The latest episode of HBO’s House of the Dragon has only just dropped, but that hasn’t stopped fans unleashing their theories and thoughts on what the future may hold.
The big one for this week was the mysterious presence of the White Hart. The White Hart is explained in the episode as a symbol of royalty that existed before Dragons and Targaryens.
In honour of the first born son, King Viserys seeks to hunt and kill the White Hart. Instead, he only manages to kill a normal deer.
Having captured the deer, Viserys strikes it with a Lannister spear. But he doesn’t quite kill it. Onlookers cast their concern and doubt as he goes in for a second attempt.
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Far from the action, Rhaenyra is quietly approached by the White Hart but instead of hunting it, she allows it to run free.
The symbolism in these particular sequences are very heavy.
Viserys’ reign has been plagued by doubt from his own subordinates, constantly being manipulated and played for others’ self-interest.
Not only does his inability to hunt the White Hart suggest that he is not the true king, but he then struggles to kill the regular captured deer.
In contrast, you have Rhaenyra who is also doubted, but for all the wrong reasons. She is forced into submission by a ruthless patriarchy and is a point of concern for the ruling elite as she attempts to shake up the order.
Regardless, the White Hart appears to her and suggests that she is the true heir and the leader that the Targaryens and Westeros need.
Her decision to then allow the Hart to live once again proves that Rhaenyra is change and the change is coming.
Now, I haven’t read the book. But I got a feeling something bad might be heading the King’s way.
Check out some other reactions!
the symbolism of viserys clumsily and painfully executing a tied-up stag compared to a white stag staring calmly at rhaenyra and her stopping criston from killing it…. chef’s kiss! #houseofthedragon
— j || hotd spoilers (@INEJSKNlVES) September 5, 2022
Rhanerya coming back to camp after seeing the white hart #hotd #HouseOfTheDragonHBO #HouseoftheDragon pic.twitter.com/UiA30V9ddz
— mementomoray (@mementomoray) September 5, 2022
the #WhiteHart appears to rhaenyra targaryen the rightful heir to the iron throne#HouseoftheDragon #HOTD pic.twitter.com/ubHC3WQgbc
— house of the dragon scenes (@sceneshotd) September 5, 2022
the white hart finding rhaenyra oh the symbolism #HouseOfTheDragonHBO #HouseOfTheDragon pic.twitter.com/swZs0AKuYV
— dildo baggins (@finnsrvy) September 5, 2022
All the hunters eating their mid venison burgers after being promised white hart meat #hotd #HouseOfTheDragonHBO #HouseoftheDragon pic.twitter.com/YV1WNvKnkf
— mementomoray (@mementomoray) September 5, 2022
Be sure to check out our recap for episode three ‘Second of His Name’
