House Of The Dragon Episode 8 Trailer Breakdown

House of the Dragon episode 7 has quickly become the favorite episode of many fans all over the world and rightly so. In the meanwhile,

By Chandraboli Majumdar
October 3,2022
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House of the Dragon episode 7 has quickly become the favorite episode of many fans all over the world and rightly so. In the meanwhile, the preview trailer for House of the Dragon episode 8 has been released. So let us breakdown all that happens in the trailer and what you can expect from the next episode. Spoiler alert- it will be even better and more action-packed than episode 7!

Another time jump

Another time jump in House of the Dragon episode 8
Another time jump in House of the Dragon episode 8

The preview shows another time jump in House of the Dragon. The kids are much older now, especially Aemond who has grown significantly and has become much more menacing and vicious. Even Rhaenyra’s kids Jacaerys, Lucerys and Joffrey have become older. This time jump also means that Viserys’ health has worsened even further and he has been rendered immobile. Aegon too has grown older, and now looks much more like Joffrey Baratheon from Game of Thrones whom he is often compared to.

Viserys close to death in House of the Dragon

With Viserys on bedrest, Otto sits on the throne
With Viserys on bedrest, Otto sits on the throne

House of the Dragon episode 7 took place sometime during 120 AC. We saw the death of Lady Laena Velaryon, the faked death of Laenor Velaryon and the claiming of Vhagar by Aemond all of which happened during 120 AC. So a time jump would put the House of the Dragon timeline much closer to 129 AC which is the year of the death of King Viserys. Plainly put, Viserys will be dead within the next one or two episodes. In the episode 8 trailer itself, he is absent from the throne and the court. His illness has taken a hold of him and he is on permanent bedrest. The year of his death will also see the passing of Lucerys Velaryon, son of Rhaenyra at the hands of Aemond Targaryen. The preview even hints at this happening.

Otto Hightower takes the throne temporarily 

Otto Hightower temporarily sits on the throne in House of the Dragon episode 8 preview
Otto Hightower temporarily sits on the throne in House of the Dragon episode 8 preview

With Viserys on bedrest, Otto Hightower as the Hand of the King has proclaimed himself to be the voice of the King as well. He will be carrying out the duties of Viserys himself. This is a major move for the greens and a small step forward in cementing their line on the Iron Throne. In fact we hear in the preview, that the greens will make their first major move in the next episode. We also see Alicent’s sons getting into more fights with Rhaenyra’s sons. Things are surely about to get crazy!

Vaemond Velaryon may become the next villain

Vaemond Velaryon eyes the throne of Driftmark
Vaemond Velaryon eyes the throne of Driftmark

The trailer for House of the Dragon episode 8 tells us that Lord Corlys Velaryon has been gravely injured during the battle in the Stepstones which has once again become a problem for the realm. So, Vaemond Velaryon, his brother, takes advantage of the situation and of his absence to usurp the throne of Driftmark for himself. However, as we can see in the trailer, Princess Rhaenys will not let this slide and will fight for her husband’s throne. In fact, Rhaenyra and Daemon may even help her claim House Velaryon by thwarting Vaemond. After all, Vaemond is not quite fond of them either as he blames Rhaenyra for committing adultery against Laenor. Additionally, in the books Vaemond meets his end at the hands of Daemon himself under orders of Rhaenyra. So get ready to see some more bloodshed in episode 8!

Daemon and Rhaenyra are ready to take on the greens

Daemon and Rhaenyra prepare to return to King's Landing
Daemon and Rhaenyra prepare to return to King’s Landing

Rhaenyra and Daemon have been residing at Dragonstone after getting married. However, in House of the Dragon episode 8 preview, Rhaenyra hears that Otto Hightower and the greens are ruling at her father’s stead and sees it as an attempt to steal the throne. So Daemon suggests they return to King’s Landing. While it is definitely possible to challenge Rhaenyra’s claim and instead make Aegon the heir by Westerosi law that prefers men on the throne, it could also be a trap to lure Princess Rhaenyra. Fortunately Rhaenyra is aware of this fact and points out that it could be a trap. Nonetheless it will be great to see Rhaenyra and Daemon fight on the same side.

House of the Dragon introduces twin Kingsguards Arryk and Erryk Cargyll

The last bit that the trailer shows is a very book accurate piece of information that might seem insignificant. The House of the Dragon episode 8 trailer gives a peek at the twin Kingsguards Arryk and Erryk Cargyll who serve the realm during King Viserys’ rule itself. Additionally, during the Dance of the Dragons both brothers support the different sides and thus get separated.