“She’s loyal to her mum”: Phia Saban reveals whether Helaena is Team Green or Team Black

Phia Saban, the actress who brings Helaena to life in House of the Dragon, offers a glimpse into her character’s thoughts on Alicent’s proposal to leave King’s Landing. In the finale, Helaena’s response reveals a complex mix of innocence, maturity, and resignation. In the finale of House of the Dragon, a poignant conversation takes place between Alicent and Helaena, where Alicent proposes leaving King’s Landing together. Phia Saban, the actress who plays Helaena, shared her insights on Helaena’s reaction to Alicent’s suggestion.

Helaena’s loyalty towards her mother

Helaena’s loyalty is rooted in her devotion to her mother, Alicent, rather than any political ideology. She has historically remained detached from the political sphere, viewing the conflict from a macro perspective, which leads her to see the war as a trivial and ego-driven dispute.

While she may not be persuaded by Team Black’s arguments, her loyalty to her mother would lead her to follow Alicent if she were to switch sides. Helaena’s motivations are driven by family ties rather than political beliefs. Phia Saban in an interview with The Wrap says,

“I think she’s loyal to her mum. A big aspect of Helaena is that she hasn’t historically engaged with the politics and, in a way, she has more of a macro view of it, where she she can’t really connect with this thing, which seems a bit ridiculous to her about like sides and ego and killing. I don’t know if she would see it like that. She would definitely go where her mom goes, but I don’t think she’s got a political view on it particularly.”

A life beyond King’s Landing

Helaena’s response to Alicent’s suggestion reveals her confusion, having never considered a life outside of King’s Landing. Her reality is defined by her insect collection and small joys, which bring her a sense of comfort and security. She is truly puzzled by the idea of escaping their situation, and questions their departure reflecting her limited exposure to the world beyond the castle.

“I don’t think Helaena has really seen any evidence of a life that she’s like “That’s the type of life I want to live,” and as a result of that, she’s created a world for herself where she can feel safe and that’s about this tiny world of insects and this small beauty and this kind of non-political interest in something outside of herself.  But I think more literally, it’s like “I’ve never been anywhere else, so where would we go?”

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