The HBO series House of the Dragon has taken significant creative liberties with the original book Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, most notably omitting the friendship between Laena Velaryon and Rhaenyra Targaryen. This decision has deprived Laena of a more substantial role and has resulted in an underdeveloped character. In the book, Laena is portrayed as an adventurer, uninterested in marriage in her youth, and rides the oldest living dragon, but in the show, she is largely reduced to her unhappy relationship with Daemon, with most of her scenes revolving around her marriage to him. This omission has missed an opportunity to showcase a powerful and complex female character.
The friendship between Laena and Rhaenyra could have added a new layer of tension and drama to the story, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and complex female relationships. It could have also provided a deeper understanding of Rhaenyra’s character, particularly her motivations and emotions. By cutting out this friendship, the show has reduced Rhaenyra’s character to a mere pawn in a larger game, depriving the audience of the opportunity to witness a powerful and complex female friendship. Laena’s friendship with Rhaenyra could have also shed light on Rhaenyra’s sexuality, provided a new perspective on her marriage, and highlighted the strained relationship between the two families.
A Still From House of the Dragon (Photo: House of the Dragon)
The show’s focus on female relationships makes the decision to ignore Laena’s friendship with Rhaenyra all the more surprising. The audience is deprived of the opportunity to witness a powerful and complex female friendship, which could have added a new layer of tension and drama to the story. Laena’s character was neglected, and the audience was deprived of the opportunity to witness a powerful and complex female friendship.
The omission of Laena and Rhaenyra’s friendship has also resulted in a lack of emotional depth in the show, as the characters’ relationships and motivations are not fully explored. The show’s decision to cut out this friendship is a missed opportunity to add depth and complexity to the show, and Laena’s character could have been a significant part of the series. The absence of this friendship has resulted in an underdeveloped character and a lack of emotional depth in the show, making the decision all the more regrettable.
