EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsHouse of the DragonOne line in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 lays the groundwork for a future, major disasterWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsHouse of the DragonOne line in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 lays the groundwork for a future, major disasterWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: HBO)

House of the Dragon season 2hasn’t been short on tragedy, withBlood and CheeseandRook’s Restalready breaking hearts.
Episode 6 of the second season, though, is setting up yet another disaster. Below, we’ve broken down what the episode is teasing and how the event plays out in the book. Naturally, that means there aremajor spoilers below for George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood. Turn back now if you don’t want to know what might happen next in the show!
If you’re still reading, then you’re ready to dive into the matter of the Gay Abandon, and the catastrophe that’s going to follow on its heels…
What is the Gay Abandon and why does it matter?
(Image credit: HBO)

Rhaena has been sent to the Vale with Rhaenyra’s three youngest sons, Joffrey, Aegon (yes, another one), and Viserys.
They’re under the care of Lady Jeyne Arryn, who informs Rhaena that the Gay Abandon ship will transport Aegon and Viserys to Pentos, where the young princes will be fostered.
Now, book readers will know why the name the Gay Abandon spells doom: it’s all leading to the disastrous Battle of the Gullet.
What happens in the Battle of the Gullet? Spoilers
(Image credit: HBO)

In Martin’s source material, the Greens reach out to the Triarchy, that old foe from season 1, and win them over to their side. In episode 6, Aemond makes the first move for just this outcome.
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The Gay Abandon soon encounters the Triarchy’s ships in the Gullet, an area House Velaryon has been blockading. The Triarchy take the princes' ship captive, but young Aegon is able to escape with the help of his dragon Stormcloud (who we see in episode 6, though he’s teeny tiny). Viserys, though, only has a dragon egg and so is helpless to escape. He’s taken captive.
It’s a devastating blow to the Blacks that leaves Rhaenyra’s heir Jace dead, his dragon Vermax also gone, and Rhaenyra’s youngest son Viserys taken hostage and thought to be dead.
With the Gay Abandon ready to set sail on the show, it’s only a matter of time until we see this catastrophic battle brought to the screen.
House of the Dragon season 2 continues weekly on Sky and NOW in the UK and HBO in the US. For more, check out our deep dives below:
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