Fabien Frankel Receives Criston Cole’s Sword and Helmet as Farewell Gift from House of the Dragon

As House of the Dragon Season 3 wraps production, actor Fabien Frankel—who portrayed Ser Criston Cole—has officially exited the series. In a heartfelt gesture, showrunner Ryan Condal gifted Frankel the sword and helmet worn by his character (via housethedragons), marking the end of Cole’s arc in HBO’s Targaryen saga. The gift not only honors Frankel’s performance but also reflects the show’s commitment to preserving emotional continuity behind the scenes.

Quick read:

• Fabien Frankel got Ser Criston Cole’s sword and helmet as a farewell gift.
• Ryan Condal gave props to departing cast members, inspired by Peter Jackson.
• It marked Criston Cole’s exit in House of the Dragon Season 3.

Ryan Condal Gifted Departing Cast Members Meaningful Props

In an episode of The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of podcast, Condal revealed his inspiration for the tradition:

“I borrowed a tradition from Peter Jackson—when actors wrapped on Lord of the Rings, he gave them a meaningful prop from their character. So I did the same thing for House of the Dragon Season 3.”

Condal’s approach was personal and symbolic. Each departing actor received a prop tied to their character’s journey—whether a sword, crown, or scroll. For Frankel, the sword and helmet of Ser Criston Cole served as a tribute to the knight’s pivotal role in the Dance of the Dragons and his dramatic exit during the Butcher’s Ball battle.

Fabien Frankel’s Departure Aligns with Series Lore

Frankel’s departure after three seasons aligns with George R.R. Martin’s source material, where Ser Criston Cole’s death marks a turning point in the civil war. His exit reinforces the show’s fidelity to the lore and its willingness to embrace narrative consequences. By gifting props, Condal not only commemorates the actors’ contributions but also deepens the emotional resonance of their characters’ final moments.

This behind-the-scenes tradition adds a layer of authenticity to House of the Dragon, blending storytelling with real-world appreciation.

Read next: House of the Dragon Season 3: Exterior filming wrapped up today