After two seasons everyone knows the major players in the Dance of the Dragons. Season two gave us more than it took, as Rhaenyra gained three new dragonriders after Rhaenys’ death. Wars are often won by the overlooked, people like Alys Rivers. She’s hard to forget, but we would hate for you to overlook anyone who might prove important to ending this civil war. So to help you prepare for House of the Dragon season three we put together a list of characters you might not completely remember.
Jason Lannister
While Tyland went off to negotiate a treaty with the Triarchy, his pompous identical twin brother Jason is leading a western force towards Harrenhal. In season two, he beckoned the Prince Regent, Aemond Targaryen, to come with his dragon to aide the army. Aemond did not like that, nor did he go.
Sharako Lohar
Jason’s more present brother Tyland, the Greens’ Master of Ships, made a deal with Triarchy admiral Sharako Lohar. The flashy commander is leading 90 ships to battle Corlys Velaryon at the Gullet.
Grand Maester Orwyle
Aegon only survived his catastrophic injuries at Rook’s Rest thanks to the highly capable and even-keeled Grand Maester Orwyle. He has served on the Green council since the start of the war. He was part of Viserys’ small council prior to the King’s death.
Oscar Tully
Brave and fearless Lord Oscar of House Tully is wise beyond his years. The new Lord Paramount of the Riverlands stood up to both Daemon and the riverlords hesitant to follow such a young man. He quickly proved himself a worthy, capable leader who understands people. He forced Daemon to execute Willem Blackwood for war crimes even though Willem was acting on Daemon’s behalf.
Cregan Stark
The young, serious Lord of Winterfell sent 2,000 “greybeards” to fight on behalf of Queen Rhaenyra. His younger men are helping him prepare for the coming of winter in the North, but Cregan promised age would not hinder his mens’ fighting ability. That force of grizzled warriors were seen marching south through the Twins in season two’s finale.
Lord Forrest and Lady Sabitha Frey
The Lord and Lady of the Twins agreed to fight for Rhaenyra after Prince Jace promised to protect their home with a dragon. They then opened their bridge for Cregan Stark’s greybeards.
Lady Jeyne Arryn
Another major house sworn to Rhaenyra is House Arryn in the Vale. It’s led by the stern Lady Jeyne Arryn also took in Rhaena (who ended season two chasing after a wild dragon in the Vale mountains), as well as princes Aegon and Viserys, Rhaenyra’s two sons with Daemon.
Ser Gwayne Hightower
Alicent’s brother Gwayne Hightower was not on King’s Landing long. He went to war alongside Ser Criston Cole. Together the two have led a destructive rampage through the crownlands, with their most memorable victory coming at Rook’s Rest. Gwayne figured out the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard had an inappropriate relationship with his sister.
Ser Simon Strong’s Grandsons Germund and Paxter
We know you remember Ser Simon Strong, whose calm demeanor helped him deal with Daemon Targaryen after Daemon took Harrenhal. You might not remember Ser Simon’s two grandsons, Germund and Paxter, who are often by his side eating with their mouths open. Which one is Germund and which one is Paxter? It doesn’t matter.
Jasper Wylde
The sarcastic, gruff Lord Jasper Wylde is the Green council’s Master of Laws. He conspired to put Aegon on the Iron Throne.
Ser Rickard Thorne
Ser Rickard Thornes is a member of Aegon’s Kingsguard. He has served as Alicent’s personal protector since Aegon named Criston Cole Hand of the King.
Joffrey Velaryon
Rhaenyra had three illegitimate children with the late Ser Harwin Strong: Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. Aemond killed Luke. The show did everything it could to kill your memory of Joffrey.
Maester Gerardys
Gerardys serves as Grand Maester for Rhaenyra and her small council.
Ser Lorent Marbrand
Ser Lorent was a member of Viserys’ Kingsguard. He was with Rhaenyra on Dragonstone when Viserys died. Lorent then swore fealty to Rhaenyra and has served loyally on her Queensguard ever since. He often stands by the Queen’s side and protects her bedchamber.
Alfred Broome
Ser Alfred is a member of the noble House Broome in the Westerlands who serves on Rhaenyra’s small council. The brash Broome clashed with the queen multiple times, but she still trusted him to deliver a message to Daemon at Harrenhal. Despite swearing his allegiance, Broome did not seem thrilled when the riverlords all unifed around Rhaenyra. He had already said the Realm needed a King and leader of men like Daemon to rule. Broome asked Daemon to declare for himself, and his frustration with her newfound support was evident as an unhappy Broome disappeared into the cheering crowd at Harrenhal.
Bartimos Celtigar
The vocal Lord Bartimos is a member of Rhaenyra’s small council. He has frequently undermined the Queen, resulting in her slapping him once.
Gormon Massey
Lord Gormon Massey joined Rhaenyra’s small council in season two. His family’s seat at Sharp Point sits on the peninsula that serves as the southern border of the Gullet, the vital waterway that connects Blackwater Bay and the Narrow Sea. He’s also father to Elinda.
Elinda Massey
Rhaenyra’s loyal and dedicated lady-in-waiting served her in King’s Landing Queen long before the Dance of the Dragons. The noblewoman returned to the capital in season two to help execute Mysaria’s covert plans to turn the city against the Greens in hopes they would back Rhaenyra.
Dyana
In season one Aegon sexually assaulted Dyana and got her pregnant. The serving girl was then convinced/manipulated/threatened to drink moon tea and remain silent by Queen Alicent. Dyana ultimately found a job at a tavern where patrons mistreated her. when Mysaria sent Elinda to King’s Landing the lady-in-waiting met with Dyana who helped execute the White Worm’s plans.
Sylvi
Prince Regent Aemon Targaryen used to frequent the Mother’s brothel run by Sylvi. He relied on and confided in Sylvi, who served as a comforting mother-like figure for Aemond, who was unusually vulnerable when he was with her.
Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow him on Bluesky at @burgermikeOpens in a new tab. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.