Who does Rhaenyra marry in House of the Dragon? Here's what happens in the book

13 September 2022, 16:33

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By Sam Prance

Daemon? Criston? Laenor? Here's who Rhaenyra ends up with in George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood.

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Rhaenyra has multiple love interests in House of the Dragon but who does she marry in the book that the show is based on?

Much of the drama in House of the Dragon revolves around Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) and who she will end up marrying. King Viserys originally gives his daughter free rein to marry whoever she deems suitable. However, after she is seen having sexual relations with her uncle Daemon (Matt Smith) in a brothel, Viserys, takes matters into his own hands.

At the end of episode 4, Viserys orders Rhaenyra to marry Lord Corlys Velaryon's son Ser Laenor Velaryon (Theo Nate) in a bid to avoid scandal. However, what Viserys doesn't know is that Rhaenyra slept with her knight Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). Daemon was unable to get fully aroused so Rhaenyra had sex with Criston when she got home. Pretty legendary if you ask me.

Who does Rhaenyra actually marry in House of the Dragon? Here's what happens in George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood.

WARNING: HUGE HOUSE OF THE DRAGON BOOK SPOILERS BELOW

Who does Rhaenyra marry in House of the Dragon? Here's what happens in the book. Picture: LANDMARK MEDIA / Alamy Stock Photo

Viewers might be surprised to learn that Rhaenyra does actually follow through with her father's wishes and marries Laenor Velaryon. However, Laenor is gay and both of them have lovers outside of their marriage. Progressive icons! Laenor has a sexual relationship with Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (Solly McLeod) and Rhaenyra continues her relationship with Criston.

Rhaenyra and Laenor have three sons during their marriage: Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, Prince Lucerys Velaryon and Prince Joffrey Velaryon. As the name suggests, Joffrey is named after Laenor's lover...and they say romance is dead! There are rumours though that Laenor's kids were born from an affair between Rhaenyra and Ser Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr).

Rhaenyra also later falls out with Ser Criston and they become sworn enemies. Whether or not this will be portrayed in the show is yet to be seen. However, given how accurate it's been so far, we imagine that it will stay true to the book.

Does Rhaenyra marry Daemon in House of the Dragon?

Years after Rhaenyra's marriage to Laenor, Laenor has another lover, Ser Qarl Correy, and Qarl kills Laenor. It's assumed that Qarl killed Laenor out of jealousy over Laenor finding a new favourite boy. There is also some speculation that Daemon paid Qarl to kill Laenor. However, no proof is ever found to support this theory.

Following the death of her husband, Rhaenyra marries her uncle Daemon because what else would you do? They have three children together: Prince Aegon Targaryen, Prince Viserys Targaryen, Princess Visenya Targaryen.

To find out who girlboss Rhaenyra ends up naming her successor, you'll have to wait and see or read the book.