Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2 opens with a quote that mirrors one of the most memorable lines fromGame of Thrones. The prequel series takes place roughly between 170-200 years before the events of the original HBO fantasy drama, andHouse of the Dragonhas made a distinct effort to establish fluid continuity despite the time gap. For example, the Aegon’s Dream prophecy is original to the TV series and creates a direct connection between the shows. One ofHouse of the DragonSeason 2’s new characterswas Lord Cregan Stark, establishing even more connection.
Cregan Stark is Ned Stark’s great-great-great-great grandfather on theHouse Stark family tree, and the season 2 opening scene provided audiences with a burst of nostalgia. This was the first time the prequel visited the North, and the series used the House Stark musical motif fromGame of Thronesto remind audiences of the comfort of Winterfell. Cregan also takes Jacaerys Velaryon atop the Wall and tells him that soldiers need to remain in the North in preparation for what exists beyond, another hint at the eventual arrival of the White Walkers.
Cregan Stark’s “Duty” Quote Perfectly Mirrors Maester Aemon’s Quote From Game Of Thrones
Maester Aemond Delivers A Similar Quote In GoT Season 1, Episode 9, “Baelor”
One of thebestGame of Thronesquotescomes from Aemon, the old maester of Castle Black and the Night’s Watch.After Jon attempts to leave the Night’s Watch following Ned Stark’s death, he explains to him that"Love is the death of duty,“encouraging him to do the right thing like his father would. Cregan’s opening voiceover line inHouse of the Dragonis notably similar, with the Stark lord mirroring Aemon’s sentiment as he explains how members of House Stark are sent to the Wall to serve in the Watch. Read the full quotes below:
“Love is the death of duty… What is honor compared to a woman’s love? And what is duty against the feel of a newborn son in your arms? Or a brother’s smile?… We’re all human. Oh, we all do our duty when there’s no cost to it. Honor comes easy then. Yet sooner or later in every man’s life there comes a day when it’s not easy. A day when he must choose.” - Maester Aemond
“Duty is sacrifice. It eclipses all things, even blood. All men of honor must pay its price.” - Cregan Stark
The two quotes are practically in conversation with each other and are essential to the House Stark philosophy. The northern noble family is defined by its code of honor and values, andtheGame of Thronesuniverse often sees terrible events occur when duty is sacrificed for love. For example, the catalyst for Robert’s Rebellion is Rhaegar Targaryen abandoning his wife for Lyanna Stark out of love. It’s also notablethat both quotes involve a Targaryen in the North, as Maester Aemon himself was a Targaryen.
The Secret Starks & Targaryen Deal That House Of The Dragon Didn’t Reveal (I’m Mad About It!)
I’m disappointed that House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1’s return to Winterfell didn’t include the pact sealed by Cregan Stark & Jacaerys.
Maester Aemon’s Duty Quote Was One Of Game Of Thrones' Most Important
Jon Snow’s Arc Is Defined By This Quote Throughout All 8 Seasons
Aside from being an unbelievable quote with real-world applicability, Maester Aemon’s quote has a lasting impact on the show. Like most young characters inGame of Thrones, Jon is impressionable in his early years, and the wisdom that’s passed down to him remains with him through the end, defining his character.Jon Snow loves Daenerys Targaryen, but he ultimately must kill her because he understands that it’s the right and dutiful thing to do. He makes that personal sacrifice, shattering his heart to fulfill his duty.
Much of Jon’s narrative can be defined by Aemon’s words, as he similarly suffers in his romance with Ygritte
Jon even mentions the quote in his scene with Tyrion Lannister, signifying how much it’s stuck with him since season 1. Much of Jon’s narrative can be defined by Aemon’s words, as he similarly suffers in his romance with Ygritte. He loves her profoundly and even has a love for the wildlings and their way of life, buthe knows he must prioritize the Night’s Watch and protecting the realm from the White Walkersrather than running off with her and embracing a life of freedom.
Why House Of The Dragon Cut One Part Of Jacaerys & Cregan’s Book Story
The return to Winterfell in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1 leaves out an important aspect of Cregan Stark & Jacaerys Velaryon’s book story.
Cregan Stark’s “Duty” Quote Mirrors A Scene From House Of The Dragon Season 1
Alicent Hightower Has A Similar Quote During Her Fight With Rhaenyra
Cregan Stark’s"Duty"quote isn’t the first mention of these ideas inHouse of the Dragon.Season 1 saw Alicent yelling,“Where is duty? Where is sacrifice!?“at Rhaenyra during her outburst scene in episode 7. In the scene, Alicent is outraged by what she’s had to do with her life, marrying the older Viserys at her father’s command and bearing three children for the king. Meanwhile, Rhaenyra had birthed three children widely perceived as bastards in her romantic fling with Ser Harwin Strong.
In the sense of Cregan Stark and Aemon Targaryen, the words carry more meaning. WhileHouse of the Dragonpaints Alicent in a more sympathetic light than in the book, there are still aspects of hypocrisy to nearly every character in the show, including her. It’s interesting to continuously bring up these ideals throughout theGame of Thronesuniverse, demonstrating how different characters perceive their own actions. No one inHouse of the Dragonis purely evil, and many continue to act upon what they see as their “duty.”
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
