Warning: Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6, “Smallfolk.”
Summary
I can’t get enough of the dragon action inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, but the “Smallfolk” episode had me questioning something about Daemon Targaryen’s link to Caraxes that I hadn’t thought of before. FollowingHouse of the Dragonseason 1’s ending, pitting Prince Lucerys Velaryon and Aemond Targaryen in a deadly dragon battle, I haven’t been disappointed with season 2’s use of the mystical beasts. The highlight thus far has been the Rook’s Rest battle sequence, which featured Vhagar killing Meleys and Princess Rhaenys, as well as critically injuring King Aegon.
While Vhagar has been taking the spotlight, and understandably so, based on his status as the biggest dragon alive, the Team Black members amongHouse of the Dragon’s charactersare now tasked with finding a solution to their dragon problem. Rhaenrya’s dragon, Syrax, is too small to go up against Vhagar, as is Prince Jacaerys' dragon, Vermax. Aside from the struggle of trying to acquire more dragonriders,Seasmoke’s new ridermay further complicate Team Black’s efforts. That said, it’s important that we don’t forget Caraxes, even ifHouse of the Dragonseemingly has this season.
Joffrey Velaryon
Caraxes Doesn’t Seem To Be Feeling Daemon’s Confusion
As seen throughoutGame of ThronesandHouse of the Dragon,dragons have a very unique bond with their chosen rider. The connection stems from the bloodline, but there also has to be a strong emotional and mental bond for the pairing to work. There’s no doubt that the dragons in the franchise are remarkably intelligent, but we’ve seen how in tune they are with everything going on around them. Granted,Daemon has been experiencing strange visions inHouse of the Dragonseason 2 while staying at Harrenhal. If Daemon’s mind is being messed with to the point that he’s losing his sanity, I now wonder why his dragon Caraxes isn’t also being affected.
it would make sense if Caraxes were feeling the same type of mental turmoil that Daemon has been experiencing
WhenRhaenyra suffered a miscarriage inHouse of the Dragonseason 1, Syrax showcased some of that same pain. The grief between dragon and rider was also shared when the pair sought Luke and Arrax’s remains. Therefore, it would make sense if Caraxes were feeling the same type of mental turmoil that Daemon has been experiencing, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. In “Smallfolk,” Caraxes is still relaxing near the weirwood tree in the courtyard, but I haven’t seen any signs that he’s going through the same mind games as his rider. We know dragons need to sleep, but does that mean they can’t feel their riders' emotional dreams and visions?
House Of The Dragon Officially Debunks The Biggest Theory About Daemon’s Story (But May Confirm Another)
While it also lends more support to a separate claim, House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 debunks a big theory about Daemon’s Harrenhal storyline.
House Of The Dragon Season 2 Has Mostly Wasted Caraxes So Far
Daemon’s Dragon Will Still Be Important
Warning: Spoilers for George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire!
Again, I can’t state enough that I’ve enjoyed howHouse of the Dragonseason 2 has showcased the dragons as a whole. But even with that said, I acknowledge that the season has underutilized Caraxes so far. Aside from short trips as part of Daemon’s escapades to acquire allies,Caraxes has been stuck at Harrenhal and away from the action. We’ve seen why Caraxes is known as one of the fiercest dragons, and he certainly doesn’t lack battle experience, but he hasn’t had much to do in season 2. Though it’s a shame, it’s important to note that he won’t be trapped in Harrenhal’s courtyard forever.
Like Daemon, Caraxes has a pivotal role in the Dance of the Dragons. According toA Song of Ice and Firelore,Daemon and Caraxes will eventually fight Aemond and Vhagar near Harrenhal in what becomes known as the Battle Above the Gods Eye. During the battle, which I could see happening inHouse of the Dragonseason 3,Daemon stabbed Aemond in the eye, killing his nephew. Whereas Vhagar was killed during the fight, Caraxes would die shortly after due to injuries, while Daemon’s body was never found. It might take time, but Caraxes still has more action to come.
