‘House of the Dragon’: What you need to know before watching ‘Game of Thrones’ prequel

It is time to return to Westeros

After more than three years since the end of HBO’s fantasy epic series “Game of Thrones,” fans are journeying back again to the fictional land of Westeros with the coming of the new series “House of the Dragon.” While it follows the success of the blockbuster series, “House of the Dragons” takes place 200 years before the time of Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow. If you’re excited as we are about the “House of the Dragon,” We listed down the basic things you should know about it before you start your streaming pleasure this month.

What is it about?

Much like “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon” is based on George R.R. Martin’s literary work. His “Fire and Blood” novel is the central material of the prequel series, which chronicles the rise and fall of the Targaryen dynasty.

While the book starts with Aegon I and his conquest of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The series begins with King Viserys I back in a time when the Targaryens rule their mighty dragons. Yes, there will be more dragons in this series. In its first episode, the king names his daughter Rhaenyra as his successor. After King Viserys I’s second marriage, a new heir to the Iron Throne emerges, which leads to the Dance of Dragons lore, a civil war as ended the lives of many dragons.

Apart from “Fire and Blood,” author Martin also recommended reading other Targaryen anthologies “Dangerous Women” and “Rogues.” The first centers on the between Rhaenyra and King Viserys I’s second wife Queen Alicent Hightower, and the latter focuses on Prince Daemon Targaryen, the brother of the king and one-time heir to the throne.

While HBO planned to depict carefully sexual violence in the show. But in true “GoT” style, “House of the Dragon” will still be graphic, filled with bloody brutal scenes.

Who’s in it?

“House of the Dragon” features a stellar cast. Leading them is Paddy Considine as King Viserys Targaryen and Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen. Emma D’Arcy becomes Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen while Olivia Cooke portrays Queen Alicent Hightower.

Joining them in the series are Rhys Ifans as Otto Hightower, Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Velaryon, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole, Ryan Corr as Ser Harwin ‘Breakbones’ Strong, David Horovitch as Grand Maester Mellos, Graham McTavish as Ser Harrold Westerling, Matthew Needham as Larys Strong, Bill Paterson plays Lord Lyman Beesbury, and Gavin Spokes is Lord Lyonel Strong.

Leading them are George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal as co-creators of the series. Condal also serves as one of the series’ showrunners together with Miguel Sapochnik. Sapochnik has directed an episode of “GoT,” and will continue to do so in “House of the Dragons” with fellow directors Clare Kilner, Geeta Vasant Patel, and Greg Yaitanes.

Where to watch it?

“House of the Dragon” premieres on Aug. 22 in the Philippines and is available for streaming on HBO Go.