So, I’ve been watching House of the Dragon. I won’t deny– it’s great epic television. Not as great as the first few seasons of GOT, or battlestar glactica or firefly– but it’s pretty epic. And it’s dragons who are the political power here– or rather: he who wields dragons.  I think. This gets a little murky and I’m not sure why. And sometimes it feels like the writers are just– lets throw everything bad at this person. You may know I’m talking about Rhaenera– who IIRC— was the one her father designated for the throne. Despite that (and god knows what inbred family fighting) prevail– but it borders on the absurd at this point– that this woman– who actually seems competent and attempting to rule to the benefit of her kingdom– or kingdoms…? the ownership over who rules what seems in flux– as no one wants to bend the knee.

Now, I gather this might be somewhat reminiscent of the 100 years war? Or was it the war of the roses? when there was no clear and viable heir and everyone was scrambling to fill that powder vacuum, to the extent of massive blood shed as well as blood fueds that likely last to this day– but… I digress..

I had a moment where I was trying to recall who was related to whom– and in what capacity. Shocker, I know. I mean, they are all related– sometimes a little too closely. Enough that the town meeting and a family reunion are the same guest list:) But- I came across a family tree- which was a visual tree rather than a bulleted list. At first I was annoyed, but then decided this was actually a very ideal way of seeing what I was looking for.

So Allicent (currently a prisoner) was Rhaenera’s step mother? and the two sets of children– from the first and second wife– are vying for power. Not sure that should be a contest.. given the general understanding re lines of succession- but here we are. Mostly because Baelon is dead (pretty sure that wasn’t the bigger issue) and Rhaenaera is a woman. yikes!

Anyway- the thing I noticed while looking at all these images all frozen on a page and organized. .. HAIR.

hair? you ask. yes. hair.

So- as anyone who’s followed this series knows that Targaeryans– for whatever ancient, mystic, or demonic reason.. all have very white hair.

Now- this is where genetics come into play.

Allicent- a hightower. has dark hair. she married viserys (rhaeneras papa) and has a brood of several  VERY  white-haired children.

AND YET- on the other side of the line we have Rhaenera, a very white-haired targaryean… married to ANOTHER very white-haired Targaryean (her uncle, but lets not go there)..and  NONE of them has white hair. Not. a. single. one.

Her first three are fathered by  Harwin strong (official daddy is laenor– with white hair. No questions there??)

her next – also questionable.

the children she has with Daemon (also her uncle) have undeniably white hair. So why are these obviously illegitimate children anywhere near the throne? or maybe they arent.  I’m havingg a hard time trying to figure out who is fighting to gain control of the iron throne and what parties are backing them. They’re all starting to blur together. yikes!