In the universe of “House of the Dragon” and “Game of Thrones,” power and motherhood are deeply intertwined, but that bond comes at a high cost.
In both series we have seen how mothers, despite their strength and determination, violently cope with the devastating loss of their children.
These tragedies not only broke the hearts of fans, but also redefined the storylines in both series.
Helaena Targaryen
In “House of the Dragon,” Helaena Targaryen experiences a heartbreaking tragedy when her son Jaehaerys is murdered in front of her. This brutal act, the result of Rhaenyra’s revenge for the death of Lucerys Velaryon, sets off a wave of events leading to a bitter war between the Targaryens.
Helaena Targaryen was forced to decide which of her children would be sacrificed in retaliation. In a moment of extreme anguish, she chooses Maelor, her youngest son, hoping to protect Jaehaerys. However, the assassins, in an act of barbarism, kill Jaehaerys in front of her.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
One of the most shocking moments of the second season of “House of the Dragon” (so far) was the unexpected death of Lucerys Velaryon, the second son of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon, and heir to the Driftmark.
Although it was an unfortunate accident, the misfortune began when his uncle, Aemond Targaryen, pursued him riding Vhagar after their encounter at Storm’s End.
Sensing a threat, Lucerys’ dragon Arrax fought back against the massive creature, ultimately sealing his and his rider’s fate. Despite the resistance of Alicent Hightower’s third son, the dragon returned the attack and killed them both in one bite.
Rhaenyra’s deep pain after Lucerys’ death drives her to seek revenge, setting off a spiral of violence and punishment that will change the course of Targaryen history.
This event triggers the famous Cheese and Blood scene, where a son is called for a son.
Cersei Lannister
Cersei is one of the most complex and powerful mothers in ‘Game of Thrones’. Despite his cruelty, his love for his children is deep and genuine. Maggie the Frog’s prophecy, predicting the death of her three offspring, constantly weighs on her and is finally fulfilled.
First he suffered the death of Joffrey, poisoned at his wedding. Then the tragic death of Myrcella, in Dorne, and Tommen’s suicide after the destruction of the Sept of Baelor. These events mark Cersei and transform her into a more ruthless and merciless queen.
Daenerys Targaryen
In ‘Game of Thrones’, ‘The Mother of Dragons’ suffers the loss of her son Rhaego, who unfortunately only lived a few minutes due to the blood magic invoked during childbirth. Daenerys finds solace in her three dragons, whom she raises as if they were her own children.
The death of Viserion, her first dragon, changes Daenerys profoundly, and the loss of Rhaegal at the hands of Euron Greyjoy unleashes her rage, transforming her into a darker, more vengeful figure.
Catelyn Stark
The matriarch of House Stark is a symbol of maternal devotion. Her fight to protect her family culminates in the infamous Red Wedding, one of the story’s pivotal points, Catelyn witnesses the death of her son Robb and his recent wife, only to be brutally murdered.
Olenna Tyrell
Although Olenna is a grandmother, her love for her grandchildren, Margaery and Loras, was evident and accompanied almost like a mother.
Their struggle to keep their family safe culminates in the tragic explosion of the September of Baelor, planned by Cersei, which kills them while also destroying their hopes for power.
The deaths of Loras and Margaery Tyrell were collateral damage fueled by Cersei’s determination to maintain her power at any cost.
Source: univision
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
