Fans of „House of the Dragon“ were left disappointed as a key pact between the Starks and the Targaryens was missing in Season 2.
„House of the Dragon“, the prequel to „Game of Thrones“, omitted some crucial elements in the first episode of the second season. The series did not showcase the pact that was supposed to be sealed between the Stark and Targaryen houses.
In George R.R. Martin’s books, this alliance plays a significant role in deepening the relationship between the two major houses. The pact involves the marriage of Jacaerys Velaryon’s first daughter to the heir of Winterfell.
The pact between Ice and Fire, explained
In the series „House of the Dragon“, viewers are transported back to the icy world of Winterfell. However, the long-awaited scene where the pact is sealed is missing. This pact, as depicted in George R.R. Martin’s book „Fire and Blood“, is a pivotal moment that binds the two powerful houses.
Although the first episode of the second season mentions the Starks‘ support for Team Black, the actual pact promising the marriage of Jacaerys‘ firstborn to Cregan Stark’s heir goes unmentioned.
Will the pact ever be fulfilled in HotD or GoT?
Despite Jacaerys Velaryon’s vow, he dies in battle long before he can have children with Baela. The pact remains unfulfilled in „House of the Dragon“, and in „Game of Thrones“, there is no marriage between a Stark son and a Targaryen daughter.
However, the pact in „Game of Thrones“ comes close to fruition through the secret marriage of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, the parents of Jon Snow, who carries the blood of both the Starks and the Targaryens.
The significance of the pact for the overall story
The pact is closely linked to the themes and prophecy of Aegon’s vision, which he called the „Song of Ice and Fire“. The absence of this crucial scene in „House of the Dragon“ raises questions as to why it was omitted and disappoints many fans of the series.
The ultimate fulfillment of the pact would have led to the birth of a ruler who realizes Aegon’s vision. In „Game of Thrones“, this destiny is hinted at through Jon Snow, who unites the strengths of both houses as the King in the North.