House of the Dragon season 2 will be way bloodier than the first season. Fans are comparing the upcoming battle scenes to be even more gory than the legendary Battle of the Bastards from the Game of Thrones prequel. Since the new season is only eight episodes long, we wonder how many battles from the book will make it to the screen. While Battle at Rook’s Rest and Battle of the Gullet are the most probable on-screen fights of the season, there is also information that suggests that the Battle of the Burning Mill will appear in Season 2.
Why was the Battle of the Burning Mill significant?
Though this was not the first victory in the civil war that will be known as the Dance of the Dragons, it is widely considered to be the first true battle in the war. Before this, Prince Daemon Targaryen captured the biggest castle in the Seven Kingdoms, Harrenhal. This conquest is known as the Fall of Harrenhal or Assault on Harrenhal, and there were no casualties.
Thus, the Battle of the Burning Mill signifies the site of the first bloodshed and casualties of the Targaryen civil war. It all began when House Blackwood, under Lord Samwell Blackwood (we might have already seen him in season 1; read on to find out who he is), declared for Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, and House Bracken, led by Ser Amos Bracken, sided with King Aegon II Targaryen.
What exactly happened during the battle?
In 129 AC, Lord Samwell Blackwood dispatched raiders to invade the Brackens’ territory, prompting Ser Amos Bracken to retaliate by mobilizing his forces and advancing into Blackwood lands. The Blackwoods caught the Brackens off guard while encamped near a river, possibly the Red Fork.
During the ensuing battle, Ser Amos engaged in single combat with Lord Blackwood and emerged victorious, slaying his opponent. However, Ser Amos met his demise when he was struck down by a weirwood arrow, purportedly fired by Lord Samwell’s sixteen-year-old sister, Alysanne. The riverside mill, situated nearby, was set ablaze during the intense conflict.
Subsequently, Ser Raylon Rivers assumed command and led the surviving Bracken soldiers in a strategic retreat to Stone Hedge. However, in the meantime, Prince Daemon Targaryen had managed to seize control of the Bracken castle. Thus, the Blacks emerged victorious and captured Stone Hedge as well.
Will we see Battle of the Burning Mill in House of the Dragon Season 2?
The Battle of the Burning Mill is rumored to occur in Episode 2 of Season 2. The source for this information is X account Wake the Dragon, which has provided insider information for House of the Dragon. The appearance of Amos Bracken in the trailer makes this theory far more plausible. If this is true, it means that director Clare Kilner will be directing this pivotal battle in Episode 2. This will mark the first significant clash in the Dance of the Dragons and the first victory for the Blacks.
House of the Dragon has not missed the chance to highlight the centuries-long feud between House Blackwood and House Bracken. In season one, episode 4 of House of the Dragon, we see a Blackwood boy, much younger than Princess Rhaenyra, make his pitch as her potential husband, among many other suitors. While the Blackwood is trying his hardest to make his case, he keeps being interjected by a Bracken boy named Jerren, set to bully him into embarrassment in front of everyone gathered at Storm’s End.
This fresh-faced boy is named Willem Blackwood. After Rhaenyra politely rejects him, the Bracken lad pokes fun at him some more. And the next thing we know, both the youngsters have their swords out, and Willem guts Jerren with ease. When it comes down to it, no one knows exactly why these two houses have been fighting all this while.
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Theory: Is Willem none other than Samwell Blackwood?
In the book on which the show is based, Fire and Blood, there is no character of that name. So Samwell has likely been rebranded to Willem to avoid confusion with Samwell Tarly from Game of Thrones. This is further supported by the fact that the age gap between Willem and Princess Rhaenyra on screen is similar to her age difference with Samwell Blackwood in the books. Samwell is ten years younger than Rhaenyra. So, by this timeline, Willem cannot be Samwell’s father or son.
Also, in the book, a scene similar to the one in Storm’s End occurs. Except this time, it happens at the Trident, and Samwell Blackwood loses a duel against Amos Bracken (yes, the same Amos who kills Samwell at Burning Mill). Here again, they were fighting over Princess Rhaenyra’s hand in marriage.
So, it is highly likely that Samwell Blackwood will appear on screen as Willem Blackwood. And Amos killing him will also serve as revenge for stabbing Jerren Bracken.
When will House of the Dragon season 2 be released?
For now, all we know is that the earliest we can expect season 2 is by Summer 2024. Filming is still ongoing in North Wales currently, and it will take a total of 8 months to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are the Blackwoods and the Brackens?
They are two ancient houses in the Riverlands. Their ancestors were part of the First Men who settled in Westeros centuries ago.
2. Why are Blackwoods and Brackens always fighting and feuding?
Both the houses claim they were the original Kings of the Riverlands, and the other usurped them. No one knows who is right.
3. Where were these two houses in Game of Thrones?
Both the houses join hands under Robb Stark’s agenda to make Riverlands a separate kingdom.
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