Warning: Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7, “The Red Sowing.”
Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2 has set up Jacaerys Velaryon as the Jon Snow replacement in some ways, but “The Red Sowing” features a tragic family story thatGame of Thronesnever had a chance to dive into. As Rhaenyra Targaryen’s firstborn, Jace received a more pivotal role in season 2 now that he carries more responsibilities with his age. He might not have the freedom and power he would like as a prince when it comes to fighting for his mother’s side, but he’s getting lessons in diplomacy and negotiating in an effort to help make a difference in theTargaryen civil war.
After Jace successfully acquired allegiance from House Arryn in exchange for a dragon, the young Velaryon set his sights on Winterfell, allowing Cregan Stark to officially joinHouse of the Dragon’s growing cast list. Returning to Winterfell and getting a glimpse of the Wall nearly 200 years before the events ofGame of Throneswas undoubtedly thrilling, especially with a former Lord of Winterfell involved. DespiteHouse of the Dragon’s timeline, there will always be connections toGame of Thrones, but Jace’s evolving story puts another spin on his status as the so-called Jon Snow replacement.
All 38 Dragonriders In Game Of Thrones Canon
Including the characters in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, the history of George R.R. Martin’s world is filled with dragonriders.
Jacaerys Velaryon Has Similarities With Jon Snow
The Pair Have A Similar Background
Even before Jacaerys traveled to the North, there had been similarities between him and Jon Snow.The most obvious similarity is the fact that Jace and Jon are both bastards, with Jace being the son of Ser Harwin Strong and Rhaenyra, while Jon, of course, was revealed to be the son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. There have also been undeniable comparisons stemming from Jace’s new look inHouse of the Dragonseason 2. Not only did Jace visit the Wall, but seeing him with long curly hair similar to Jon’s while interacting with Northerners made him fit in flawlessly with the Starks.
Jace Confronting Rhaenyra About His Parentage Is What Jon Couldn’t Do
While Jace and Jon might share similarities in their respective arcs, there are a few differences, especially when it comes to their parentage.House of the Dragonseason 2, episode 7, “The Red Sowing,“features an impactful scene with Jace confronting his mother about his biological father. It was always quite apparent that Jace and two of his brothers were the sons of Ser Harwin Strong, but the truth was never openly discussed. That said,using bastard dragonriders has led Jace to worry about House Targaryen’s legitimacy and how it could affect his future as an heir.
Visenya Targaryen
Prince Daemon Targaryen
InGame of Thrones, Jon never had a chance to challenge the details surrounding his complicated parentage. While he eventually learned he was actually Aegon Targaryen, Jon didn’t get to meet his mother or father. Ned Stark embraced Jon as his son, keeping the truth about his biological parents through his upbringing. Still, Jon knew he was a bastard and wanted to know his real parentage. He was even supposed to talk to Ned about it, but the Head of House Stark died inGame of Thronesseason 1. There was also no chance that Jon would seek answers from Catelynn.
Jacaerys Is A More Tragic Character Than Jon Snow
Jace Can’t Use His Bastard Status In The Same Way Jon Did
George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book, on which the show is based!
It’s obvious that Rhaenyra needs more dragonriders to have a chance against Team Green’s forces. Conversely,Jace’s concerns in “The Red Sowing” are completely validbecause allowing bastards into the mix could affect the perception of his own claims as an heir. Jace’s confrontation comes with a lot of emotion, but it’s also very tragic when thinking about the pressure he puts on himself so others treat him as a highborn heir. At least for Jon, he embraced his status as a status and wore it like armor, as Tyrion suggested. Jace can’t follow that path since it would be admitting something his family continues to ignore.
Though Rhaenyra shuts down Jace’s concerns, his succession could be questioned if other bastards are given power as dragonriders. Those feelings and concerns of being undermined likely won’t disappear inHouse of the Dragonseason 3and beyond, but it also won’t really matter in the end. Another big difference between Jon Snow and Jacaerys Velaryon is their fates. Whereas Jon lived inGame of Thrones,Jace ended up dying during the Dance of the Dragons, according toFire & Blood. Jace and his dragon Vermax were casualties due to the Battle of the Gullet, but the event further pushed House Stark to honor the allegiance to Rhaenyra.
