In this recap of Episode 6, titled “Smallfolk,” the latest episode of the second season of House of the Dragon, we capture the ongoing war between the Targaryens, known as the Dance of the Dragons.
House of the Dragon Recap: Season2, Episode 6 “Smallfolk”
The episode opens with Lord Jason Lannister (Jefferson Hall) and his army of 1000 men not delivering his host to Harrenhall until Prince Aemond TargaryenAemond (Ewan Mitchell) and Vhagar join them. During a small council meeting, Aemond stands furious with the summons from Lord Lannister. As acting Prince Regent, he switches strategies and plots to approach other noble houses and attack from different angles. He seems unwilling to engage Prince Daemon Targaryen/ King Consort (Matt Smith), who is presently taking over Harrenhall. Despite stating “My uncle is a challenge I welcome.’ He calls on his mother, the Dowager Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke) to relieve her of her duties on the small council, despite her protest.
Daemon at Harrenhall
Meanwhile, Prince Daemon is still lost in his dreams in Harrenhall. This time, accompanied by the visions of his late brother and King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine) and the memories of his banishment from King’s Landing after the Daemon called his infant son Baelon the “heir for a day.” In this vision, Daemon pleads to escape the throne room. When his vision ends, he finds himself back in Harrenhall, with Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale). Daemon accuses him of conspiring against him and hastily attempts to leave.
Doing so, he runs into Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), a wet nurse at Harrenhal. Desperate, Daemon seeks Alys’s council on what to do with the River lords. She tells him to do nothing, for now, until in three days when things will change. Later Daemon is given the news that Lord Grover has passed after Alys Rivers volunteered to heal him and Ser Oscar Tully is the new Lord Paramount of the Riverlands. We see Daemon start to cry after hearing this.
Finding Dragon Riders
At Dragonstone, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) and her small council summoned Ser Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan), a Kingsguard knight loyal to her. Recognizing the shortage of Dragonriders, Rhaenyra revealed to a puzzled Ser Steffon that three dragons remained unclaimed. To his confusion, she hinted at his Targaryen ancestry, suggesting a latent connection to the Dragonrider’s blood. Despite the danger, Ser Steffon, feeling both honored and obligated by his oath, bravely volunteered to claim Seasmoke. Tragically, his valiant attempt ended in disaster, costing Ser Steffon his life.
The episode then cuts to a scene with Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty) and Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim), Lord Corlys Velaryon’s (Steve Toussaint) bastard sons, who are part of his crew. Despite Corlys’ protests, Alyn is promoted to first mate. Later, Addam encourages Alyn to accept Corlys’ favor, while Corlys advises Addam to be more realistic about his future aspirations.
Additionally, Lady Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell) makes a brief appearance in the episode, introducing another dragon. While on a walk with Prince Joffrey Velaryon (Oscar Eskinazi), they discover burnt bones and a large charred area. When Rhaena questions Lady Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin), she reveals that a large, wild dragon has been spotted in the Vale since the war.
The Smallfolk
Presently, the efforts to gain the smallfolk’s interest in Rhaenyra by Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) are taking way. We see recurring faces in a familiar pub, complaining about the food. When one of these faces brings up the feast they are having to celebrate the new Prince Regent. Disgruntled reactions to the food at the parties and the party continuing again tomorrow. Stirring emotions remembering when Viserys was King, setting up the perfect reminder of Rhaenyras as his rightful heir.
However, Rhaenyra herself is equally frustrated after the failure to find a dragon rider and losing another life. A sentiment her small council does not try to hide, as Lord Bartimos diligently follows her through the halls to scold her decisions. Rhaenyra is forced to slap him to shut him up. Mysaria meets her afterward in her chambers, to reassure her of her efforts. Encouraging there will be others, along with bringing the good news of the smallfolk listening to the whispers claiming Rhaenyra. They agree to proceed with their plan to disrupt the peace while Aemond wages war.
Team Green Focuses on Aegon’s Recovery
As the King’s Landing starves and sheep are herded towards the castle, we see a disinterested Aemond ignore the plight of the smallfolk. The bigger news is King Aegon’s unexpected recovery, prompting Aemond to visit his brother before anyone can reveal the cause of his injuries. Aemond threatens to stay silent, and Larys withholds medication to discuss the horrors that await Aegon should he recover. Aegon’s awakening brings more concern than joy.
Queen of the Fishes
A heated discussion between Rhaenyra and Jacaerys is abruptly interrupted by Mysaria, who arrives to inform them that the “gifts” have been sent. Disagreeing on how to proceed with the war, Jacaerys has just brought up the need for Daemon’s involvement. This news leaves mother and son further at odds with each other. Meanwhile, we are taken to the shores of King’s Landing, where locals are catching fish. Suddenly, one of the men spots a boat bearing Rhaenyra’s banner, laden with food. As he gets closer, he sees all the other boats in the distance making their way toward them, each flying the same banner.
Elsewhere, Alicent, having just visited her unresponsive son, gathers Helaena to light a candle at the Great Sept of Baelor. Simultaneously, news of Rhaenyra’s gifts has spread like wildfire among the smallfolk, causing an outbreak of chaos. As a result, Alicent and Helaena’s lives are now in danger. They are hurriedly evacuated from the sept while a menacing crowd gathers, adding to the looming threat. The small folk throw fish at Alicent’s face, and Helaena becomes separated from her mother. In the ensuing chaos, a man lunges to grab Alicent, prompting a King’s guard to attack him with his sword. A full-blown riot erupts as the two women run for safety, barely making it to their carriage.
Seasmoke’s Rider
Addam of Hull, amidst the chatter of fellow beachgoers, whips his head up at the growing roar above. Seasmoke, the formidable dragon, descends rapidly. Addam, heart pounding, abandons his meager belongings and bolts into the dense woods. Seasmoke, seemingly drawn to him, crashes through the foliage in hot pursuit. Addam, out of options, spins to face his relentless hunter, their eyes locking in a tense standoff.
In the shadows of King’s Landing, Mysaria delivers dire news to a despondent Rhaenyra. Distraught, Rhaenyra confesses her doubts and her belief that the war is already lost. In a moment of vulnerability, Mysaria reveals the truth behind the scar on her neck, a story of unimaginable horror. Mysaria, moved by the revelation, embraces Rhaenyra, their connection deepening into a passionate kiss. The intimacy is shattered by the abrupt announcement: Seasmoke has a new rider.
Rhaenyra resolves to confront this unexpected turn of events. She mounts her dragon and takes to the skies, embarking on a quest to uncover the identity of the mysterious dragon rider.
Two episodes remain in season 2 of House of the Dragon. New episodes air on Sunday at 9 PM ET/PT, on HBO and streaming on HBOMax.
