Why Erryk Cargyll died in the house of the dragon (& was it him?)
Ser Erryk most certainly died from the affection he still felt for his brother, even if they lived far apart. As Arryk pointed out earlier in the episode, the couple was once one spirit in two bodies and their pathways did not simply vanish. Erryk would have believed that it was only appropriate for them to depart it together too; that he could not live knowing his brother was not only dead but also had killed him. They came into the world together.
Erryk might have felt disgrace in the killing of his brother even as he was serving Rhaenyra's Queensguard and defending the person he was dedicated to. Kinslaying is a great taboo in Westeros, thus Erryk was quite literally falling on his own sword either to try and recover a sense of honor or because of the shame he felt he had brought upon himself (not too different from seppuku, a ceremonial form of suicide among samurai). Perhaps the issue is if that Erryk, who committed suicide at the end of the episode, was indeed Erryk. From observing the fight, even slowed down, I definitely found it difficult to be 100% sure. Arryk felt he had been wrong to go against his brother and Rhaenyra at the very end, but the context of the scene - with him calling her "your grace" - does most definitely fit Erryk a lot more.
How Different The Duels Of The Cargyll Twins Are From The Book
Fire & Blood in House Of The Dragon Season 2's portrayal of the conflict between the Cargyll brothers marks a few major developments. Although the overall setup is the same—Arryk disguising himself as Erryk on Dragonstone—at least based on the several historical tales provided, Rhaenyra herself was absent for the fight. Furthermore, instead of Erryk showing there exactly on time, the book has the brothers happen upon each other with swords. Still, the book has three distinct takes on what happened:
Ultimately the result is the same: both Cargylls die. The show's rendition also has some Munken and Mushroom; the former's proclamation of love from the past, the shorter, harsher fight of the later. Of course, Rhaenyra might also explain some of the conflicting narratives that follow House Of The Dragon's chronology by not disclosing Erryk took his own life and instead tells people he and Arryk killed each other.
Tragic Story in House of the Dragon: The Cargyll Twins
A turning point in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 2, the duel between the Cargyll twins is essential. It emphasizes not only the terrible results of the Dance of the Dragons but also the close ties of family and the difficult moral conundrums humans encounter in a world of political intrigue and murder. The tale of Erryk and Arryk is one of allegiance, obligation, and finally sacrifice. Their terrible destiny is evidence of the force of the Targaryen civil war and how it affected people caught in the crossfire.
The narrative of the Cargyll twins reminds us of the personal sacrifices people must make in the face of political unrest and the human cost of conflict. Emphasizing the great divides and strife that have developed inside the sphere, their narrative is one of tragedy and loss. Their combat emphasizes the cost paid in the cause of power, ambition, and loyalty, therefore providing a potent visual metaphor for the devastation that awaits Westeros.
House of the Dragon: The Civil War Targaryen Story
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 star Rhaenyra's father.
Captivatingly exploring the history of the Targaryen dynasty, House of the Dragon provides insights into the events leading to the Dance of the Dragons, a terrible civil conflict almost totally devastated the kingdom. Compelling characters, complicated narratives, and breathtaking images abound in the series, so enveloping viewers in the realm of Westeros and the convoluted power relations driving the story.
