke
Despite only appearing in the show’s first episode, the ripple effect associated with the significance of Rhaenyra’s late mother, Aemma Targaryen, is arguably responsible for the Dance of the Dragons breaking out in the first place. A kindhearted and gracious woman, Aemmatragically diedin childbirth; sacrificed by King Viserys in order to ensure the survival of his prospective heir, Baelon.
After Baelon followed his mother into death shortly afterward, Daemon’s mocking of Viserys' late son prompted the King to change the succession; nominating Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne and setting events in motion that eventually led to a tumultuous civil war.
9Alys Rivers
Played By: Gayle Rankins
Despite the fact that many fans likely blame her for Daemon’s excruciatingly slow Season 2 narrative arc, there’s no denying that Alys Rivers is one of the most exciting femaleadditions toHouse of the Dragon’scast. A bastard daughter of House Strong, Gayle Rankin’s enigmatic charge seemingly possesses mysterious powers of witchcraft, bending the Rogue Prince’s mind after he takes up residence in Harrenhal.
Given the significance of Alys' riveting storyline inFire and Blood, expectations are high for her character’s arc on the show. While HBO’s interpretation of Rivers has yet to demonstrate the more monstrous side of George R.R. Martin’s take on the character, her insidious powers and influence indicate that she could be a force to be reckoned with as the show progresses.
8Helaena Targaryen
Played By: Evie Allen & Phia Saban
Alicent’s prophetic daughter and the latest Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, Aegon’s sister-wifeHelaena Targaryenis one ofHouse of the Dragon’smost mysterious and intriguing characters.
While Helaena’s eccentricity borders on “genuinely unhinged”, Phia Saban’s charge has been revealed to possess legitimate powers of second sight; cryptically predicting several pivotal events that play out across the show’s timeline. Helaena’s role as rider of the dragon Dreamfyre also has yet to be expanded upon, opening up the potential for an exciting new narrative thread in a show that is not exactly short on them in the first place.
7Rhaena Targaryen
Played By: Eva Ossei-Gerning & Phoebe Campbell
Daemon’s youngest daughter by Laena Velaryon and betrothed to the late heir of Driftmark, Phoebe Campbell’s quietly thoughtful Rhaena is an anomaly in her status as a Targaryen without a dragon; a status quo that appears set to change imminently.
The show appears to be diverging fromFire and Blood’scanon with the revelation of a large, wild dragon, likely to beSheepstealer, roaming the Vale of Arryn; the area where Rhaena just so happens to currently be located. While Rhaena’sreduced screen timemeans that she has had limited opportunities to form a meaningful impression on viewers to date, this could all be about to change in short order.
6Baela Targaryen
Played By: Shani Smethurst & Bethany Antonia
Jacaerys Velaryon’s betrothed, Daemon’s eldest daughter Baela has already demonstrated notable similarities with her mother Laena Velaryon during her time onHouse of the Dragon.The adolescent version of the character has been brought to life onscreen by Bethany Antonia, followingShani Smethurst’s brief turn as Baela’s younger self.
A fearless dragonrider like her mother before her, Baela is not content to sit on the sidelines while the men of her family go to war. With the aid of her mount Moondancer, Baela is clearly desperate to do her part; to the point where she attempts to incinerate Criston Cole and his entourage when the opportunity presents itself, despite having been initially tasked with no more than surveillance.
5Laena Velaryon
Played By: Savannah Steyn & Nanna Blondell
It speaks volumes to the compelling nature of Laena Velaryon’s character that she finds herself so high on this list despite only appearing in six episodes before her heartbreaking demise.Rider to Vhagarbefore Aemond One-Eye took up the Queen of all Dragons' reins, Corlys and Rhaenys' second child blessed Daemon Targaryen with two daughters before dying in childbirth.
Wise beyond her years, even Laena’s death was a testament to her fiercely independent nature. After fatal complications arose while she attempted to give birth, Laena chose to depart this world on her own terms; opting for a dragonrider’s death in a fiery burst from her beloved mount Vhagar.
4Mysaria
Played By: Sonoya Mizuno
Exceedingly questionable accent aside, Sonoya Mizuno has breathed life intoHouse of the Dragon’smost compelling female character outside of the royal family. The mastermind behind a vast web of spies and informants operating throughout King’s Landing, “The White Worm” is one ofFire and Blood’smost intriguing characters; a status quo that has remained intact onHouse of the Dragon.
In addition to what appears to be acontroversial budding romantic storylinewith “The Black Queen” herself, Mysaria has found herself thrust to the forefront of Rhaenyra’s council. Her influence has already played an integral role as the Blacks seek to undermine the Greens' rule of King’s Landing.
3Rhaenys Targaryen
Played By: Eve Best
The fiery battle in the skies aboveRook’s Restmarked the end for one of House of the Dragon’s most beloved female characters. Brought to life with effortless poise and grace byNurse Jackiestar Eve Best, the irony that Rhaenys Targaryen would have made a magnificent ruler despite her unenviable moniker as"The Queen Who Never Was"is hard to shake.
Bonded to the Red Queen, Meleys, Corlys Velaryon’s wife was also a fearless warrior and dragonrider who was willing to lay her safety on the line to protect her family. Despite acting as the voice of reason on more than one occasion, Rhaenys heroically volunteered herself to introduce the Blacks' dragons to the burgeoning civil war at the cost of her own life.
2Rhaenyra Targaryen
Played By: Milly Alcock & Emma D’Arcy
House of the Dragon’sleading lady, Rhaenyra Targaryen’s compelling nature as a character is largely born out of the moral ambiguity associated with her personality. The prospective heir to the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra is wise and compassionate beyond her years; ever giving thought to the potential for collateral damage that a fully-fledged war with dragons on either side would present.
By the same token, Emma D’Arcy’s charge has lied and manipulated throughout their time on the show; seducing her sworn sword,producing a string of illegitimate children, and faking her husband’s death to name but a few instances of exceedingly questionable morality. It’s a testament to Rhaenyra’s captivating nature that, despite her many flaws, she remains the show’s protagonist; a character that audiences naturally throw their emotional investment behind.
1Alicent Hightower
Played By: Emily Carey & Olivia Cooke
Brought to life by themesmerizing talents of Olivia Cooke, Alicent Hightower isn’t justHouse of the Dragon’sfinest female character; she’s one of the most engaging andpolarizingpersonalities seen on television in recent memory. A supremely conflicted woman, Rhaenyra’s childhood friend finds herself torn between her undying loyalty to her family and the realization that she is on the side that represents everything that she stands against.
Cooke has imbued her character with an Emmy-worthy sense of pathos since she first appeared onscreen, owning every scene that the Dowager Queen appears in with accomplished ease. It’s just as easy to prey upon Alicent’s downfall as it is to pity her, a state of affairs that highlights her magnificent depth and complexity as a character.
