House of the Dragon: Battle Dragons Lannister Lions
House Lannister's link with lions transcends their family sigil. Another degree of cruelty to the war is introduced by the actual caged lions in their army participating in the Dance of the Dragons in House Of The Dragon. Not found in George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood, this element highlights the terrible and strong character of the Lannisters.
Caged Lions in Dragon House
The way caged lions show up in Jason Lannister's army in House Of The Dragon season 2, episode 6 deviates greatly from the book's depiction. Whereas dragons are naturally linked to the Targaryens and direwolves to the Starks, the Lannister lions are not shown as tamed or having a personal relationship to their owners. This accentuates the erratic and maybe catastrophic character of the war.
Lions in Westeros: Historical Background
Lions among the Lannister army are not totally out of line. Books by George R. R. Martin have lions prowling the Westerlands prior to the Andal arrival. A Dance with Dragons implies that lions even lived at Casterly Rock. Though they are thought to have been dead before the events of Game Of Thrones, the Lannister kings are historically known to have owned lions. This suggests that House of the Dragon's lions most certainly represent one of the last surviving populations from that age.
Cersei Lancher and Lions
A Dance With Dragons records Cersei Lannister's memories of caged lions at Casterly Rock from her early years. During her grandfather's rule, these lions—along with the wild ones already mentioned—were thought to be the last of their kind. The existence of lions in House of the Dragon relates to this historical background and implies a lineage of Lannisters with these strong animals.
Lions as a weapon in war
Lions' inclusion into the Lannister army could have a strategic function during combat. Though not as strong as dragons, the sight of a lion unleashed against an enemy could cause horror inside their hearts. But unlike the Targaryens with dragons or the Starks with direwolves, the Lannisters lack a strong magical link to lions, which makes management difficult. Still, there is no doubt that some of these creatures could wre havoc in the Dance of the Dragons.
Legacy Lannister
The Lannister lions in House of the Dragon draw attention to the family's past relationship to these formidable animals. This element highlights the strong and sometimes merciless character of the Lannister legacy, so adding another level of complexity and mystery. Though less common than in past times, the presence of lions in their army reminds us of their historical dominance and likelihood for future conflict.
