The world of Westeros is no stranger to powerful women who command respect, especially those who are dragon riders. Audiences may recall Emilia Clarke’s iconic portrayal as Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones, and now they are introduced to Emma D'Arcy's Rhaenyra Targaryen, poised alongside her fiery allies in House of The Dragon. Yet, beyond the grandeur of dragons, D'Arcy has proposed one intriguing idea to make their character appear even more formidable.
Emma D'Arcy wants Rhaenyra Targaryen to wield a sword, and they hope to bring this to fruition when House of the Dragon returns for its third season. During a chat with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, D'Arcy articulated their thoughts with both humor and conviction. "I just don't know where to put my hands during the scenes," D'Arcy expressed, highlighting the convenience men have when holding onto their swords. This light-hearted comment belies a more serious intention behind the request: wielding a sword could serve to deepen Rhaenyra's character.
So, why does D'Arcy believe this suggestion could redefine their character's image? For one, having Rhaenyra hold a sword would highlight the physicality of someone preparing to lead their forces on the battlefield. It goes beyond mere combat—it’s about enhancing authority and action across various scenes. Although Rhaenyra's arc is markedly different from Daenerys's, the presence of a sword could make Rhaenyra just as iconic, if not more so.
D'Arcy's desire emphasizes their intent to forge their own path as Rhaenyra Targaryen. Unlike Daenerys, who never wielded a weapon, Rhaenyra’s portrayal could introduce fresh visual storytelling. Imagining Rhaenyra with hands firmly on the pommel of her sword, propelled by dragons soaring overhead, suggests readiness and determination to rival—or perhaps even surpass—her predecessor.
The symbolic act of holding not just reflects her readiness for battle but also aligns with Rhaenyra’s character evolution as someone willing to fight for the Iron Throne. The Iron Throne isn’t just about sitting atop the throne; it’s about the pursuit and resistance encountered along the way. A sword would serve as both literal and metaphorical armor—an assertion of power for Rhaenyra.
Emma D'Arcy’s request packs both narrative depth and symbolic weight. It could transform the way viewers perceive Targaryen women in Westeros, illustrating their strength and resilience. The physical act of wielding a sword, combined with scenes of her commanding dragons, could paint Rhaenyra as a compelling leader transcending typical archetypes seen previously.
This creative shift could usher in discussions around gender roles, representation, and authority, illustrating the evolution of characters associated with the Targaryen legacy. Whereas Daenerys might have ignited fire and fury through her dragons, D'Arcy's Rhaenyra could become intricately defined not just through her lineage but also through her willingness to wield power directly.
Fans await how this request plays out on-screen, as House of the Dragon continues to build its narrative of political intrigue and war within the Targaryen family. With its HBO Max streaming platform offering viewers direct access to both House of the Dragon and its predecessor, anticipation remains high for the next chapter of this epic saga. The suggestion of Rhaenyra holding a sword encapsulates what the series aims to achieve—a portrayal of complex women who are not just pawns but powerful players within their realms.
Emma D'Arcy, through their distinct vision for Rhaenyra, reminds audiences of the rich storytelling potential House of the Dragon harbors. With the third season on the horizon, fans can only hope to see D'Arcy's character evolve—hopefully armed with the very sword they desire. This could redefine what it means to wield authority within the rich, layered history of Westeros and the Targaryen dynasty.
