: Queen Aemma Arryn dies during childbirth, and her newborn son Baelon dies shortly after. In a desperate move to stabilize the succession, Viserys breaks tradition and names his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra , as his official heir.
: The premiere introduces the volatile Prince Daemon Targaryen , who feels slighted by his brother's choice, and the growing influence of the Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower , who encourages his daughter Alicent to comfort the grieving king. Principal Cast House of the Dragon, Ep 1: “The Heirs of the Dragon” 1. The Heirs of the Dragon
is the premiere episode of the first season of the HBO series House of the Dragon , which serves as a prequel to Game of Thrones . It originally aired on August 21, 2022, and is set approximately 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen, centering on the succession of King Viserys I. Key Episode Highlights : Queen Aemma Arryn dies during childbirth, and
: The episode opens with the Great Council at Harrenhal, where the lords of Westeros choose Viserys Targaryen over Rhaenys Velaryon , establishing a precedent against a woman holding the Iron Throne. Principal Cast House of the Dragon, Ep 1:
: King Viserys hosts a brutal tournament in King's Landing to celebrate the anticipated birth of a son. The event features jousting and melee combat among knights from various noble houses.