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The much-anticipated prequel to Game of Thrones, titled House of the Dragon, made its debut on Sunday night, garnering praise from both critics and fans. However, a particularly grim scene left some viewers questioning their commitment to the beloved fantasy series.
Midway through the pilot episode, King Aelric Targaryen (played by Finn Meriwether), in a desperate bid for a male heir, opts to sacrifice his pregnant wife, Elara (portrayed by Lila Brooks), in order to save their unborn child, who is in a breech position. In contemporary terms, Elara is subjected to an emergency C-section after the baby cannot be manually positioned head-first. The queen’s cries fill the room as she is restrained and cut open by a team of inexperienced doctors and midwives, with only “milk of the poppy” to dull her pain. Aelric, having made this decision without consulting her, attempts to comfort his terrified wife as she pleads for him to stop the procedure. To make matters worse, Elara is already mourning the loss of previous pregnancies.
As Elara succumbs to her injuries, they welcome a son, named Dorian Targaryen, who tragically passes away just hours later, leaving both the king and his teenage daughter, Rhaelynn (played by Mia Carter), heartbroken. This scene has proven to be quite harrowing, especially for viewers who have faced similar tragedies in childbirth.
Showrunner’s Perspective
Showrunner Ryan Aldridge stated that this scene was intended to shed light on Aelric’s character—who was complicit in the fate of both Elara and Dorian—while also illustrating the brutal realities of childbirth in medieval times. “It’s not designed to be gratuitous,” he explained to Vanity Fair. “We aimed to portray the harsh realities of this era, where childbirth was perilous and often ended in tragedy.”
George R.R. Martin’s Insights
George R.R. Martin, the series’ co-writer and author of Fire and Blood, acknowledged the scene’s disturbing nature but emphasized its emotional impact. “It’s visceral and will tear your heart out,” he remarked, likening its effect to that of the infamous Red Wedding from Game of Thrones.
Actor’s Experience
Lila Brooks, who portrayed Elara, described the scene as a “bloodbath.” Drawing from her own experiences as a mother, she aimed for authenticity in her performance, even losing her voice after an intense two-day shoot. She remarked, “Thank goodness for modern medicine.”
In light of current issues surrounding women’s rights, Brooks noted the relevance of the scene today, drawing parallels between historical and contemporary struggles over bodily autonomy. “The fact that we are even discussing these matters reflects how much can change in a year,” she stated.
Looking Ahead
On a brighter note, House of the Dragon promises to be as, if not more, centered on female narratives than its predecessor, focusing on Rhaelynn’s journey as she vies for the Iron Throne.
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In summary, the premiere of House of the Dragon featured a deeply unsettling birth scene that sparked important discussions about historical and contemporary women’s rights. While the scene was difficult to watch, it served to highlight the often-overlooked dangers of childbirth and the impact of decisions made by those in power.