It's been nearly two years since House of the Dragon season 2 came to an end, so viewers could be forgiven for needing a refresher before the next chapter of the Dance of the Dragons begins.
The second season saw the conflict between Rhaenyra Targaryen's Blacks and Aegon II's Greens escalate into open war, with devastating losses on both sides.
While the fighting was only just beginning, major events such as the Battle of Rook's Rest, Daemon's time at Harrenhal and Rhaenyra's recruitment of new dragonriders dramatically reshaped the balance of power across Westeros.
By the finale, alliances had shifted, armies were gathering and both factions were preparing for a much larger conflict. Here's a reminder of the key developments to remember before season 3 begins.
House of the Dragon season 2 recap: Everything to remember before season 3
How did Rhaenyra gain more dragonriders?
One of Rhaenyra's biggest challenges throughout season 2 was countering Vhagar, the largest and most powerful dragon in Westeros.
With Aemond and Vhagar giving the Greens a significant advantage, she needed more dragonriders to strengthen her position.
In a desperate gamble, Rhaenyra invited people with Targaryen ancestry to attempt to claim riderless dragons on Dragonstone. The plan came at a terrible cost, with several candidates being burned alive during the process.
Hugh Hammer claimed Vermithor, Ulf White bonded with Silverwing and Addam of Hull became Seasmoke's rider, dramatically increasing the number of dragons fighting for the Blacks and giving Rhaenyra a crucial advantage heading into the next phase of the war.
What happened to Daemon at Harrenhal?
After being sent to rally support for Rhaenyra in the Riverlands, Daemon spent much of the season at the haunted castle of Harrenhal.
While there, he was plagued by a series of unsettling visions involving figures from his past. The experiences forced him to confront his guilt, his ambition and his complicated relationship with Rhaenyra, raising questions about whether he truly supported her claim or secretly desired the Iron Throne for himself.
However, Daemon's time at Harrenhal ultimately reaffirmed his commitment to Rhaenyra. In his final vision, he saw the White Walkers, Daenerys Targaryen and other glimpses of Westeros's future, connecting Rhaenyra's claim to the wider Targaryen prophecy.
When Rhaenyra arrived at Harrenhal in the finale, Daemon pledged his loyalty to her once again and revealed that he had successfully assembled a Riverlands army for the Blacks.
What happened at the Battle of Rook's Rest?
The Battle of Rook's Rest was the season's biggest military clash and the first major dragon battle of the Dance of the Dragons.
Rhaenys Targaryen and Meleys flew to defend the castle against the Greens, only to face both Aegon II on Sunfyre and Aemond on Vhagar. The battle ended with the deaths of Rhaenys and Meleys, dealing a devastating blow to Rhaenyra's side.
The Greens also suffered significant losses. Aegon was left severely injured and unable to rule after being struck by dragonfire during the battle. Aemond's actions left his brother incapacitated and paved the way for him to take control of the Green war effort.
As the season progressed, Aemond's increasingly ruthless approach created further tensions within his own faction.
Why did Alicent secretly meet Rhaenyra?
One of the season's biggest surprises came in the finale when Alicent travelled to Dragonstone to meet Rhaenyra in secret.
Having grown disillusioned with the war and increasingly concerned by her sons' actions, Alicent proposed a plan that would allow Rhaenyra to take King's Landing with minimal bloodshed. In return, she hoped to spare Helaena and her granddaughter Jaehaera.
Rhaenyra agreed to consider the proposal, but insisted that Aegon would have to die if she was to secure her claim to the Iron Throne.
The meeting marked a dramatic turning point for Alicent and highlighted just how fractured the Green faction had become by the end of the season.
Where did season 2 leave Aegon?
Although Alicent agreed to help Rhaenyra seize King's Landing, another secret plan was already underway.
Still recovering from the devastating injuries he suffered at Rook's Rest, Aegon became increasingly fearful of his own brother. With Aemond now effectively leading the Greens, the king no longer felt safe in the capital.
In the finale, Larys Strong secretly smuggled Aegon out of King's Landing before Rhaenyra could act on her agreement with Alicent.
His survival means the war for the Iron Throne is far from over heading into season 3.
House of the Dragon season 3 will arrive on HBO Max on 22 June in the UK. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.
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