9 Biggest House Of The Dragon Season 3 Theories, From Daemon Being The 3-Eyed Raven To Alicent & Rhaenyra’s Romance

Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2’s finale and MASSIVE SPOILERS for Fire & Blood, the show’s source material.

Though the next season is still years away, theories and predictions for House of the Dragon season 3 can already be made. House of the Dragon is based on Fire & Blood, a companion book to George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice & Fire novels that examines the reigns of various Targaryen rulers. Given the nature of the book as an in-world historical text, the television writers have taken significant creative liberties in their adaptation, interpreting the material as how events might actually have happened, with historical biases in mind.

House of the Dragon season 2’s ending left audiences with a divisive response, with a significant portion of the viewer base feeling cheated out of promised action or feeling that the show diverted too much from the source material; it will be interesting to see how season 3 proceeds. Based on the contents of Fire & Blood and the direction the show seems to be headed, theories and predictions can be made, ranging from fairly straightforward to more outlandish ideas.

9 Daemon Will Become The Three-Eyed Raven

Daemon’s Body Could Be Recovered By Green Men

Beginning with one of the more outlandish but not impossible theories is Daemon becoming the Three-Eyed Raven. The season 2 finale saw Daemon witnessing Aegon’s Dream, the prophetic vision that essentially kicked off Aegon’s Conquest and the Targaryen dynasty in Westeros. Brynden Rivers is the name of the Three-Eyed Raven audiences meet in Game of Thrones, which is essentially confirmed by Daemon’s season 2 vision, showing the young Brynden with a raven flying out of him.

However, in Game of Thrones season 8, Bran Stark suggests that there were multiple Three-Eyed Ravens over the span of centuries. Daemon’s fate in Fire & Blood is left ambiguous after his climactic duel with Aemond, and season 2 showed Daemon seeing a Green Man at Harrenhal. Given that Daemon and Aemond fight above God’s Eye, the theory would imply that a Green Man recovers Daemon’s body, takes him below the weirwood tree, and he becomes the Three-Eyed Raven until Brynden takes over.

8 Alicent & Rhaenyra Will Explore A Romantic Relationship

Alicent & Rhaenyra Have Had Romantic Undertones Since Season 1

Another idea that’s entirely original to House of the Dragon would be a romantic bond between Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen. Season 2 made an effort to give the pair scenes together in secret meetings in King’s Landing and Dragonstone, where the two women discussed their roles in the unfolding war. Season 3 won’t have to force the pair together, as they’ll find themselves under the roof of the Red Keep after Rhaenyra captures King’s Landing.

Alicent and Rhaenyra’s romantic feelings are hinted at in their final scene in season 2, where Alicent suggests Rhaenyra runs away with her. Fans have speculated on romantic undertones in their friendship since season 1, but how far this will be taken in the show is to be seen. Rhaenyra and Mysaria had a romantic scene in season 2, confirming Rhaenyra’s interest in women for the first time, which is an original idea for the series.

7 Otto Hightower Is Imprisoned By House Beesbury (& Daeron Will Save Him)

Who Captured Otto & Why?

Otto Hightower disappeared in House of the Dragon season 2 after he was dismissed as Hand of the King in episode 3. He presumably returned to the Reach to rally the Tyrells, but Alicent expresses worry after not hearing from him later in the season. The season 2 finale confirms that he’s been captured and imprisoned somewhere. Given House Beesbury’s loyalty to the Blacks and their role in the Battle of the Honeywine, one of House of the Dragon upcoming battles, Otto could be imprisoned at the castle Honeyholt.

This would leave room for Daeron Targaryen, Viserys and Alicent’s third son, to save him on the back of his dragon Tessarion. Tessarion was briefly teased in season 2’s closing montage, flying alongside the marching Hightower army from the south. Saving Otto could be how Daeron gets his nickname “the Daring” in the TV series.

6 Aegon’s Dragon Sunfyre Won’t Actually Be Dead

Larys Proclaimed Sunfyre As Dead In Season 2

Aegon II and Sunfyre both took massive hits in season 2’s Battle of Rook’s Rest, with the king’s beautiful golden dragon torn to shreds by Meleys and burnt to a crisp by Vhagar. In season 2’s finale, Larys Strong suggests that Sunfyre is dead, which would create several inconsistencies with the books, as Sunfyre has an enormous role to play in many major events to come. Thus, it wouldn’t be too surprising for Aegon’s season 3 arc to see him returning to his dragon.

In the book, Sunfyre remains by Rook’s Rest with an encampment of soldiers who defend him while he heals. A force from Rhaenyra’s side eventually tries to attack him, but the wounded dragon manages to hold out despite all odds, eventually returning to Aegon later in the story. Aegon himself might not be too beloved, but Sunfyre is a fan favorite that could steal the show if he comes back.

