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House of the Dragon may have just introduced the Shepherd, a major villain for future seasons

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House of the Dragon may have just introduced the Shepherd, a major villain for future seasons

As a long-time fan of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series and a devoted viewer of HBO’s adaptations, I can’t help but be thrilled by the latest developments in “House of the Dragon.” The sixth episode of season 2 took us on a rollercoaster ride through the chaotic streets of King’s Landing, reminding us that all is not well in the capital of the Seven Kingdoms.

A riot in King’s Landing is a clear sign that you’re watching an episode of “Game of Thrones” or “House of the Dragon.” In the latest episode of season 2, chaos reigned as the people of King’s Landing, struggling with food scarcity caused by the Sea Snake’s blockade of the Gullet, took to the streets in protest. Regent Aemond Targaryen seems unfazed, but Rhaenyra Targaryen and her advisor Mysaria act swiftly by secretly providing the starving populace with much-needed supplies.

The outcome sparked chaos as the crowd surged through the city, desperate to satisfy their hunger. Simultaneously, a large group converged on the Great Sept, where Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and her daughter Helaena (Phia Saban) were fervently praying for King Aegon II’s (Tom Glynn-Carney) recovery. The duo’s escape was tense; I wasn’t the only one holding my breath when they managed to flee in their carriage, while shouts of “Long live Queen Rhaenyra” rang out among the rioters outside.

During the chaos of the riot, a man tried to seize Queen Alicent Hightower. But just as he got a grip on her, a Kingsguard member swiftly intervened, slashing through the man’s arm in order to protect the queen. That violent act served as a spark, igniting the riot into full-blown violence.

In “Fire & Blood” by George R.R. Martin, a significant character in the fall of House Targaryen is a one-armed peasant named the Shepherd, who resides in King’s Landing and is shrouded in mystery. Although it hasn’t been definitively proven that this man participating in the riot is the Shepherd, his background and appearance from the book make a strong case for considering this possibility. (SPOILERS ahead.)

Who is the Shepherd in House of the Dragon?

In the novel “Fire & Blood,” a figure named The Shepherd emerges as an influential character during the Dance of the Dragons, following Rhaenyra Targaryen’s capture of King’s Landing from the Greens. Essentially, he functions as Fire and Blood’s equivalent of the High Sparrow, portrayed by Jonathan Pryce in “Game of Thrones,” who was a fervent zealot with grand ambitions. His actions will bring about significant and grim repercussions.

The Shepherd is a disheveled vagabond, bearing only one arm and harboring an intense animosity towards House Targaryen. His background remains obscured in enigma. According to “Fire & Blood,” it’s plausible that he was once associated with the Poor Fellows, an outlawed militant faction of the Faith. Alternatively, he could have been a thief, as punishment for which his right hand was amputated. He earned the nickname “the Dead Shepherd,” due to his pallid and putrid appearance, reminiscent of a corpse recently unearthed from its tomb.

Rhaenyra strengthens her rule in the Red Keep, yet in the city’s slums, the Shepherd speaks against her and House Targaryen. With the smallfolk weary from war and frightened due to a significant defeat of the Blacks in the Reach, the Shepherd’s message ignites the city’s discontent. On his first night of sermons, an overwhelming number of people gather, leaving the gold cloaks powerless to disperse the crowd.

The Shepherd keeps fueling the rage of his followers until they reach a boiling point, resulting in the infamous Storming of the Dragonpit. During this tragic incident, several dragons are slain as the commoners of King’s Landing stage one of the deadliest riots in history. Following this violent outburst, the Shepherd addresses his flock from atop the Dragonpit, with the decapitated dragon heads serving as grisly reminders of battles won. Ultimately, the Shepherd faces a gruesome end, but the harm he inflicts upon House Targaryen is irrevocable.

As an avid fan, I can’t wait to see how The Shepherd becomes a pivotal figure in “House of the Dragon.” If the show decides to depict his backstory through the food riot and Alicent Hightower’s Kingsguard attack, it would add depth to his character for me. Witnessing that life-altering event firsthand, when I was struggling with hunger and desperation, made him more relatable and human. The fact that Rhaenyra’s manipulations initiated the riot could make his future allegiance shift even more impactful.

It’s possible that this man isn’t the Shepherd despite his resemblance to the depictions in “Fire & Blood.” Terry Cade portrays him in “House of the Dragon,” but it’s likely another actor will play the Shepherd when he eventually appears in the show.

You can express it as: “We’ll likely discover the premiere date for ‘House of the Dragon’s’ third season soon. In the meantime, there are only two remaining episodes in season 2 left to watch. These episodes will be broadcast every Sunday night on HBO and Max.”

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2024-07-22 21:41

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