As House of the Dragon approaches its release date of August 21st, Game of Thrones fans will be transported to the familiar grounds of Westeros. This comes as the prequel takes 200 years before the Game of Thrones events, so fans get to see the Westerosi landscapes before Robert’s Rebellion and the brutal burning of King’s Landing by Daenerys Targaryen.
Aside from King’s Landing and Winterfell, several new locations that were not featured in the hit show will also be brought to life, expanding more of the vast lands in Westeros to live-action. Viewers should pay close attention to House of the Dragon, as many locations could be revisited – many occupied by the greatest houses.
Casterly Rock Fortress: House Lannister
Season 7 showed the first visuals of the Casterly Rock fortress, where Jamie Lannister and Bronn of the Blackwater are shown gazing down at the gathered Unsullied army. This location takes place at the Trujillo Castle in Cáceres, Spain (via CNN), and the production crew picked an excellent castle that is capable of being shown in any House of the Dragon setting.
While it’s unconfirmed if the Trujillo Castle will be featured as Casterly Rock, it’s almost too perfect to pass up. As the home of House Lannister, the castle is ideal to show close-quarter combat or enemies from afar.
King’s Landing: House Targaryen
Traveling back approximately 200 years, audiences are shown the full might and power of House Targaryen. Since the show tells the story of “Dance of the Dragons,” King’s Landing will be the location most featured in the new series.
According to WinterIsComing.net, it was confirmed that filming took place in a dozen areas around the city’s historic center, Cáceres, Spain, a beautiful region with ancient walls, cobbled stones, and medieval art. The historic feel will be prominent in House of the Dragon, much like Game of Thrones. While some critics hope that this new series avoids the writing errors of Game of Thrones season 8, one aspect can never be undermined, which is the production quality. Every Game of Thrones moment transported audience members to another world, and House of the Dragon is set to take fans right back into the centerfold.
Driftmark: House Velaryon
House Velaryon figures to be a key member in the Targaryen civil war. Their seat is located on an island not far from King’s Landing called Driftmark. Corlys Velaryon is the head of this house, and their island boasts impressive naval power. It is surely to be important in House of the Dragon as House Velaryon does everything in their might to get their candidate on the Iron Throne.
In 2021, it was first reported by Cornwall Live that House of the Dragon was filming on St. Michael’s Mount. While unconfirmed, the rumors started gathering attention until finally fans were given a production photo leak that all but confirmed the rumors: the sigil (crest) to House Velaryon on one of the area’s walls. The location for their home was perfectly chosen at St. Michael’s Mount; the area features well-preserved structures and an extremely beautiful backdrop that is sure to be featured in the harbor and naval ship scenes.
Dragonstone: The Targaryens’ Ancestral Land
As one of the few places Game of Thrones fans would love to visit, Dragonstone is likely a central location in House of the Dragon. It was the original seat of House Targaryen in Westeros and eventually turned into an outpost for the Valyrian Freehold.
With the Targaryens ruling Westeros, Dragonstone will be a recurring location. In the trailer, Rhaenyra is seen inside Dragonstone contemplating her next move. As the first daughter of Viserys and the impending queen, having secured outposts is important while she is on the move. Dragonstone took inspiration from its founding family, as the walls and sculptures are all modeled to look like dragons, sending an intimidating message to any who come ashore.
Winterfell: House Stark
The Stark family might be returning in the Game of Thrones prequel. In 2021, pictures that were taken at Leavesden Studios in the UK surfaced (via Dailymail); the pictures featured the recognizable Winterfell castle. While the project still remains in secrecy, the cylindrical turrets from the Winterfell castle are unmistakable.
Winterfell played a pivotal role in the Game of Thrones series, but how large of a role it will have in House of the Dragon remains to be seen. What is confirmed is the appearance of one Rickard Stark, presumably the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. As the series has explained before, this region is geographically massive and culturally different from the south. A visit to King’s Landing (as shown in the latest trailer) from Lord Stark would only be made for very compelling reasons.
