House of the Dragon S02E08: Why Does the ‘Night King’ Look Different in Finale?

House of the Dragon S02E08: Why Does the ‘Night King’ Look Different in Finale?

As a dedicated fan who has binged both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon multiple times, I must say, I was left scratching my beard (since I grew one after watching too many episodes) when I saw the Night King in Daemon’s vision during Season 2 Episode 8. Now, I’ve seen a lot of theories floating around, but let me clarify something – that was not the Night King we knew from Game of Thrones!


Fans of “House of the Dragon” are puzzled as to why the Night King in Daemon’s vision during Season 2 Episode 8 appeared differently from his initial appearance in “Game of Thrones” Season 4 Episode 3. The Night King first appeared in Bran Stark’s vision, which he experienced after connecting with the Weirwood Heart tree. This vision provides glimpses of both past and future events, making it challenging for Bran to interpret. Similarly, a single touch from Daemon to the firewood tree also showed multiple visions, one of which hinted at the “Game of Thrones” Night King.

So, here’s everything you need to know about Night King’s appearance and why he looked distinct.

Was that really the Night Knight in the House of the Dragon Season 2 finale?

In the finale of House of the Dragon’s second season, it wasn’t the Night King who made an appearance; instead, they hinted at a different White Walker commander.

In the final episode of the season, Alys Rivers led Daemon towards Godswood, a place where a mystical tree known for its prophetic omens stands. Hinting at this tree’s significance, she inquired if he was interested in knowing his future. Following suit, Daemon stepped forward and touched the tree that had been stained with blood, which then triggered vivid visions of his untold past.

In his mind’s eye, he sees a three-eyed raven, a man with a birthmark resembling a cradle, Daenerys Targaryen and dragon eggs, Rhaenyra sitting on an iron throne, and undeniably, the White Walkers. However, it’s important to note that Daemon didn’t actually see the Night King in his vision; instead, he glimpsed a generic White Walker commander. This is due to the fact that the Night King’s appearance differs significantly from the rest of the White Walker army.

Did House of the Dragon change Night King’s look from Game of Thrones?

No, HBO did not change the appearance of Night King in the House of the Dragon Season 2 finale.

In Daemon’s vision, there appeared a character resembling a White Walker from the prequel series. Surprisingly, showrunner Ryan Condal chose to hint at the presence of White Walkers in House of the Dragon’s second season, making the narrative more intriguing. During an interview with RadioTimes, he discussed his rationale for including a White Walker storyline this season. He stated that the primary difficulty in incorporating White Walkers was ensuring continuity between the original series and the spin-off.

As a history enthusiast with a keen interest in the Targaryen dynasty, I believe that Aegon the Conqueror’s prophetic dream serves as a powerful and enduring thread throughout any dramatization of his conquest. This vision, shared with me by my friend George, resonates deeply within me due to its significance in connecting the events of the time period 100 years after Aegon’s reign and extending into the original series. The dream’s recurrence highlights the profound impact that this legendary figure had on Westeros, making it a crucial element to maintain continuity as we delve deeper into the Targaryen saga.

Additionally, he explained how these references serve as a warning to viewers, hinting at larger dangers yet to unfold in the show, thereby building tension and unease.

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2024-08-07 14:12