Is Rhaenyra bisexual on House of the Dragon? All scenes that suggest her potential romantic orientation, explored

Rhaenyra Targaryen is the protagonist of HBO’s House of the Dragon. Based on George R. R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood, the show is a prequel to Game of Thrones and focuses on the civil war between Rhaenyra and her half-brother, Aegon Targaryen.

Emma D'Arcy plays Rhaenyra, a multifaceted character known for her fierce and strong personality. However, one aspect of her character has confused the audience since the show began: her sexuality.

In the first season of the fantasy drama, there are subtle hints at Rhaenyra being attracted to both men and women. In House of the Dragon season 2, it is finally confirmed that she is bisexual when she kisses Mysaria.

House of the Dragon season 1 scenes that hinted at Rhaenyra’s sexuality

In the very first episode of the show, there is some sexual tension between young Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower. Though they are best friends, their relationship has a romantic subtext, which is evident from their body language.

In House of the Dragon season 1, episode 1, Rhaenyra tells Alicent that the only thing she wants to do is to “fly with you on dragon back, see the great wonders across the Narrow Sea, and eat only cake,” signaling how she is willing to give away her royalty to spend her life with her best friend.

The way they hug each other, and press their foreheads against each other, leaves the audience wondering if the girls are more than friends. This only makes their story more tragic, as they go from being potential partners to bloodthirsty enemies when they grow up.

Emily Carey, who starred as young Alicent in House of the Dragon, confirmed that she was aware of her character’s possible romantic inclination toward Rhaenyra, and vice versa. Executive producer and writer Sara Hess also confirmed there was ‘an element of queerness’ in the girls’ bond in one of her interviews.

However, their relationship drastically changes when Alicent marries Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra gets into romantic relationships with men like Criston Cole and Harwin Strong. She eventually gets married to Laenor Targaryen, a gay man, and supports him in eloping with his boyfriend.

This also shows that Rhaenyra understands same-sex relationships at a deeper level while living in a society that looks down upon these relationships. Rhaenyra later tied the knot with Daemon Targaryen and there are no more hints about her sexuality until it is confirmed in House of the Dragon season 2.

House of the Dragon season 2 confirms Rhaenyra is bisexual

As the war between the two sides of the Targaryen family begins, Rhaenyra is left with only a few trusted individuals in House of the Dragon season 2. While Daemon is away gathering an army in Harrenhal, Rhaenyra gets intimate with the information broker Mysaria, aka White Worm.

In season 2 episode 6, Rhaenyra and Mysaria discuss their traumas with each other. The Black Queen tells her how she feels frustrated about being seen as a weak ruler in a man’s world. On the other hand, Mysaria discusses her dark past, revealing how she was assaulted and almost murdered by her father.

In a moment of vulnerability, the two women hug each other and end up kissing passionately, until they are interrupted by an informer. The scene confirms the long-standing theory of Rhaenyra being attracted to women.

Emma D'Arcy revealed the kiss represented a bodily desire for both women, something Rhaenyra does not even feel with her husband, Daemon. They said in an interview with Variety:

Trending

“Initially, there’s huge feelings of empathy and gratitude toward this person. Rhaenyra is hugely affected by the life that Mysaria has lived so bravely. Then, they are two bodies completely overrun by touch. As soon as they embrace and their bodies are touching, I think it’s pure bodily desire.”

House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Max.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

Comment