Physical appearances in Game of Thrones and, by extension, House of the Dragon, can be a bit funny. It tends to denote a sign of one’s heritage; for example, the Targaryens are almost always born with platinum hair and violet eyes which are traits shared by their Valyrian ancestors. That brings up an interesting question: why do Rhaenyra’s children have dark hair in House of the Dragon?
Why Rhaenyra’s Children Have Dark Hair in House of the Dragon
Rhaenyra’s children have dark hair in House of the Dragon because their father is Harwin of House Strong, not Laenor Velaryon. Harwin Strong is the son of the King’s Hand, Lyonel Strong.
Furthermore, you can witness an example of what a union between House Targaryen and House Velaryon would be like by examining Daemon and Laena’s children. They have the same Valyrian features, the platinum hair, whereas Rhaenyra’s children have dark hair.
Game of Thrones has explored a similar plot with Cersei Lannister and Robert Baratheon’s children. They weren’t dark haired like Robert, but blonde, which was due to their father actually being Cersei’s brother. In the show, they mention that the “seed was strong.”
Now you fully understand why Rhaenyra’s children have dark hair in House of the Dragon. For more on House of the Dragon, find out why Alicent’s dress was green in episode 5, and if you haven’t caught on yet, read up on why Viserys is dying.
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