10 ‘House of the Dragon’ Scenes That Shocked Everyone

HBO’s ‘House of the Dragon’ dives deep into the fiery, chaotic world of the Targaryen dynasty, delivering moments that grip you and don’t let go. Set 172 years before Daenerys Targaryen’s birth, the show unravels a brutal civil war within House Targaryen, packed with betrayal, dragons, and gut-wrenching decisions.

I’ve watched every episode, and the series knows how to hit hard with scenes that shock and linger. Here are ten moments from the first two seasons that had me staring at the screen in disbelief, ranked from least to most shocking.

10. Daemon’s Dark Humor at Vaemond’s Expense (2022–)

In a tense court scene, Vaemond Velaryon boldly challenges Lucerys’ claim to Driftmark, hurling insults at Rhaenyra. Before King Viserys can act, Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith, slices Vaemond’s head clean off from behind, sparing his tongue.

The dark comedy comes when Daemon quips to the corpse about keeping that tongue. It’s a brutal yet oddly funny moment that shows Daemon’s ruthless edge and quick wit, leaving the court stunned.

9. Helaena Catches Alicent and Criston (2022–)

Queen Alicent Hightower, portrayed by Olivia Cooke, is caught in a compromising moment with Ser Criston Cole by her daughter Helaena. The awkwardness peaks as Helaena, unfazed, brushes off her mother’s attempt to explain.

This scene’s humor lies in Helaena’s indifference to the scandal. It’s a lighter shock amid the show’s darker moments, highlighting the dysfunctional dynamics within the royal family.

8. Aegon’s Throne Misstep (2022–)

After Otto and Alicent crown Aegon as king, they quickly realize he’s unfit to rule. Aegon, played by Tom Glynn-Carney, abuses his power, notably by ordering the mass execution of innocent ratcatchers after a tragedy.

The shock comes from seeing a cruel, incompetent king unravel Otto’s careful plans. It’s a stark reminder of the chaos that follows when power lands in the wrong hands.

7. Aemond’s Dragonpit Brawl (2022–)

Young Aemond Targaryen, portrayed by Leo Ashton, claims the massive dragon Vhagar after Laena’s death, sparking a fight with Laena’s daughters, Rhaena and Baela. The kids gang up on Aemond, but he holds his own in a brutal scrap.

The intensity of children fighting so fiercely in the Dragonpit is jarring. It’s a raw glimpse into the Targaryen family’s deep-seated rivalries, even among the young.

6. Rhaenyra and Criston’s Forbidden Hookup (2022–)

After a frustrating night at a brothel with Daemon, young Rhaenyra, played by Milly Alcock, returns to the Red Keep and seduces Ser Criston Cole, portrayed by Fabien Frankel. Their flirtatious, surprisingly tender encounter breaks his knightly vows.

The romance amidst the show’s gritty tone is unexpected. It’s a bold move that complicates Criston’s loyalty and Rhaenyra’s future, leaving me stunned at their recklessness.

5. Daemon and Rhaenyra’s Brothel Tension (2022–)

Daemon Targaryen takes his niece Rhaenyra to a brothel, showing her the pleasures of freedom. The scene, charged with their forbidden attraction, nearly crosses a line as they get close in the seedy setting.

The uncomfortable dynamic between uncle and niece, played by Matt Smith and Milly Alcock, is unsettling yet gripping. It’s a moment that pushes boundaries and sets up their complex bond.

4. Laenor’s Fake Death Twist (2022–)

To secure their marriage, Rhaenyra and Daemon stage Laenor Velaryon’s death, using a servant’s body to fake it. Laenor escapes with his lover, Ser Qarl, in a surprising twist.

The shock lies in the clever deception, fooling even book readers. It’s a rare moment of mercy in a brutal show, letting Laenor find freedom while advancing the plot.

3. Laena’s Fiery Choice (2022–)

Faced with a deadly childbirth, Laena Velaryon, played by Nanna Blondell, refuses to let others decide her fate. She crawls to her dragon Vhagar and commands it to burn her, choosing death on her terms.

The raw power of Laena’s bond with Vhagar and her defiance is haunting. It’s a tragic yet empowering scene that highlights the strength of dragonriders.

2. Lucerys’ Accidental Death (2022–)

Aemond Targaryen, now played by Ewan Mitchell, chases Lucerys Velaryon on dragonback, intending to scare him. But Vhagar, beyond Aemond’s control, kills Lucerys and his dragon in a horrifying mishap.

The accidental nature of this tragedy, paired with Aemond’s regret, is gut-punching. It escalates the war and shows how dragons can turn small grudges into catastrophic losses.

1. Aemma’s Brutal Sacrifice (2022–)

In the series premiere, Queen Aemma, portrayed by Sian Brooke, endures a grueling labor. King Viserys, desperate for a son, allows a fatal C-section without her consent, leading to her agonizing death.

The graphic scene, interwoven with a violent tournament, is relentless. It sets the show’s unflinching tone, showing the cost of royal ambition and leaving me speechless.

Which ‘House of the Dragon’ moment shocked you the most, or did I miss a scene that floored you? Drop your thoughts in the comments!