Nowadays, it’s easy to feel pretty useless. Taxes, inflation, a dwindling job market…it’s kind of a terrible time to be a young adult. And with House of the Dragon season 2 having just landed on Max, it’s even more devastating to see just how competent Rhaenyra is, even as a child. So, just how old is she?
Napoleon was at the ripe old age of 26 when he conquered Italy, which makes his career look meandering compared to Rhaenyra Targaryen’s (Emma D’Arcy/Milly Alcock). While she did, admittedly, make some mistakes along the way, Rhaenyra has been that girl since day one, confident, self-assured, and exceptionally strong-willed. I mean, by 26, she’d already popped out some babies, learned how to fly dragons, and made herself a crucial part of palace life—all before she was ever crowned “Queen.” Well, of Dragonstone, at least. I can’t even schedule a doctor’s appointment without my mom’s help, TBH.
When we first meet “The Realm’s Delight” in House of the Dragon season 1, the silver-haired Rhaenyra is 15 years old. For someone so young, Rhaenyra’s sure been through a lot by this point in her life—the mounting pressures of her royal/familial duties, the untimely death of her mother and infant brother … and the fact that she’s fostering a crush on her own uncle, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith). As if being a teenager wasn’t confusing enough already! In the show, Rhaenyra is depicted as being close in age to her former bestie, Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey/Olivia Cooke), though George RR Martin’s book Fire & Blood tells a different story, as Alicent is revealed to be nine years older than Rhaenyra.
Rhaenyra is married off to Ser Laenor Velaryon (Laenor) in the season 1 episode “We Light the Way,” when she’s around 17 or 18—her prime childrearing years, apparently. The ten-year time jump explains that Rhaenyra had her first—ahem, illegitimate—three sons with Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr) before the age of 20, and she marries Daemon at 23 after the “death” of her husband. By the time House of the Dragon season 2 picks up in 129 AC (a.k.a. the first official year of the Dance of Dragons), Rhaenyra is roughly 32 years old.
I, for one, was reading One Direction Wattpad fanfiction and shopping at Hollister when I was a teenager, but whatevs. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra became a dragonrider at the age of seven, immediately forming a bond with her loyal companion, Syrax. Of course, it’s important to note that life expectancies weren’t exactly high in this fantastical world (or in the real-life Dark Ages), as King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) succumbed to illness at just 52, with his death having a ripple effect on the entirety of the Seven Kingdoms. This explains why Rhaenyra was forced to grow up so fast, and really drives home the tragedy of her life. So yeah, even if Rhaenyra accomplished a lot in such a short amount of time, I’m perfectly happy not gunning for the Iron Throne, thank you very much.
We’ll just have to see how things play out for “The Dragon Queen” when the next episode of House of the Dragon season 2 premieres on HBO and Max on Sunday, June 23, at 9PM PT/6PM ET.
News
Meghan Markle warning as insider reveals ‘gloves are off’ with rumours of next bombshell
The Sussexes were snubbed from an invite to Balmoral Castle, which may have been the last straw for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The couple may have hit their last straw (Image: Getty) Meghan Markle has been open with struggles of mental…
Prince William and Harry’s feud continues leaving King Charles with a tough decision to make
It appears that Prince William and Harry are no closer to reconciling their bitter feud, despite their father, King Charles, holding onto hope. A well-known royal author has revealed that King Charles is “extremely sad” over the ongoing rift between his sons. As he continues cancer treatment, King Charles is more…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal titles at risk as King convenes Balmoral summit
If Harry were to lose his Prince title that would mean Archie and Lilibet could also lose theirs, but they would be able to use the Dumbarton titles while their parents will be known simply as the Sussexes. Prince Harry and Meghan…
Ultra rare footage of King Charles’ Christening from 1948 showing four generations of the royal family is found at thrift shop for less than £7
A man has revealed how he discovered ultra rare footage of King Charles‘ Christening in a thrift shop – for less than £7. Ronald Baxter Jr, 59, from Charleston, South Carolina, has been collecting since he was 10 years old and…
Kate Middleton ‘made phone call’ to Meghan at King’s request to ‘clear the air’ after Royal racism claims
Kate Middleton contacted Meghan Markle to address racism allegations after Omid Scobie’s book, claims insider. Kate Middleton reportedly contacted Meghan Markle following the explosive allegations of racism levelled against the royal family including her. The Duchess of Sussex had claimed that…
Prince William Just Sported a New Look That Was Previously Discouraged — and Sparked Tension with Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales, who appeared in a new video with Princess Kate, hasn’t been seen with facial hair since 2008 Prince William is experimenting with a new look this summer, one that has been at the center of a hairy…
End of content
No more pages to load