Hang On, There’s a Major Book Character That’s Been Left Out of 'House of the Dragon'
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House of the Dragon season 2 is almost over, and yet, we still haven't met a major character from the book Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin—aka the book the series is based on. Many fans are taking to social media to complain about the lack of this particular character's appearance on the show, so who is the mysterious Nettles? And why isn't she on House of the Dragon? And is Rhaena actually Nettles?
Who is Nettles?
Nettles is a character from George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood. She first makes her appearance in the book when Jacaerys Targaryen (Rhaenyra's son) begins his hunt for 'dragonseeds' (aka people who could ride dragons because of their Targaryen or Valyrian blood) in order to help win the fight against the Greens.
Nettles is one of the dragonseeds who comes forward and is the only person who successfully manages to bond and tame the wild dragon Sheepstealer. While her lineage has not been confirmed, we *do* know that she was born in Driftmark and she's also the only known Black character in the original novel. Now, we saw the Red Sowing happen in the last episode, so that's when this character would have theoretically been introduced, but nothing.
In the book, the Nettles character helped in numerous battles throughout the war of the Greens vs. the Blacks, and is also said to have developed a relationship with Daemon, including becoming his bedmate, which, of course, infuriated Rhaenyra. Nettles in fact became so close to Daemon that she traveled with him on his quest to find Aemond.
However, some readers have theorized Nettles wasn't Daemon's lover, but his secret daughter.
Is Nettles going to appear on House of the Dragon?
Given how close her relationship with Daemon is, her bond with Sheepstealer, and her impact on the war, many viewers are expecting Nettles to make an appearance on the show. However, as of yet, there's been no confirmation from HBO we'll be seeing Nettles this season or any future of the series either. And there's actually been some internet chatter/theorizing that a different character we have seen is taking on aspects of the Nettls roles.
Warning: Potential spoilers ahead. In the series, we've already seen three of the four dragonseeds—Ulf White, Hugh Hammer, and Addam of Hull—and they've all claimed their dragons (or do the dragons claim the people, technically? idk). But there's been no mention or sighting of Nettles.
This is not to say she won't appear, however, there are some theories to suggest her storyline will instead be given to Daemon's daughter Rhaena, whom we last saw sneaking off from her role as protector to the little kiddos to try to go claim an unclaimed dragon for herself. That dragon may, in fact, be Sheepstealer. From a plot standpoint, you can see why the show's creators would want to combine two characters into one. But obviously, if Nettles' storyline were to be given to Rhaena, we really hope they take the relationship with Daemon out of the storyline.
But we perhaps shouldn't give up hope of a Nettles appearance, because Black Girl Nerds asked showrunner Ryan Condal about Nettles appearing in the show, and he said, "I would just say, 'Stay tuned'." So it's not a yes...but it's also not a no. 👀
Guess we'll just have to watch the show and keep our fingers crossed for Nettles to appear.
House of the Dragon is available to stream on Max.
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