Dorne: House Martell
While House Martell’s role in the later seasons of Game of Thrones was reduced tremendously, their family gave fans some of the most exciting characters on-screen. The passionate Oberyn Martell was a fierce competitor, yet his overconfidence is what led to his demise. A fellow Dorne ancestor, Criston Cole, may have a different fate. A prominent character in House of the Dragon, Criston is Rhaenyra’s sword shield.
While it is unclear what the conflict is in the show, Criston goes from being Rhaenyra’s most loyal supporter to the fiercest foe. House of the Dragon will likely feature Criston in Dorne as he prepares troops for the civil war. Even if Criston was not a Martell, the Dorne culture and society will be further introduced and help show the context of House Martell’s story in Game of Thrones.
Storm’s End: House Baratheon
While Game of Thrones made House Stark’s Winterfell popular, House of the Dragon could do the same for Storm’s End. This upcoming series will take a closer look into the complicated relationship between House Targaryen and House Baratheon – two of the best houses in Game of Thrones. While showcased to have animosity towards each other in Game of Thrones, the two houses were close allies for many years.
Fire & Blood is one of the main inspirations in House of the Dragon. With the first battle happening at Storm’s End, Aemond Targaryen (Alicent’s second eldest son) is sent on a diplomatic mission to discuss terms with House Baratheon. Unfortunately, Lucerys (Rhaenyra Targaryen’s second eldest son) arrives for the same purpose. Each man has a passionate dislike for the other, and with the power of their dragons, they both feel invincible.
Vale Of Arryn: House Arryn Of The Eyrie
House of the Dragon will feature House Arryn’s Jeyne Arryn, The Maiden of the Vale, leading her people during the reigns of King Viserys I and Aegon II Targaryen. Since House Arryn will quickly support Rhaenyra Targaryen’s claim to the throne, Jeyne will remain in the Vale throughout the majority of the war.
Often referred to as the Vale, this region is protected and surrounded by the Mountains of the Moon. The Vale is an extremely isolated place (as shown in Game of Thrones) and only accessible during warmer months. While the majority of scenes in the Vale will depict Jeyne Arryn, there could be flashbacks of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s early childhood. If flashbacks prove to be true, they will feature Rhaenyra’s mother, Aemma Arryn, and her time at the Vale.
The Iron Islands: House Greyjoy
Lord Dalton Greyjoy, also known as the Red Kraken, will be found at the Iron Islands in House of the Dragon. An ancestor of the fan-favorite Theon Greyjoy, Dalton comes to power before the death of Viserys I Targaryen. Through several conquests, Lord Greyjoy became known as one of the Pyke’s great iron-born heroes. If House of the Dragon borrows from the book, Greyjoy will eventually support the claim of Rhaenyra to the throne.
According to WinterIsComing.net, the iron islands are located in Northern Ireland, where the stunning Dunluce Castle was built on a cliff only accessible by a narrow bridge. The 16th-century castle fits right at home in any Game of Thrones or House of the Dragon series. The latest installment should be taking audiences back to the House of Greyjoy as Lord Dalton Greyjoy will be commanding his troops.
Riverrun: House Tully
During House of the Dragon, Lord Grover Tully is in charge of House Tully. However, as he is approaching advanced age, his grandson Elmo Tully eventually takes leadership. Hesitant to make a move, Tully remains neutral until the Targaryen’s bannermen decided to pay a visit to Riverrun. According to the book, Elmo becomes ill, and his eldest son Sir Kermit Tully takes the role as they march to the Battle of the Kingsroad.
Located in the western Riverlands, Riverrun is the ancestral castle of House Tully. While not the largest, Riverrun is a strong three-sided castle that has many defense mechanisms, some of which may be shown in House of the Dragon. For instance, in times of danger, certain gates can be opened that fill the man-made ditches alongside the castle, completely surrounding it by the water where archers can go to battle.
