Rhaenyra the Cruel

"Rhaenyra the Cruel" is the second episode of the second season of the fantasy drama television series House of the Dragon, a prequel to Game of Thrones. The episode was written by executive producer Sara Hess and directed by Clare Kilner. It first aired on HBO and Max on June 23, 2024.

The plot directly follows the end of the season premiere, depicting the aftermath of the murder of Jaehaerys, King Aegon II's son and heir. In King's Landing, Otto arranges Jaehaerys' funeral to gain the smallfolk's sympathy and frame the murder as being orchestrated by Rhaenyra. Aegon's impulsive action infuriates Otto, leading to a confrontation that results in Aegon dismissing Otto as Hand of the King. Criston sends Arryk to assassinate Rhaenyra. At Dragonstone, Rhaenyra and Daemon argue over his loyalty. Arryk's attempt to kill Rhaenyra ends in his own death and his twin brother Erryk, Rhaenyra's sworn protector, who commits suicide.

"Rhaenyra the Cruel" introduced several new cast members, including Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull, Tom Bennett as Ulf the White, and Ellora Torchia as Kat. In the United States, the episode garnered a viewership of 1.3 million during its premiere night on linear television alone. It received highly positive reviews from critics, with praise going towards the direction, writing, score, cinematography, camerawork, the fight between Erryk and Arryk, Rhaenyra's argument with Daemon, and performances of its cast, particularly those of Tom Glynn-Carney, Emma D'Arcy, Phia Saban, Rhys Ifans, and Olivia Cooke.