Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4.

House of the Dragon’s introduction of the world’s “most beautiful” dragon was exciting, but its visual aesthetic didn’t quite live up to my expectations, continuing an issue I had with Game of Thrones. The dragons in House of the Dragon have generally been a drastic step up from Game of Thrones, offering the peak of the Targaryen dynasty the vibrancy and majestic royalty it deserves. Daemon’s Caraxes is unforgettable with its unique anatomy and blood-red scales, and Baela’s Moondancer has recently contributed to the show’s aesthetic with a beautiful green design.

House of the Dragon recently aired its best episode yet, and while I was overwhelmed with excitement to see dragons facing off in combat, there are some aspects of HBO’s TV universe that still fall short of the books. George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice & Fire novels are prolific works of fantasy fiction, yet the TV world constantly tones down fantasy elements. One aspect of season 2, episode 4, was the most recent reminder of this issue.

Sunfyre Looks Good In HOTD – But Doesn’t Live Up To His Book Description

Sunfyre Is Described As The Most Beautiful Dragon That’s Ever Lived

Sunfyre became an instant favorite in “The Red Dragon and the Gold.” While Rhaenys & Meleys’ deaths were tragic, I was equally harrowed watching such a lovely, loyal creature brought down due to the temperament of its rider. While I’m not too keen on Aegon (despite Tom Glynn-Carney’s unbelievable performance), I felt for him in the scene where he arrives in the dragonpit to mount Sunfyre. My only complaint is that Sunfyre looks good, but the golden dragon doesn’t live up to the description set in Fire & Blood.

In George R.R. Martin’s lore, Sunfyre is described as the most beautiful dragon that’s ever been seen, with gleaming gold scales and golden flames. However, House of the Dragon’s iteration of the dragon is barely more gold than Rhaenyra’s Syrax. In an interview with EW, House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal spoke about the idea for Sunfyre’s design, stating that the strategy was to avoid a “fantasy dragon.” While I understand the tonal difference certain magical aspects could impose, it seems essential to remember that this is a fantasy universe.

House Of The Dragon Repeats Game Of Thrones’ Problem With Toning Down Fantasy

Game Of Thrones Constantly Toned Down The Fantastical

Compared to the likes of The Stormlight Archive or The Wheel of Time, George R.R. Martin’s universe is undoubtedly a low-magic fantasy. But it’s still the same world where Blackwater Bay was detonated by green fire, and a dragon was ridden over a 700-foot ice wall to combat a herd of zombies. Yet, when it came to the Azhor Ahai prophecy, Euron Greyjoy’s fascination with dark magic, or the Stark family all being wargs, Game of Thrones removed or oversimplified what they could.

Part of the issue with Game of Thrones’ final season is that the magical elements of Azor Ahai and the Long Night being scrapped left a major part of the story bare and pointless. I can’t help feeling that, despite how far fantasy has grown in mainstream media, it’s still not treated as seriously as a genre. House of the Dragon exists in a magical world, and it’s okay to embrace that beyond just the minimum requirements.

Sources: EW