The Season 3 premiere of House of the Dragon opens with one of the biggest battles in Westeros history. Prince Jacaerys Velaryon (Jace) dies in the Battle of the Gullet during the first episode, marking the first major death of the season. His dragon, Vermax, also falls during this brutal sea battle.
The Battle of the Gullet brings the war directly to Rhaenyra Targaryen. The Greens, with help from the Triarchy, attack the Velaryon fleet. The episode shows the devastating consequences of this decision.
How Prince Jacaerys Dies in the Premiere Episode
Jace dies while trying to help his half-sister Rhaena Targaryen. Rhaena appears at the battle on the wild dragon Sheepstealer, who goes out of control. The dragon starts burning ships from both sides without telling friend from foe. Baela Targaryen and Jace rush to help stop Sheepstealer.
During the chaos, the Triarchy’s naval commander Sharako Lohar fires a weapon called a grapnel scorpion at Vermax. The first shot misses. The second shot hits Vermax in the stomach. The dragon falls into the sea with Jace still on his back.
Jace manages to free himself from his saddle. He grabs a piece of wood floating in the water. Crossbowmen from a nearby ship see him and fire. Several bolts hit Jace. He dies in the water, and his body sinks. His body is never found.
How the Show Changes the Book Story
The show changes some important details from George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood. In the book, a lowborn teenager named Nettles tames Sheepstealer, not Rhaena. Jace’s death in the book happens because of a tactical mistake during the battle.
The TV version makes Jace’s death more tragic. Jace does not die because he makes an error. He dies because he tries to help Rhaena and Baela. Rhaena brings an untamed dragon to the biggest battle of the war. This causes disaster for Team Black.
Prince Viserys Goes Missing in the Battle
Jace’s death is not the only loss for Rhaenyra in the premiere. Her younger son, Prince Viserys II, gets kidnapped by the Triarchy during the same battle. At first, everyone believes Viserys died in the fighting. However, the episode shows he is still alive but now a prisoner.
Prince Aegon III manages to escape the battle on his dragon, Stormcloud. He flies back to Dragonstone to warn his family about what happened. Both Jace’s death and Viserys going missing break any chance of peace between the two sides.
“Losing both Jace and Viserys II will change the way Rhaenyra has been dealing with the civil war. It will be the final push that makes Rhaenyra ruthless.”
Other Characters Who Could Die in Season 3
Based on the book Fire & Blood, several more characters might die before Season 3 ends.
Criston Cole likely dies during a battle called the Butcher’s Ball. In the book, the Riverlands and Northmen troops ambush him. He offers to give up, but they refuse his surrender. Three arrows fired by Red Robb Rivers kill him. His death would come as a relief to many viewers who have grown tired of his actions.
Otto Hightower faces death once Rhaenyra captures King’s Landing. The show shows him in prison at the end of Season 2. In the book, the queen has him beheaded for treason soon after taking the city.
Helaena Targaryen’s suicide has been confirmed for Season 3. A now-deleted post from George R.R. Martin mentioned this plot point. Her character has become a fan favorite, so her death will hit hard.
Gwayne Hightower will likely die during the Fall of King’s Landing. He rushes to the stables to sound the alarm. His own commander, Luthor Largent, catches and kills him.
Early Reviews Praise the Premiere
Critics who watched the first four episodes of Season 3 agree the show starts strong. The Battle of the Gullet lives up to expectations as one of the most expensive and complex battles ever filmed for television.
“The Battle of the Gullet is a massive, devastating spectacle, and it just gets wilder from there.” — Tessa Smith, Mama’s Geeky
Emma D’Arcy’s performance as Rhaenyra has also received praise. Critics note the queen takes a more active role in Season 3. The show also adds new faces, with James Norton joining as Ormund Hightower.
“D’Arcy has never been better. Smith remains wonderfully hammy.” — Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter
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House of the Dragon Season 3 Release Details
The third season of the Game of Thrones prequel begins airing on June 21, 2026. HBO and Max will show the new episodes for viewers in the United States. UK viewers can watch the season from June 22, 2026, on Max, NOW, and Sky.
The season has eight episodes total, running through August 2026. Reports indicate the show will end with Season 4.
The first episode runs for 65 minutes. It focuses almost entirely on the Battle of the Gullet, which happens during the final 25 minutes of the episode.
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