House of the Dragon episode 8 solidifies Lord Caswell’s support of Rhaenyra, showing the continual divide between the greens and the blacks.

Warning. This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon episode 8 and George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood.

House of the Dragon episode 8 set the stage for an exciting conclusion to season 1, but one important scene from the episode foreshadows Lord Caswell’s continued devotion to Rhaenyra and the further division within the realm. Lord Caswell is the only member of the welcoming party for Rhaenyra and Daemon’s return to King’s Landing, which indicates the altered state of the Red Keep, but also Caswell’s steadfast loyalty to Rhaenyra. Lord Caswell was last seen in House of the Dragon season 1, episode 6, shortly after Rhaenyra had just given birth to Joffery. Caswell cordially greets Rhaenyra and pledges his service, to which Rhaenyra replies, “the day may yet come my Lord.”

House of the Dragon season 1 features an array of supporters for House Hightower and the greens, including Ser Criston Cole, Lord Larys Strong, and House of the Dragon‘s maesters of Westeros. But, there are noticeably less adamant supporters of House Targaryen and the blacks. Lord Caswell’s commitment to Rhaenyra more than six years after her last appearance in King’s Landing exhibits the enduring support that he holds for King Viserys’ chosen heir to the Iron Throne. Nicknamed the Realm’s Delight by the commonfolk of King’s Landing, Rhaenyra has the persistent fealty of much of the public and the unwavering allegiance of Lord Caswell of Bitterbridge, and House of the Dragon quietly cements that with one brief scene.

Lord Caswell Perfectly Shows How Far The Greens & Blacks Rivalry Will Go

Lord Caswell’s dedication to Rhaenyra is an embodiment of the division of the realm ahead of the forthcoming Targaryen civil war. In George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, following the death of King Viserys, House Hightower and the greens convene to plot their plan of succession for the Iron Throne. This meeting looks set to occur in House of the Dragon season 1, episode 9, “The Green Council.” The greens view Lord Caswell and other supporters of Rhaenyra as a threat to their chosen heir to the throne, Alicent’s son Aegon II or Aegon the elder.

The preview for House of the Dragon season 1, episode 9 showcases House Hightower consolidating their power and eliminating any subjects that would pose a challenge to Aegon II’s coronation. Among these subjects is Lord Caswell, who refuses to bend the knee and accept the rule of the Hightower’s chosen heir. Caswell’s devotion proves costly, as his fidelity to Rhaenyra and the blacks results in a swift end, his head mounted on a spike for all to see above the city’s gates. The Dance of Dragons will surely spell a tragic end for many characters, including the fate of those that belong to House Caswell.

What Happens To House Caswell During The Dance Of Dragons

Following the death of his father, Lord Caswell’s illegitimate son Tom Flowers remains staunchly loyal to Rhaenyra, commanding the blacks during the Battle on the Honeywine. Tom Flowers eventually joins his father in death, as he meets an excruciating end during the battle and is burned alive by Prince Daeron Targayren’s dragon Tessarion. Daeron proceeds to sack the Caswell seat of Britterbridge, leading the widowed Lady Caswell to hang herself from the gatehouse of the castle.

Although the Caswell lineage would persist after House of the Dragon, Lord Caswell’s unrelenting loyalty to Rhaenrya proves fatal for him and his family. Ultimately, the Caswells are somewhat inconsequential characters among the pivotal players in the Dance of Dragons. But, their story is an embodiment of the division between the greens and the blacks, and an epitomizes the extreme measures that both factions will take to ensure their legacy lives on.

New episodes on House of the Dragon release Sundays on HBO & HBO Max.

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