One of the best things about watching House of the Dragon is how each character has a connection to the original series, Game of Thrones. Season 2, Episode 3, titled "The Burning Mill" introduced us to one such similar character who plays a pivotal role in bringing the Greens to power. The character is none other than Ser Rickard Thorne (Vicent Regan), the loyal Kingsguard knight of Alicent Hightower.
As for why he supports Aegon II Targaryen in House of the Dragon, the most perfect answer would be the loyalty he feels to the Iron Throne. The Greens are composed of powerful lords and knights who believe in male succession to the throne. This brings us to the main point of contention, as the Greens believe that Aegon is more worthy of the throne than Rhaenyra.
Ser Rickard Thorne is a Knight of House Thorne who served as a loyal Kingsguard during the reigns of Viserys I and Aegon II Targaryen. After the death of Viserys I Targaryen in 129 A.D., he chose to serve Aegon II Targaryen and aid the Greens against the Blacks in the impending civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.
When are fans introduced to Ser Rickard Thorne in House of the Dragon season 2?
All the mishaps occurring in House of the Dragon are because Alicent Hightower misunderstood Viserys' last words. Viserys believes Rhaenyra to be the worthy heir to the Iron Throne, but he mistakes Alicent for Rhaenyra due to the heavy dosage of medicine and hands Alicent, Aegon’s prophecy. Aegon is crowned as king by Alicent and his reign is best defined by the Dance of the Dragons.
After Aegon takes the throne, many unfortunate events occur in King's Landing. To mention some of the instances, firstly, Haelena is traumatized by the death of her daughter. Second, Aegon is nearly killed by Aemond Alicent's other son, and many lives are at stake as Rhaenya is on her way to claim what is rightfully hers.
In a state of self-reflection, the Dowager Queen seeks a change of scenery and asks a member of the Kingsguard to accompany her to Kingswood. That Kingsguard is none other than Ser Rickard Thorne. Rickard reluctantly agrees to the queen's request, as he is in no position to disobey her orders. However, by the end of the season, it is revealed that Alicent has, as a matter of fact, traveled to Dragonstone to negotiate peace with Rhaenyra.
As Alicent gets to spend some time on her own, camping and swimming in Kingswood, House of the Dragon fans get to see the Kingsguard for the first time in the series.
How is Ser Rickard Thorne connected to Game of Thrones?
Actor Vincent Regan plays the role of Ser Rickard Thorne, with a blend of stoicism and loyalty. Ser Rickard is a relative of one of Game of Thrones' spiteful villains, Ser Alliser Throne. Played by actor Owen Teale, Ser Alliser appears in the first five seasons of the series until he is executed for opposing Jon.
Alliser was an obstacle in Jon's path, as Alliser made it his life's mission to make things difficult for both Jon and Sam once he ascended to the position of Lord Commander.
How does Ser Rickard Thorne’s story conclude in the books?
Ser Rickard Thorne is killed by the mob in Bitterbridge. Ser Rickard Thorne follows the Greens and sides with Lord Aegon on the orders from Lord Commander Criston Cole. When the Greens lose their position and Rhaenyra takes over King's Landing, Lord Lary Strong orders him to escort Prince Maegor out of the castle to safety in Holdast.
Unfortunately, the loyal Kingsguard fails to complete the mission, and both he and the prince are killed by the mob at Bitterbridge.
House of the Dragon Season 2 has now ended, but both seasons are available for fans to watch on Prime Video.
