‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3: A Bloodbath Setting the Stage for a Darker End

A list of all of the characters that died in ‘House of the Dragon’ season three, from Ormund Hightower to Helaena and Ser Criston Cole. (Twitter)

‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 has unequivocally been one of the most brutal and harrowing installments of the acclaimed series, delivering a relentless wave of tragedy that firmly positions the narrative for an even grimmer conclusion in Season 4. This season witnessed the demise of numerous pivotal and cherished characters, subjecting fans to an emotional maelstrom with each new episode.

Prince Jacaerys Velaryon and his dragon, Vermax

The season’s cascade of sorrow commences with one of the most profoundly impactful deaths: that of Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, or “Jace,” and his dragon, Vermax, during the devastating Battle of the Gullet. The harrowing sequence begins with Jace confronting his mother, Queen Rhaenyra, regarding her perilous decision to dispatch the Sea Snake, Lord Corlys Velaryon, based on Alicent’s dubious offer. Upon learning that Admiral Sharako Lohar is determined to eliminate the Sea Snake, Rhaenyra resolves to ride into battle herself with Syrax. However, Jace, ever protective, devises a plan to safeguard his mother, ultimately leading him into the fray. This decision proves fatal. During the chaotic battle, Rhaena and Sheepstealer enter the conflict, but the wild dragon’s indiscriminate fire engulfs everything in its path, including Vermax, who is struck and drowns in a nearby lake. Jace miraculously frees himself from his rider’s harness and initially survives, only for his life to be tragically cut short moments later by a volley of arrows.

Helaena Targaryen’s Death

Perhaps the most heart-wrenching and pivotal death of Season 3 was that of Helaena Targaryen. Trapped within the Red Keep, separated from her daughter, and languishing as a prisoner under Queen Rhaenyra’s guard, Helaena’s mental state deteriorated. Feeling stripped of her autonomy and believing herself and her unborn child to be “forsaken,” she ultimately chose to end her own life by leaping from her window. Her suicide not only brings Season 3 to a somber close but also profoundly impacts the political landscape, eroding the public’s trust in Rhaenyra and catalyzing the Queen’s descent into a more tyrannical rule.

Aemond Kills Ser Simon Strong

In the season’s second episode, Ser Simon Strong delivers the grim news of Jace’s death to Daemon before returning to Harrenhal. Unbeknownst to him, doom awaits. Alicent persuades Aemond to leave King’s Landing for Rhaenyra and proceed to Harrenhal. Arriving dramatically on his formidable dragon, Vhagar, Aemond brutally incinerates a significant portion of the soldiers present, leaving Ser Simon Strong stunned. Aemond then commands him to draw his sword. Despite Simon’s attempts to explain that the armies have decamped, Aemond refuses to listen, brutally stabbing him and ensuring his demise. He proceeds to slaughter everyone else in the room, solidifying his ruthless resolve.

Otto Hightower

Otto Hightower, a shadowy figure since his last appearance in Season 2 rotting in a dark cell, returns to the narrative, albeit briefly. His whereabouts had been a mystery, but Season 3 clarifies his grim fate. As Rhaenyra and Daemon claim the Iron Throne, Grand Maester Orwyle, seeking to save his own life, offers up a prisoner for execution – Jasper Wylde, the man who attempted to assault Alicent. However, a chilling interjection reveals another “gift” from Lord Larys Strong: another prisoner to be executed, none other than Otto Hightower himself. Daemon advises Rhaenyra that she must execute both men to assert her leadership. Despite her initial hesitation, she proceeds, beheading both Otto and Wylde. Later, a captured Alicent is brought into the throne room, forced to confront the gruesome sight of her father’s lifeless body.

Ser Criston Cole

Ser Criston Cole’s death stands as one of the season’s most unexpected and dramatic turns. During an ambush by Tully soldiers, Cole and his army bravely fight back. As Roderick and Oscar arrive on the scene, Cole challenges one of them to a duel. Before the duel can commence, Alysanne Blackwell intervenes decisively, shooting three arrows into Ser Criston Cole, bringing a swift and brutal end to his complex and controversial life.

The High Septon

The demise of the High Septon marks another critical juncture in Rhaenyra’s evolving narrative, as she orders Alyn to commit regicide. Initially, Rhaenyra had sought his blessing after her ascension to the throne. Accompanied by Alyn and multiple escorts, she visited the High Septon’s sacred abode. However, he staunchly refused to acknowledge her claim or obey her commands. Enraged by his defiance, Rhaenyra orders Alyn to kill him. Alyn hesitates, knowing that slaying the High Septon would damn his soul. Nevertheless, Rhaenyra manages to persuade him, leading to the High Septon’s execution, while her army concurrently slaughters all the other holy men in his court, a dark testament to Rhaenyra’s growing ruthlessness.

Roderick Dustin and Ormund Hightower

The tragic saga of Season 3 culminates with the deaths of Roderick Dustin and Ormund Hightower. Both men participated in the bloody Battle of Tumbleton. Dustin, a fierce loyalist, fully anticipated his demise while defending his queen, while Hightower was solely focused on crushing Rhaenyra’s forces. Dustin’s actions are instrumental in breaching the main city, but his encounter with Ormund proves to be his undoing. The two engage in a fierce swordfight, during which Dustin loses an arm. In his final, defiant act, he impales his sword into Ormund. Moments later, Ulf, atop his dragon, flies overhead, unleashing dragonfire upon both combatants, burning them to their gruesome deaths.