A warfare historian provides a detailed review of the battle scene featured in Episode 3 of House of the Dragon. Prince Daemon Targaryen, after forming an alliance, engages in combat against the Triarchy army in the Stepstones. The historian, Roel Konijnendijk, highlights certain inaccuracies in the battle tactics and critiques the conveniently placed cover that protects Daemon, humorously referring to it as “premium-grade plot armor.”
Controversy Surrounding House Of The Dragon Episode 3’s Battle

House of the Dragon, as a highly anticipated prequel to Game of Thrones, faced immense expectations for its battle scenes. Episode 3 showcases the series’ first major battle, but it received mixed reviews from viewers. Daemon’s survival during the battle becomes a point of contention, with some, including Konijnendijk, considering it an example of excessive plot armor. In contrast to previous instances in Game of Thrones where survival against the odds had ties to prophecies, Daemon’s luck-based survival lacks a satisfying explanation for certain viewers.
The Debate Over Plot Armor

The concept of plot armor and its application to Daemon’s heroic moment generates discussions among fans and experts alike. While some argue that survival against impossible odds is a staple of the fantasy genre, others contend that House of the Dragon should strive for more realistic and grounded storytelling. The controversy surrounding Daemon’s survival adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue about the balance between narrative convenience and believability in epic battles.