It Was a Brutal House of the Dragon Season 3 Finale for Rhaenyra. But She’s Still the Hero
It's tempting to say the Queen has taken a heel turn in Season 3. But she's still the hero—if likely a tragic one.
The season 3 finale of House of the Dragon delivered a brutal ending for Rhaenyra, but she remains the story's hero, despite her tragic flaws. The episode surpassed the previous episode's Sunfyre resurrection and the fiery deaths of many Lannister soldiers loyal to Rhaenyra, with a battle that left thousands dead, both Black and Green, and civilians alike, and ended both Ormund Hightower's ambitions and his life.
Helaena's death, in addition to other major character deaths, was not limited to the battlefield. Rhaenyra's decision to order Daemon to lay siege to Tumbleton and kill every Hightower, including Helaena who was pregnant and hunger-striking, showed her lack of self-awareness and responsibility. Helaena's scathing final remark, "All the things you care about are ugly.
This place is ugly. You, yourself, are ugly," highlights Rhaenyra's ugly nature. Despite her flaws, Rhaenyra's intentions were to help the small folk and sincerely believe in the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy, which would ultimately save humanity from extinction. Therefore, she deserves to be anointed by the High Septon and demand Alyn to kill him when he refuses, as she is answering a higher calling.
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