Book vs. Screen: House of the Dragon Finale's Nettles Twist and Its Impact on the Books

Warning: Spoilers for the House of the Dragon season 2 finale are ahead!

In the latest season of House of the Dragon, Nettles is making her debut, though she’s been significantly reimagined from her portrayal in the book, and many fans have already guessed her true identity.

In George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, the source material for House of the Dragon, several ordinary individuals rise to become dragonriders in Queen Rhaenyra's court. We've met some of them on the show: Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty), a bastard son of Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), rides the dragon Seasmoke; Hugh (Kieran Bew), a desperate blacksmith, claims Vermithor; and Ulf (Tom Bennett), a drunkard who claims to be a bastard half-brother of Prince Daemon and the late King Viserys, rides Silverwing.

But one dragonrider from the book has been notably absent until now. Nettles is described as a small, brown-skinned girl with black hair, a sharp tongue, and a crooked nose. She is a Targaryen bastard who manages to tame a wild dragon named Sheepstealer. While previous attempts to ride Sheepstealer ended in death, Nettles gains the dragon’s trust by feeding it a fresh sheep every morning, eventually becoming its rider.

Initially, it seemed like Nettles might be left out of the series. However, as season 2 unfolded, it became increasingly apparent that Lady Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell) could be stepping into this role with a major twist from the book’s storyline.

Lady Rhaena, who is the daughter of Daemon, the sister of Lady Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia), and the stepdaughter of Queen Rhaenyra, stands out as the only Targaryen royal without a dragon. She has been given the task of safeguarding Rhaenyra's children as they are sent first to the Eyrie and then to Essos for their protection, along with a clutch of dragon eggs and the promise of claiming the first dragon to hatch.

In the seventh episode of season 2, "The Red Sowing," Rhaena takes a dramatic turn by fleeing from her convoy and encountering a wild dragon in the Vale. Although she does not tame or ride the dragon in this episode, the encounter strongly suggests that she might become a dragonrider, joining others like Prince Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and Baela.

Ryan Condal and Sara Hess, the show’s creators, have noted that they adapt the book's content to fit the show’s format. For example, the series presents a different timeline for the murder of Queen Helaena's son, Prince Jaehaerys, by Blood and Cheese.

Looking ahead, the storylines involving Baela and Rhaena are set to continue in season 3, which has already been renewed. The season 2 finale hints at the upcoming Battle of the Gullet, involving the Triarchy as they approach Westeros. We also see forces from House Stark and House Hightower preparing for war, with Aegon fleeing King's Landing with Larys.

With all these developments, Lady Rhaena is poised to play a pivotal role in the impending conflict.