All your questions about the House of the Dragon season 2 finale answered

The season finale of season 2 of House of the Dragon was a busy one… even though most of the various threads were left unresolved. There were surprise revelations, new characters introduced, and a ton of moving parts that set up a series of climactic season 3 showdowns.

You’d be forgiven for getting a little lost in it, especially with the extended montage that ended the episode. As we talked about the episode as a team, quite a few questions came up — clarifying the motivations of certain characters, mapping out where the various pieces are on the board, even asking, “Hey… did I miss something?”

So no matter which camp you fall into, we’ve compiled a list of likely questions you might have after watching the season finale. Or, if you’re reading this in the future, some reminders of where things left off before jumping into Season 3.

Wait, where’s Otto Hightower?

It seems: in a dungeon. Earlier in the season, Aemond called upon the small council to find Otto’s whereabouts, as he had not been heard from since being dismissed as Hand of the King (while Alicent was told he was unreachable).

In the closing montage of the season 2 finale, we see Otto behind bars, seemingly lit only by torchlight. It is unclear exactly Where He is imprisoned – it could be King’s Landing, but it’s unclear at this point on whose orders – but suffice it to say he seems a little worse for wear.

What’s up with Sharp Point?

As the episode reveals, Sharp Point was razed to the ground by Aemond after he learned that Rhaenyra had raised more dragonriders. If you watched this episode and wondered what strategic value Sharp Point has to the war, the answer is: Not very much.

If you look at the history of the city, it’s mostly known as the seat of House Bar Emmon and a number of things that happened when Aegon the Conqueror was sweeping across the continent. The Bar Emmon stuff may become more relevant next season, when we learn that Bar Emmon may not want to sign up for the Greens after Aemond’s actions. It’s especially important to note that Sharp Point is the closest location on the map to the island of Dragonstone, implying that Aemond is lashing out in a way that Rhaenyra will notice, even if there’s no real strategic purpose to the violence.

How did Gwayne know about Criston and Alicent?

While it’s been a few weeks (in both our world and theirs) since we’ve seen Gwayne and Criston, they’ve headed to Harrenhal to take it from Daemon. So Gwayne’s turn here – threatening Criston over his and Alicent’s sexual relationship – also comes as a bit of a surprise to the audience.

As the scene would have us believe, Criston’s actions could have been heard by Gwayne through the gossip of the soldiers (when Gwayne first raises his sword to Criston, the troops around them are clearly watching). Unfortunately, Gwayne’s anger is no match for Criston’s hopelessness.

How many wives does Lohar have?

It’s unclear, but since Tyland Lannister and Lohar both make it to the boat, I’m guessing it wasn’t at a lot for him.

Where is Hugh’s wife?

You’d think they’d still be in King’s Landing, among the starving commoners. It’s understandable that Rhaenyra wouldn’t give a plus one to all the Targaryen bastards testing their mettle against Vermithor, but still, Hugh… pretty cold-blooded not to mention her once.

Why did Aegon go with Larys?

The Wounded King and the Confessor of Viserys (not to mention Allicent’s former foot admirer) have formed an unlikely alliance, culminating in the pair escaping King’s Landing at the end of the finale. The reason for their escape is telegraphed pretty well by the show: Aemond, beginning to lose his grip, would like to see his older brother dead, just so there’s one less threat to his throne. With Aemond’s scheming and Rhaenyra’s growing band of dragons, King’s Landing is by no means a safe place for Aegon. But the strength of their bond may surprise some viewers.

One element of their connection is their relationship with their bodies, both of whom are dealing with disabilities (all very new to Aegon). Larys has been advising the bedridden king on how to adapt to his new circumstances, and clearly feels a connection with the young ruler. But the origins of their connection more likely stem from Aemond, who rejected Larys as a potential candidate for his Hand, leading Larys to seek an alliance with Aegon instead.

Who’s marching where/where are we leaving everyone behind?

All of Westeros is ready for battle. Tyland Lannister leads his hard-won mercenaries from Essos across the Narrow Sea in hopes of stopping the blockade set up by Corlys Velaryon at Blackwater Bay. Unfortunately for Tyland, it looks like Rhaenyra and her army of new dragonriders, along with her husband and newfound ally Daemon, are also headed for King’s Landing. Elsewhere, we get a glimpse of the Starks crossing the Long Bridge at The Twins, thanks to Jace’s deal with House Frey.

While the show lays out most of these rules clearly, there are still a few questions we need answers to before the war can begin. For example, where exactly are Ser Criston Cole’s forces when he and Alicent’s brother get into their brief feud? And where are Aemond and Vhagar – the answer to that question seems to change by the hour in this episode, at least. We also know that Daemon has amassed a large force around Harrenhal, but it’s not yet clear where they’re going or who’ll lead them while Daemon is away on dragon business.

Why did Daemon ultimately swear allegiance to Rhaenyra?

For this, we have Harrenhal and all its spooky goings-on to thank. Daemon has spent the season here more or less in hiding, on a journey of self-discovery with the help of some ghosts and possibly a dose of Alys Rivers. The result is him tumbling through the halls of Westeros as he confronts the ghosts of his past – young Rhaenyra, the second cousin he murdered, his own mother, his second wife, even Viserys – and questions why he has such a reckless thirst for power.

It all culminates in the finale, with a vision in the God’s Wood of things yet to come — namely, the events of the Dance of Dragons, a glimpse of the Others, and Daenerys bringing about the return of dragons to Westeros. All of which seemingly makes him agree to stand by Rhaenyra once and for all, which is a huge relief not only for the couple but also for Ser Simon Strong.

Now that Daemon has fallen, is Ser Alfred Broome the unlucky one?

I can’t say what his chances are GoodNow that Daemon is firmly Team Rhaenyra, it’s no surprise he made peace during Daemon’s troop call. Forget it, Alfred, it’s Westeros…