House of the Dragon season one built up the backstory of the Targaryen family and set the stage for the Targaryen Civil War. Aegon the Conqueror was the first to unite the seven kingdoms of Westeros and conquer them all. He placed himself on the throne that he himself established. Over the 10 episodes of House of the Dragon, the show has explored a large part of Westeros including King’s Landing, Dragonstone, Driftmark and Storm’s End. In the last episode, when Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and the blacks start preparing for the Dance of the Dragons, they talk about a much-disputed area which is the Riverlands. The Blacks needed to get control of that area before the Greens. So let’s explore why that is.
The Riverlands were mentioned during House of the Dragon
The final episode of House of the Dragon showed us the Blacks led by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen planning their next move. Rhaenyra, Daemon and the rest of their supporters stood around the Painted Table in Dragonstone and plotted for the Dance of the Dragons. The Painted Table displays the entirety of Westeros and the Blacks used certain objects to mark their territories. This is when Prince Daemon Targaryen talked of conquering the Riverlands and how important they will be during the Dance of the Dragons. In fact, while Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen sent messengers to the other regions, Daemon Targaryen himself took on the task of conquering the Riverlands. Considering the fact that Daemon never does anything without a reason, the question is why he thinks the Riverlands are that important. After all, Daemon Targaryen has a keen political acumen and a military mind.
Why are the Riverlands important for the Dance of the Dragons?
The Riverlands are essentially the central region of Westeros. This central position makes the Riverlands extremely viable. The Riverlands provide easy access to the rest of the continent of Westeros and gives the conqueror an advantageous position for further attacks. Moreover, the lack of boundaries in the Riverlands make it an ideal place for battles. In fact, in the history of Westeros, the Riverlands have been the most common battleground over the years. Another key importance of this region is the fact that it has rich and fertile soil which greatly benefits the people occupying the area.
Naturally the place gets its name from the fact that a number of rivers cross over it. These rivers are also of great importance to the Kingdom since it helps transport goods. The Riverlands also have great hardened warriors who often participate in these battles. This area is occupied by House Tully mainly along with House Blackwood, House Bracken and most importantly House Strong.
What role will they play during the Targaryen Civil War?
The Riverlands due to their importance will be an important battleground during the Dance of the Dragons in House of the Dragon season 2. The Blacks and Greens will fight tooth and nail for control over the territory. Most lords of the Riverlands supported the cause of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and the Blacks. As we mentioned before, Prince Daemon Targaryen will personally go to conquer the Riverlands. In fact, he will center his attack around Harrenhal. He will be leading the assault on Harrenhal and emerge victorious on several occasions.
In retaliation, the Green Prince Aemond Targaryen will burn down a good part of the Riverlands with his dragon Vhagar. However, Daemon will soon vanquish Aemond Targaryen in the Battle at God’s Eye. By the end of the Dance of the Dragons, Borros Baratheon, an ardent member of the Green faction would devastatingly lose to the Blacks and yield control of the Riverlands to none other than Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon’s eldest son, Aegon III Targaryen.