5 Rhaena Will Finally Claim Sheepstealer

Rhaena Was Shown Across From Sheepstealer In Season 2’s Finale

House of the Dragon season 2’s finale all but confirmed Rhaena would claim the wild dragon Sheepstealer, and season 3’s premiere could confirm this by seeing her arrive at King’s Landing to help Rhaenyra retake the capital. If Rhaena claims Sheepstealer, it seems likely that the book character Nettles wouldn’t be cast in the show, with their two arcs essentially combined. It’s an interesting choice that should have larger narrative implications.

If Rhaena claims Sheepstealer, Rhaenyra’s position would be bolstered significantly throughout the war, especially since Baela is also already riding Moondancer. Rhaenyra would have two loyal dragonriders that she doesn’t really have at this point in the books, making it hard to imagine the Greens tipping the scales back in their favor at any point. It would also be strange for Rhaena to have spent three episodes chasing Sheepstealer to then not claim him.

4 Rhaenyra Will Shift Further Toward Being A Cruel Tyrant

“The Red Sowing” Hinted At Rhaenyra’s Arc

One of the critiques for House of the Dragon so far has been that the show leans too far in favor of Rhaenyra, making her a heroine that she isn’t in the book. An interesting aspect of her character in the novel is that she has moments of cruelty, and she isn’t explicitly a better or fairer ruler than Aegon II despite being the rightful heir. Season 2 showed glimpses of her potential for cruelty and indifference in “The Red Sowing,” but season 3 could push her further in this direction.

In the book, Rhaenyra’s return to King’s Landing isn’t as welcoming as she hopes. Larys turns most of the population against her, which will be interesting to see, given how season 2 built up Rhaenyra as the favorable ruler. It’s possible that Rhaenyra will begin acting more vengefully after she finds that Aegon has already fled the city, feeling like Alicent lied to her and betrayed her with her promise in the season 2 finale.

3 Hugh’s Wife Will Be Killed (Causing Him To Betray The Blacks)

Hugh’s Wife Could Be At Tumbleton During The Battle

It’s possible House of the Dragon season 3 won’t make it as far as the First Battle of Tumbleton, but the seeds should certainly be planted for the Two Betrayers. Ulf already seems like a character who will be quick to switch sides when money, status, or other forms of power are offered to him, but Hugh has been made to seem like a man of genuine character and nobility. Hugh has already suffered the loss of his daughter, and many have predicted that his wife will be the next to go.

Hugh’s wife mentions Tumbleton in season 2, which could lead to her being present in the upcoming battle, causing him to switch sides midway through. Hugh could see his wife killed by forces from the Blacks, causing him to lash out with Vermithor, taking out a portion of Rhaenyra’s army. It’s also possible that season 3 will see division sowed between him and Rhaenyra when Daemon returns to her side, as the Rogue Prince likely won’t be too thrilled about lowborn dragonriders.

2 Criston Cole Will Be Made More Sympathetic

Criston Cole Could Be Made More Likable Just Before He Dies

Another event that could happen late in season 3 is Criston Cole’s death. The season 2 finale foreshadowed this moment by hinting that he wouldn’t return to Alicent, and him expressing that he’s likely marching to his death. He’s easily the most hated character in the show by fans, which means House of the Dragon could attempt to sway audiences in the typical Game of Thrones fashion by having him do something noble with his final days.

Given that Criston Cole is marching toward Harrenhal to face the Blacks, it’s hard to say what this could be. If he continues to reflect on his wrongdoing and continues to be the more level-headed in the pair of him and Aemond, he might win over some audiences before his inevitable death.

1 Ulf Will Cause Jacaerys’ Death At The Gullet

Ulf & Jace’s Rivalry Was Established In Season 2

House of the Dragon season 2’s final episodes set up an interesting rivalry between Jacaerys and the dragonseeds, with him nervous about his claim to the throne. Jace dies at the Battle of the Gullet in the book, and it’s portrayed as an Icarus-like death where he extends beyond his capabilities as a warrior, causing him to be killed by crossbow bolts. Either directly or indirectly, it would be interesting if this were to be caused by Ulf.

Continuing her trend from season 2, Rhaenyra could request that Jace not take part in the Battle of the Gullet, sending her expendable dragonriders in his place. Ulf could then taunt Jacaerys, causing him to mount up on Vermax and try to claim some glory for himself in the naval conflict. Alternatively, Ulf could directly betray him in combat, similar to Aemond and Aegon at Rook’s Rest in House of the Dragon season 2.