*Warning: This article contains spoilers from the opening episode of House of The Dragon.
Though Emilia Clarke may not appear in Game Of Thrones prequel House Of The Dragon as her infamous character Daenerys Targaryen, eagle-eyed viewers of the first episode spotted a subtle homage to her.
The first episode of the new series was released today, with fans raving about its many shock moments.
The show, which is based on the Fire and Blood novel by George RR Martin, is set 300 years before the events of Game Of Thrones and follows the Targaryen family history, starting right at the formation of Westeros.
The first episode of the new series opened with King Jaehaerys Targaryen choosing his successor to the Iron Throne, choosing Viserys (Paddy Considine) over his daughter Rhaenys (Eve Best).
The screen fades to black, and viewers are shown a message that pays homage to the Mother Of Dragons herself and Game of Thrones.
The message reads: ‘It is now the ninth year of King Viserys I Targaryen’s reign. 172 years before the death of the mad king, Aerys, and the birth of his daughter Princess Daenerys Targaryen.’
Daenerys was also referenced later in the episode during a conversation between Viserys and the pregnant Queen Aemma (Sian Brooke), with her saying: ‘After this miserable pregnancy, I wouldn’t be surprised if I hatch an actual dragon.’
It appeared to be a reference to Daenerys’ moniker Mother Of Dragons in Game Of Thrones after she emerged from a fire clutching three baby dragons she hatched.
House Of The Dragon will be the first in a number of planned spin-off series to arrive from HBO – including one focused on Jon Snow – offering a deeper dive into the history and mythology of Martin’s creation.
It features an all-star cast including Paddy Considine, Olivia Cooke, Emma D’Arcy, Rhys Ifans, Eve Best, Steve Toussaint, Fabien Frankel, and Graham McTavish.
House of the Dragon will continue on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW on August 29.
MORE : House Of The Dragon fans lose it over Matt Smith’s NSFW scene: ‘I choked on my taco’
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