House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones before it are two shows that have made a name for themselves because of their surprise death scenes. Taking major characters who are fan-favorites off the board has been a defining trait of George R.R. Martin’s books ever since they were published, and the TV shows followed in that tradition. Fans of both shows almost certainly remember where they were when they watched iconic moments like the death of Ned Stark in the ninth episode of the series, plus the likes of the Red Wedding, Battle of the Bastards, and more.
In addition to surprise deaths, there’s another secret weapon lingering across Game of Thrones that fans may have forgotten about: the surprise resurrection. As fans may recall, the Season 5 finale of the original series saw Jon Snow killed by his fellow Night’s Watch members, only to be brought back to life in Season 6 in a move that pushed the pieces toward the conclusion of the story. Now, House of the Dragon has followed suit, reviving someone thought dead whose return is heralding the endgame of the story. Spoilers follow, but Aegon’s dragon Sunfyre is back.
House of the Dragon Already Set Up Sunfyre’s Resurrection
As fans may recall, House of the Dragon Season 2 saw a brothers’ rivalry come to a head when Aemond and his dragon Vhagar attacked Aegon II and his dragon Sunfyre. The encounter is what allowed Rhaenyra to march into King’s Landing and claim the Iron Throne for herself, but also put the two Targaryens on their respective journeys in House of the Dragon Season 3. Aemond has been spending his time nursing his delusions of grandeur at Harrenhal while Aegon II wanders Westeros with Larys Strong trying to stay alive and not be caught.
Along their journey, the pair came across the body of Sunfyre, who appeared to have died after the battle, much as everyone assumed was the case. Aegon, however, was convinced otherwise, believing that she was actually still alive, despite no breath coming from her and local peasants charging money to touch her body.
This week, though, the series reveals he was right. As Aegon and Tyland Lannister wait in anticipation of a Mooton Army, both believing they will surely perish as Aegon has accepted his fate, something else happens. The words that flow from Aegon’s mouth sound powerful and mighty, but it’s the lumbering in the distance and the shaking of trees behind him that reveal the actual thing that has terrified this opposing army: Sunfyre.
Still alive and sporting a very Harvey Dent-like look after the fight with Vhagar, the dragon not only confirmed the prior tease that they hadn’t perished, but their presence has reinvigorated Aegon to return to King’s Landing and take back what he believes is his.
Sunfyre’s Return Puts House of the Dragon in Place for Its Final Season
It’s worth noting that the reunion of Aegon and Sunfyre is a pivotal point in the Fire & Blood text, but, par for the course with House of the Dragon, the circumstances of their separation are quite different; the result of them being back together may very well be the same, though.
As we know, the show puts them apart thanks to the aforementioned fight with Vhagar, which saw his brother intentionally try to kill him in hopes of taking the throne himself. In the books, Aegon and Sunfyre’s injuries from the fight aren’t intentional, but the two are still separated as they recuperate. Eventually, though, the dragon returned to his rider, with some in the book noting that Sunfyre either simply had an urge to find him, and others believing the dragon could feel that Aegon needed him.
House of the Dragon leans into this, with Aegon having wallowed in his defeat and self-pity for most of the season, even accepting his impending death in this week’s episode. The emotions flip on their head, though, when Aegon stands in the face death by the Mooten army, draws his sword, and declares his identity. Those tough emotions clearly could have driven Sunfyre to not only awaken, but to find its rider and come to his aid.
The result of this resurrection and reunion is huge for the finality of House of the Dragon. As readers know, Aegon and Sunfyre have much more to do in the plot, including major deaths that will result because of their reunion, meaning that this week’s episode just shifted the power dynamic of Westeros in a big way.
That in mind, there have been so many other changes across the board of House of the Dragon‘s narrative that questions remain. Will Aegon remain vigilant in his wish to kill his brother Aemond? How will the story of his dragon’s return affect the feeling of the commonfolk toward Rhaenyra? Who will be the last dragon rider left standing? Only one episode of the third season remains after this week, with just one more season planned for House of the Dragon, and Sunfyre’s snarling face means the endgame is officially in play.