Rhaena gaining Sheepstealer might be a win for the Blacks, but a loss for the fans.

House of the Dragon has seen some considerable changes between Martin’s books and the show. The sixth episode saw a new unknown dragon crisping a herd of sheep. While Rhaena only saw the aftermath of the dragon’s blaze, this beast was Sheepstealer.

With Rhaena confronting Lady Jeyne Arryn of the Vale, she gets promptly told off that at first, Sheepstealer’s sighting was merely a rumor, but with the beast being wild, the Vale isn’t necessarily “protected”, thus needing Rhaenyra’s help.
Rhaena Targaryen in HOTD S2 | HBO
Episode 7 saw Rhaena venture off to find the rogue dragon. Always wanting to be a dragonrider, this looks like a win for Team Black… if she is successful in taming him. While this may be in favor of the tides of the show, this change greatly dismisses the world GRRM built.

House of the Dragon has seemingly flown over Nettles

HOTD seems to have made quite a few changes, but this latest move pulled by the show is sure to hurt those faithful to George R.R. Martin‘s works. The thing is… Sheepstealer’s OG rider isn’t Rhaena, it was a lowborn woman named Nettles.

Nettles was a lowborn, and her true parentage was never known. She won over Sheepstealer’s trust by offering the beast his favorite meal every morning- Sheep (if it wasn’t obvious already). According to the Wiki entires, Nettles was a lowborn who grew up homeless near Driftmark, having to resort to thievery to survive. This later bore consequence in the form of a scar across her nose. She grew to be Sheepstealer’s only known rider and swore her allegiance to Rhaenyra.
Rhaena discovers Sheepstealer’s aftermath | House of the Dragon, HBO

But it seems the show is merging the two characters’ distinct storylines and omitting Nettles altogether. With Rhaena all set to ride Sheepstealer, the show does a great disservice to Martin’s work.

Why Nettles being omitted doesn’t sit right with fans

With Addam of Hull, Ulf the White and Hugh Hammer claiming Seasmoke, Silverwing and Vermithor respectively, Nettles and Sheepstealer would’ve changed the dynamic of just “pure bloodlines” and dragonseeds coming to Rhaenyra’s aid.

And this is a bit alarming to many since deviating from the source material a little too heavily is what brought about the downfall of Game of Thrones.
Hugh Hammer claims Vermithor | HOTD, HBO
But for the fans, and the show itself, it would’ve sealed the Blacks another win in searching for worthy riders outside of immediate family and connections, further solidifying Jace’s suggestion to his mother per the books. Moreover, after the civil war, Rhaenyra and Nettles share some animosity, owing to the latter’s growing affections for Daemon.

This would’ve further intensified the relationship between members of Team Black. Hopefully, Nettles isn’t just randomly thrown-in in later seasons as a mere character who ruffles the feathers between the Realm’s Delight and Daemon.

House of the Dragon airs its season finale on Sunday, August 4th at 9 p.m. ET and is streaming on Max.