House of the Dragon’s Mysaria/Rhaenyra Moment Was Not in the Script

As a woman who has spent my entire life navigating the treacherous waters of power and politics, I can truly appreciate the complexity of Mysaria’s character. Growing up in a world where survival meant adapting to any situation, I too have had to shed layers and reveal only what is necessary to get what I want. But in my interactions with Rhaenyra, I’ve come to realize that there’s more to life than just power and manipulation.

Spoilers for House of the Dragon season two, episode six, “Smallfolk.”

In “House of the Dragon,” there’s an abundance of information for traders, yet none compare to the unpredictability of Sonoya Mizuno’s character, Mysaria. The sixth episode puts her plan in the spotlight, solidifying the bond between Mysaria and Rhaenyra through a significant disclosure from the former. This is followed by an electrifying kiss that leaves the future of their relationship uncertain.

Following several doubtful and shattered allegiances during the first season, Mysaria has evolved into an indispensable resource for Team Black. Her extensive network of spies across Westeros helps cultivate support for Rhaenyra among the common folk. Inside Dragonstone’s walls, Mysaria’s influence appears to bolster Rhaenya’s confidence, leading her to assertively challenge a council member and brandish a sword. According to Mizuno, there is mutual understanding between these two women as outsiders and innovative thinkers. “It’s exciting because it enables both to tap into their power,” Mizuno explains. “Mysaria hasn’t experienced this level of influence before.”

The bond between Rhaenyra and Mysaria deepens as they share their deepest anxieties: Rhaenyra’s doubt about winning the war, and Mysaria’s trauma from her father’s abuse that left her infertile. In a moment of comfort, Rhaenyra hugs Mysaria, but their connection unexpectedly intensifies into a kiss. This deviation from the “Fire & Blood” original story, where they are not romantic partners, may highlight Mysaria’s commitment to Rhaenyra or indicate that she has more complex motives than previously assumed.

Before the episode, Mysaria and Rhaenyra’s relationship was built on a foundation of openness and honesty. Their interactions were marked by this straightforward approach, setting the stage for their connection to develop further. By the end of the episode, this fundamental aspect of their bond remained unchanged, allowing it to continue growing stronger.

Instead of their usual roles as advisors or supporters, Mysaria and Rhaenyra have found an equal footing with each other, which is exhilarating for both women who are known for their uniqueness and independence. This new dynamic empowers them. Previously, Mysaria’s role was to comfort and reassure Daemon. However, when she began advising Rhaenyra, she realized her traditional approach wasn’t effective. Now, she can utilize her expertise effectively, making a noticeable difference. It is an exciting experience for Mysaria to be part of a productive partnership.

Two women sharing a deep bond encounter challenging discussions about global issues and personal emotions. This intense interaction naturally leads them towards the profound connection they establish by the end of episode six.

In simpler terms, did the hug leading to the kiss have a deliberate plan behind it from a technical perspective? Were there alternate takes filmed? However, Emma and I didn’t plan for it to appear as a suggestive moment. We wanted to ensure it wasn’t portrayed as overtly queer or questionable in any way. Instead, we decided to assess the situation and modify it accordingly. Ultimately, it developed into a kiss.

An enlightening moment occurred between Mysaria and Rhaenyra, instigated by Emma’s suggestion. Despite the distance between them, a heartfelt hug seemed fitting after Mysaria shared her emotional story. Rhaenyra, being compassionate and a mother herself, felt an overwhelming desire to embrace her. The unexpected hug was striking due to the scarcity of such gestures in the show. It was a beautiful, tender expression of comfort, leading naturally to a passionate kiss. Both the hug and the kiss were carefully considered yet spontaneous.

In this special moment between them, Mysaria feels drawn to reveal her past to Rhaenyra. This is not something she has shared before with anyone. Her motivation is not seeking pity but rather using this as an opportunity to help Rhaenyra comprehend their shared struggles and the importance of their cause. By being open and personal, Mysaria aims to inspire and motivate Rhaenyra to fully grasp why they are fighting.

When Rhaenyra expresses her doubts about winning the war for the first time, Mysaria’s role as an advisor becomes crucial. Despite her own strong belief in their ability to win, she recognizes the significance of this moment and the importance of providing support and encouragement to Rhaenyra. She may try to reassure Rhaenyra with words like, “I understand your concerns, but I believe we can overcome any obstacle,” or “We have a strong alliance and a clear strategy – let’s focus on executing it.” Ultimately, Mysaria’s role is to provide guidance, boost morale, and help Rhaenyra stay committed to their shared goal.

The scene showcases Rhaenyra’s vulnerability yet is also part of an episode where she discovers her power, as seen in her actions like slapping a council member and brandishing a sword. Is Mysaria drawn to Rhaenyra’s strength or vulnerability? I believe it’s the entire mix. She hadn’t grasped her feelings towards Rhaenyra before this incident at all. Her attraction is there, but it’s not like, “Oh no, I have a crush on my superior!” In retrospect, they acknowledge that the attraction existed from the start — or perhaps it didn’t! But that event sparks something within them.

I’ve observed an intriguing resemblance between Mysaria’s braids in the recent episode and Rhaenyra’s. It’s not that Mysaria is trying to imitate her, but rather, she’s embracing Rhaenyra’s world by adopting her style. By mirroring her appearance in this way, Mysaria is making a bold visual declaration of her dedication and commitment to being a part of this new environment.

Fans of “The House of the Dragon” series have been actively expressing their preferences for pairing up non-romantic characters. Have you and Emma D’Arcy, who portray Rhaenyra and Alicent respectively, ever talked about these fan theories?

Based on some recent posts on Twitter, it seems there’s growing support for a romantic connection between Rhaenyra and Mysaria. It appears you may have found approval for your pairing.

2024-07-22 19:33

House of the Dragon’s Mysaria/Rhaenyra Moment Was Not in the Script

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