“House of the Dragon” season 3 is heading toward an explosive ending.
HBO’s preview for the finale puts the First Battle of Tumbleton front and center while also teasing fallout from several major cliffhangers left by episode 7. Rhaenyra Targaryen is facing trouble on multiple fronts, Aegon Targaryen has reunited with Sunfyre, Ulf appears ready to betray his queen, and Aemond Targaryen may not be as dead as some characters believe.
With season 4 expected to be the show’s final season, the finale also has plenty of work to do before the Dance of the Dragons moves into its final chapter.
‘House of the Dragon’ Finale Teases the First Battle of Tumbleton
The biggest event ahead is the First Battle of Tumbleton.
The finale trailer shows Daemon Targaryen reuniting with the Riverlands army, including Roddy the Ruin and Oscar Tully, as they prepare to confront the Hightower forces.
Daeron also warns his uncle Gwayne Hightower that Ormund Hightower has a plan he isn’t sharing.
Tumbleton has become a growing problem for Rhaenyra, and Ormund cannot be ignored much longer. The battle should also provide answers about several characters whose futures remain uncertain, including Gwayne and Daeron.
The series has already changed details from George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” making it difficult to predict exactly how closely their television stories will follow the book.
Ulf’s Betrayal Could Push Rhaenyra Further Down a ‘Dark Path’
One of the biggest cliffhangers from episode 7 involves Ulf.
The dragonseed appears ready to turn against Rhaenyra, creating another major problem for a queen who is already losing control of King’s Landing.
The finale trailer opens with Addam of Hull telling his brother Alyn that Rhaenyra is now on a “dark path.”
That warning plays over footage of Rhaenyra aggressively holding Baela Targaryen’s face, suggesting tensions will only rise after news spreads about Aegon’s return.
Rhaenyra has already alienated many of King’s Landing’s nobles and commoners. Her decision to stop hearing petitions and place blame on Ser Torrhen Manderly has only increased the frustration surrounding her rule.
The finale may not have enough time to reach a full uprising in King’s Landing, but season 3 appears positioned to leave that conflict ready to explode in season 4.
Aegon and Sunfyre Are Back as Aemond’s Fate Comes Into Focus in the ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 Finale
Episode 7 also delivered a major surprise when Sunfyre returned.
After being presumed dead following the Battle at Rook’s Rest, the dragon made a dramatic comeback and killed Aegon’s enemies while Aegon watched.
Their reunion changes the balance of power heading into the finale.
Aemond’s situation is less clear. Alicent Hightower seemingly poisoned her son at Harrenhal before fleeing, leaving him collapsed at Alys Rivers’ feet.
However, the finale trailer includes shots of Aemond alive at Harrenhal, confirming he survives the poisoning.
That creates the possibility that Alicent could return to King’s Landing believing she successfully carried out Rhaenyra’s order, only to discover later that Aemond remains a threat.
Sheepstealer and Helaena’s Visions Remain Unresolved
Another unanswered question involves Sheepstealer.
The dragon was badly injured after being attacked by Caraxes, Syrax, and Seasmoke, but viewers never actually saw him die. Rhaena was taken back to King’s Landing, leaving Sheepstealer’s fate unresolved.
Helaena’s increasingly important prophetic dreams could also play into the finale.
Recent visions showed her baby being taken away, Helaena riding Dreamfyre while a mob rushed toward them, and a happy scene involving her children being swallowed by darkness.
Those images could be setting up some of the biggest tragedies still to come.
Rhaenyra currently holds the Iron Throne, but her position is becoming increasingly unstable. Daemon remains at odds with her, Corlys Velaryon is being held prisoner by Ormund, Ulf is threatening to switch sides, Aegon has Sunfyre again, and Aemond is still alive.
The “House of the Dragon” season 3 finale airs Sunday, August 9, on HBO.
