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'House of the Dragon': Rhaenyra is Very Similar to Daenerys, But Also Completely Different

'House of the Dragon': Rhaenyra is Very Similar to Daenerys, But Also Completely Different
Image credit: Legion-Media

In the 'Game of Thrones' universe, it seems there is a pattern for strong women in power… or not really.

In the trailer for 'House of the Dragon ', Rhaenyra, daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen and Aemma Arryn, is heard saying that she is going to "change the order" that prevents women from enjoying power when she becomes a queen herself.

For those who followed the character journey of another major female character from 'Game of Thrones ', Daenerys Targaryen, the rhetoric feels extremely familiar. The Mother of Dragons also promised to "break the wheel" instead of stopping it when speaking to Tyrion in season 5 of 'Game of Thrones', and we all know how that eventually worked out for her.

However, despite what seems to be a striking resemblance, fans are not ready to immediately proclaim that the two characters are the same.

"And Rhaenyra just means ending Targaryen women being unable to rule, not "I'm going to end the entire feudal system until only I'm left on top." – /sexmountain

Many fans still seem to be frustrated with how Daenerys tumbled down into insanity, especially in season 8. However, even though many criticized the way she put her thoughts in the "wheel" sentence, others argued that in fact, Daenerys made sense.

"I think Dany was just expressing how she's tired of the quasi-feudal state that Westeros was stuck in with various noble families all vying for power and ruining the peace. She wants to end that cycle and change the system entirely," one fan said.

The fans largely expect 'House of the Dragons' to make sure that Rhaenyra has a character journey different from that of Daenerys in 'Game of Thrones' — especially when it comes to the final season where the Mother of Dragons went crazy and practically stripped herself of her entire fanbase.

The 'Game of Thrones' prequel premieres on HBO Max on August 21.