TV

House of the Dragon gives queer character happy ending in major departure from books

Rhaenyra holding her two young sons

House of the Dragon episode 7. (HBO/Sky)

House of the Dragon just delivered its biggest plot twist to date – an apparent happy queer ending. Warning – spoilers for episode seven follow.

The gays have finally won, it seems, after Princess Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) husband, Laenor Valeryon (John MacMillan), went off to live his best queer life after his twin sister’s horrific death.

Laena had her dragon burn her to death in episode six, which jumped ahead 10 years from Rhaenyra and Laenor’s wedding

Episode seven saw the aftermath of Laena’s funeral, where several characters were reunited for the first time in a decade, including Rhaenyra and her uncle Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith)..

We learned last week that Rhaenyra had given birth to three children, seemingly fathered by another man, while Laenor moved on from the loss of his first lover, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (Solly McLeod).

However, after meeting Ser Qarl Correy (Arty Froushan), Laenor has finally found his fairytale ending. Well, as fairytale as you can get in House of the Dragon.

The first heartwarming moment came in a conversation between Rhaenyra and Laenor where he lamented not being able to give her children, saying: “I hate the gods for making me as they did.”

Rhaenyra jumped straight in, replying: “I do not. You are an honourable man with a good heart. It’s a rare thing.”

Rhaenyra and Daemon, who are apparently in love despite being uncle and niece, concocted a plan for Laenor to fake his death so they could get married and Laenor could run away with Qarl. 

Although viewers were tricked into thinking Laenor was truly dead, they were soon reassured that he was actually with Qarl sailing away. 

This is a departure from the books, where Laenor dies, and as one viewer wrote: “Rhaenyra’s allyship so strong even the show couldn’t kill Laenor. A welcome change from the books.”

Mostly everyone was just thrilled to see Laenor thriving. “You know what I’m wishing Laenor and Qarl all the best to their gay pirate lives,” another fan wrote. 
Someone else added: “Rhaenyra always supported Laenor. She never judged him. When he blamed himself for his sexual orientation she encouraged him. And finally helped him fake him death so he could be free. She’s the best ally ever.”

Considering the queer vibes fans have noticed emanating from Princess Rhaenyra and the fact that Daemon himself is confirmed to be bisexual, it is no surprise they showed up for Laenor. 

Here’s to Qarl and Laenor finally bucking the “bury your gays” trope and winning. 

House of the Dragon airs in the UK every Sunday at 2am on Sky Atlantic.

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