Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Milly Alcock and Emma D’Arcy) is a central character in House of the Dragon (2022–), a prequel to Game of Thrones (2011–2019).
The daughter of King Viserys I (Paddy Constantine) and Queen Aemma (Siân Brooke), in childhood, Rhaenyra is named heir to the Iron Throne, marking the first time that a woman was selected to rule. However, her claim is later challenged by her half-brother, Aegon II Targaryen (Ty Tennant, Tom Glynn-Carney), which ignites the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. The conflict sees Rhaenyra and Aegon II vying for the throne, leading to devastating consequences for the Targaryen family and the realm itself.
In season one, after significant pushback on the idea of marriage, Rhaenyra marries her second cousin Ser Laenor Velaryon (Theo Nate, John Macmillan) as a strategic alliance to strengthen her claim to the throne. They agree to an open marriage because Ser Laenor is gay. In episode seven, Ser Laenor laments his sexuality, saying, “I hate the gods for making me as they did”. Rhaenyra replies, “I do not. You are an honorable man with a good heart. It’s a rare thing.” Later in that episode, Rhaenyra and her uncle Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) help Laenor escape to Essos by faking his death. This allows Rhaenyra and Daemon to marry.
In season two, the realm is plunged into chaos when Aegon and Rhaenyra fight for the throne. Daemon leaves to attempt to secure the strategic stronghold of Harrenhal. His previous paramour, Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno), also known as the White Worm, is left in the dungeons after Daemon promises to free her in exchange for information. Rhaenyra frees Mysaria as Daemon promised, spurring Mysaria to request the position of Rhaenyra’s consort. Later in the season, in a vulnerable moment, Mysaria and Rhaenyra passionately kiss, revealing Rhaenyra and Mysaria’s bisexuality.
Rhaenyra’s bisexuality is a key aspect of her character development. Her open marriage to Ser Laenor Velaryon, which accommodates his homosexuality, demonstrates her progressive attitude toward sexual orientation. In season two, her kiss with Mysaria not only underscores her sexual fluidity but also challenges the rigid norms of her society. Rhaenyra’s bisexuality is portrayed as a natural part of who she is.
Rhaenyra’s character arc in House of the Dragon is a powerful exploration of sexuality and agency in a world governed by archaic and pre-modern structures. Her story is marked by the constant tension between personal desires and political necessity, as she fights for the Iron Throne against the backdrop of a brutal civil war. Rhaenyra’s relationships — whether with her open marriage to Ser Laenor, her kiss with Mysaria, or her eventual union with Daemon — are not just about love or lust but are strategically entwined with her fight for power and survival. Her bisexuality, depicted with both subtlety and depth, is a key element of her character that enriches the narrative, offering a nuanced portrayal of a woman who refuses to be defined solely by the expectations of her time.