This Sunday marks the halfway point of the third season of House of the Dragon, with only four episodes remaining. Tensions rise in Westeros as the Black and Green factions continue their deadly struggle for the Iron Throne.
Here’s everything you need to know about this week’s episode, where Rhaenyra and the Blacks challenge the Hightowers and Greens.
House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 4 airs at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Sunday, July 12 and runs for 62 minutes, or 66 minutes including end credits. A refreshed opening credits sequence and theme music accompany the new season.
Like Season 2, Season 3 will contain eight episodes instead of ten. The episodes air on HBO and HBO Max as follows:
What Happened in House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 1
House of the Dragon
Credit: HBO
A full recap and review of the Season 3 premiere, “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood,” is available on the Forbes site, where the reviewer noted a mix of strong moments and frustrating departures from the source material.
The premiere focused largely on the Battle of the Gullet, where the Triarchy forces attacked the blockade led by Lord Corlys Velaryon. Outnumbered, the Blacks risked losing their naval edge until Prince Jacaerys and Princess Baela arrived on dragon‑back, turning the tide. The battle ended with both dragon and rider tragically falling into the waves.
Meanwhile, Daemon celebrated victory with the North’s men, while Gwayne Hightower and Criston Cole advanced through the Riverlands, wary of the Blacks’ dragon power. In King’s Landing, Alicent schemed against her sons and opened the city to Rhaenyra’s claim.
What Happened in House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 2
House of the Dragon
Credit: Netflix
In “Queen’s Landing,” Rhaenyra learns of her eldest son, Jacaerys’s death at the Battle of the Gullet and seeks justice for the “Sheepstealer” rider, who turns out to be Rhaena. Rhaena’s appeal to Lady Jeyne Arryn ends in wilderness exile, with her dragon defending Arryn lands.
As Rhaenyra and Daemon arrive in King’s Landing, Alicent attempts to strike, but the High Maester Orwyle intervenes. The Gold Cloaks later turn on Team Green, allowing Rhaenyra to sit on the Iron Throne. Daemon spares Orwyle, who supplies him with Jasper Wylde. Meanwhile, Larys has imprisoned Otto Hightower beneath the Red Keep, and Rhaenyra decapitates Otto after she confronts him from the throne.
What Happened in House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 3
House of the Dragon
Credit: HBO
Episode 3 centers on Rhaenyra’s realization of the complexities of ruling, as countless voices vie for influence. While she faces opposition from Corlys and the High Septon, she also deals with subterfuge involving Lord Ormund and a false Daeron. The episode ends with an intense clash between factions.
Watch the House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 4 Teaser
The teaser hints at a calmer Rhaenyra and a more prominent Lord Ormund. No major battles are shown yet, but both factions prepare for forthcoming conflict.