"Winter Is Coming": Ned Stark's Replacement Views The House Words Far More Sensibly Than He Did
Major spoilers for George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood book, on which House Of The Dragon season 2 is based, as well as for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1 Lord Cregan Stark says the well-known Stark words in the opening sequence of House of the Dragon season 2, which emphasizes a flaw in Ned in Game of Thrones. Over the eight seasons of Game of Thrones, House Stark members often repeat "winter is coming," as an omen, a warning, and a reminder, usually to counsel increased vigilance as the harshness of winter approaches. But in both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, "winter is coming" signals not only of the temperature but also another darker, more sinister force accompanying it.
The Starks' "winter is coming" comments became an omen for the arrival of the White Walkers at Game of Thrones' climax. While many Starks, Northerners, and even some in the Night's Watch disagreed with the White Walkers' return during Game of Thrones, others heeded the rumors of their presence and worried about their possible influence. Though the White Walkers haven't awakened in House Of The Dragon, Cregan Stark's statements to Jacaerys Velaryon in the season 2 premiere and the unveiling of Aegon the Conqueor's prophetic dream in season 1 highlight one of Ned Stark's worst blunders from the original show.
Cregan Stark Definitely Believes In The White Walkers In House Of The Dragon
Cregan Stark is basically modeled as House of the Dragon's Ned Stark variant from Game of Thrones season one. However, these two individuals approach their obligations to the North in somewhat different ways and have some rather significant disparities as well. Although Cregan and Ned both appreciate the words of House Stark, only one of them realizes how vital it is to embrace their significance in relation to the death that lurks far in the North.
The series opener of Game of Thrones showed Ned Stark did not think the White Walkers had returned, but Cregan Stark's House of the Dragon season 2 introduction confirms he not only believes in them but also understands the need of defending the realm against them. Cregan Stark's "Winter Is Coming" comment refers to the season itself as well as the lethal White Walkers that might accompany it. Cregan never really mentions "White Walkers" in House of the Dragon season 2, but he is referring to what he tells Jacaerys—that his ancestors erected the wall to repel "death." When Cregan Stark declares "winter is coming," he is alluding to the season itself as well as the lethal White Walkers that might accompany it.
Why did Ned Stark not believe the White Walkers still existed in Game of Thrones?
Thousands of years had passed since the White Walkers were originally routed when Lord Cregan Stark brought Jacaerys to the Wall in House of the Dragon. He still made hints, though, about the White Walkers as a menace not entirely disregarded. But just around 170 years later in Game of Thrones, the Lord of Winterfell dismisses their existence. Though even the men of the Night's Watch protecting the Wall were dubious of the tales and assertions the White Walkers were back, Ned Stark's responsibility is not really clear-cut.
Ned Stark had never seen any proof of the White Walkers, hence naturally he did not believe in them. Ned thought in line with what he could observe and document. Ned most certainly wouldn't have believed that Daenerys Targaryen produced dragons in Essos if he had been living when they were born as they seemed to be a present impossibility after already being gone for so long before his own time. Dragons were limited to stories by elders and skulls and bones in the Red Keep long before Ned even became the Lord of Winterfell. Given White Walkers disappeared hundreds of years before Game of Thrones, their comeback seems much less plausible. Ned most certainly wouldn't have believed that Daenerys Targaryen produced dragons in Essos if he had been alive when they were born as they seemed to be a present impossibility after already being gone for so long before his own time.
How Cregan Stark Measures Against Ned Stark
Although Ned was a good man who gave loyalty top priority, he lacked ruthlessness. Though he has significantly less tolerance and pity, Cregan Stark is also incredibly devoted and moral. The Fire & Blood book explains that the younger Cregan is more traditional in his Northern views than Ned, is far tougher and fiercer in his vigilance, and has little pity for traitors. Had Ned been more like Cregan, he would have been rigorous about staying in Winterfell to get ready for winter instead of heading South. Cregan is friendly with Jace in House of the Dragon, but his efficacy as a Northern leader could be a result of his moral deviations from Ned Stark.
Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max mark the start of fresh House of the Dragon season 2 episodes.
House of the Dragon: Deep Dive into the Realm
About 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon chronicles the ascent of the Targaryens, the only family of dragonlords to withstand the Doom of Valyria. Milly Alcock and Emily Carey originally starred Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower before Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke, who play the adult versions of the characters, took front stage. Along with King Viserys Targaryen, Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen) and Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra's father also feature in the series.
Examining the convoluted history of Westeros, House of the Dragon investigates the beginnings of the Targaryens and their ascent to dominance. Setting the scene for the events of Game of Thrones, the show highlights the complex network of politics, power battles, and betrayals that molded the universe of Westeros. The show boasts an amazing cast of people, gorgeous images, and a fascinating plot that will have viewers on the tip of their seats.
Examining the Stark Heritage
With roots in the Age of Heroes, the Starks are among the most well-known and long-standing families in Westeros. Their house words, "Winter Is Coming," act as a continual reminder of the hard reality they live in, where the threat of winter and the White Walkers looms big. Known for their honor, bravery, and relentless allegiance, the Starks have been instrumental in determining the course of Westeros. Their choices and behavior have had a significant influence on the course of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones, therefore creating a legacy that will be felt across the next generations.
With his unique viewpoint on the Stark legacy, Lord Cregan Stark's arrival in House of the Dragon season 2 highlights the distinctions between Cregan and his distant descendent, Ned Stark. Unlike Ned, Cregan emphasizes the need of alertness and readiness since he shows a great awareness of the danger the White Walkers present. Cregan's actions and views provide a great window into the past of the Starks and their part in determining Westeros' fate.
