House Of The Dragon's Jacaerys Velaryon Has Been Compared To Game Of Thrones' Jon Snow
One House Of The Dragon character has seen constant comparisons to Jon Snow since season 2 began, but there are many crucial distinctions between the two. In season 2, House of the Dragon's timeline is roughly 170 years before the events of Game of Thrones, but many parallels can be made between characters. After all, it's still the same world and political climate, and many characters in George R.R. Martin's world fit similar archetypes. For example, Criston Cole fits the bill of the controversial knight constantly at odds with his vows, much like Jaime Lannister.
While characters in this world fit similar molds, no two are precisely the same. Rhaenyra has seen many comparisons to Daenerys Targaryen from Game Of Thrones, as a woman assembling forces to claim her throne in a manner that would shatter tradition. But they're far from the same character and face entirely different obstacles. The House of the Dragon cast does an excellent job at providing a unique definition to every individual in the character ensemble, and certain stars are beginning to stand out more in season 2 after being relegated to the background in season 1.
Jacaerys Velaryon Is Actually The Opposite Of Jon Snow
While Jace is beginning to resemble Jon at first glance, there are major distinctions in their upbringings. They're both technically bastards, but it was far more of a defining characteristic for Jon, who spent his upbringing being treated as an outcast by members of his own family. Oppositely, Jace is never officially recognized as a bastard and is treated as his mother's firstborn son and heir. Ironically, Jon Snow is actually the rightful Heir to the Iron Throne, while Jace is legally Rhaenyra's heir but isn't the proper heir in terms of the bloodline.
These parallels and differences between Jace and Jon are compelling. Regarding their narratives, Jon is a Stark who goes south to make a pact with a Targaryen, while Jace is a Targaryen who goes north to make a pact with a Stark. In many ways, George R.R. Martin made the two characters opposites, which could be tied to Jace's tragic ending. Jace may be a morally good person, but his upbringing and pressure to be the Heir and future king cause him to overextend himself, resulting in his eventual death in battle.
Jacaerys' Story Being Different To Jon Snow Is A Good Thing
House of the Dragon has so many similarities to Game of Thrones that it constantly runs the danger of repetition. Both shows see Westeros fall to blood and warfare after the death of a king, following similar patterns of alliances and betrayals. Therefore, it's essential that the series offers something new in terms of characters and dynamics. Jacaerys Velaryon may draw some comparisons to Jon Snow, but he can stand as his own character, and he'll eventually be defined by his tragic, upsetting downfall.
The greatest strength House of the Dragon has had so far is in the book differences from Fire & Blood, as, though some of them have been controversial, many have elevated supporting characters to be distinct, defined figures. Jace isn't the most memorable character in the book, but he'll surely be unforgettable by the end of his time in House of the Dragon.
