House of the Dragon season 2 reintroduces a key family: Cregan Stark explained

EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsHouse of the DragonHouse of the Dragon season 2 reintroduces a key family: Cregan Stark explainedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsHouse of the DragonHouse of the Dragon season 2 reintroduces a key family: Cregan Stark explainedWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: HBO) House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1 reintroduces us to the Starks – that pivotal Northern family we first met inGame of Thrones. But it’s been some time since we last saw a Stark, so you might be curious about who this particular family member is or what his significance is to the story. We delve into the answers below, which means that, naturally, we’ll be dealing withspoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1. Turn back now if you’re not up to date! We’re also going to take a look at some details from the book, too, so make sure to only read the first section of our explainer if you don’t wantspoilers for George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood.Now, wrap up warm – after all, winter is coming… Who is Cregan Stark in House of the Dragon season 2? (Image credit: HBO) The duo have a fairly loaded chat about Aegon the Conqueror and even the threat of the White Walkers, as Cregan points out to a sceptical Jace that, years ago, dragons belonging to Jace’s own ancestors refused to cross the Wall because of the threat beyond. But, Jace’s visit is cut short when a raven brings word thathis brother Lucerys Velaryon has been killed. Still, though, Jace manages to secure the support of House Stark. Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox What is Cregan Stark’s story in the book? Spoilers (Image credit: HBO) Things are a little different in George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood. In the book, Jace stays with Cregan for longer, and the duo get along very well since the Velaryon prince reminds Cregan of his deceased younger brother, and they end up sworn brothers themselves. However, Fire and Blood is written like a series of conflicting histories, and in one version of the tale, Jace slept with Cregan’s bastard sister Sara Snow and wed her in secret. That doesn’t happen in the show. In the book, Cregan and Jace make what’s known as the Pact of Ice and Fire, which agrees that Jace’s (not yet born) first daughter will be eventually be wed to Cregan’s son Rickon. In exchange, House Stark will support the blacks. Now, we’re going to get intomajor book spoilers here, so this is your last chance to turn back. Eventually, after much bloodshed on both sides, the Targaryen civil war results in the death of both Aegon II and Rhaenyra. For a full breakdown of what happens, head to ourDance of the Dragonsexplainer through the link. Rhaenyra’s son Aegon III becomes king at just 11 years old. Cregan oversees the end of the war and becomes Aegon III’s Hand. He sentences many of those involved in the murder of Aegon II to death, though most choose to go to the Night’s Watch and be spared. Cregan carries out the only two executions himself with his Valyrian steel blade Ice (Ned Stark wields this same sword in Game of Thrones). Cregan gives up his place as Hand the next day and soon departs for Winterfell once more. This brief period of time becomes known as The Hour of the Wolf. House of the Dragon continues weekly on HBO in the US, and Sky and NOW in the UK. 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Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 1 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 2 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 3 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 4 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to the sort of hard-hitting form that made it such a fan favorite in the first place” 5Cobra Kai season 6, part 2 review: “Returns to 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