Ryan Condal explains why Rhaenyra’s controversial prophecy revelation was absent from the history books.

House of the Dragon has continued to diverge from several plotlines in George R.R. Martin’s book series, with one of the biggest changes arriving in the season three finale.

In the episode, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, played by Emma D’Arcy, makes a dramatic declaration to the people of King’s Landing, claiming that she is the “Prince That Was Promised” — the prophesied figure destined to defeat the Night King and help prevent a devastating future war.

However, the scene does not appear in Martin’s books, raising questions about why such a significant declaration was seemingly absent from Westerosi historical accounts.

Ryan Condal explains Rhaenyra’s prophecy

Speaking about the creative decision, House of the Dragon co-creator Ryan Condal offered a humorous explanation.

He went on to explain that by the end of season three, Rhaenyra has become increasingly unpopular among the people of King’s Landing due to her decisions and the turmoil surrounding her rule.

Condal noted that while the books do not feature Rhaenyra making the prophecy declaration, they do describe her becoming increasingly despotic and unpopular with the people.

According to the series co-creator, this provides an explanation for why the dramatic speech may not have survived in historical records.

Why was Rhaenyra’s speech forgotten?

Condal suggested that the people witnessing Rhaenyra’s declaration may simply have dismissed her words.

He explained that Targaryens frequently engage in self-aggrandisement, meaning ordinary people witnessing the speech could have interpreted it as another attempt by the queen to elevate her own importance.

For the stonemasons and other residents of King’s Landing watching the speech, Rhaenyra’s claim about a future war and her role in stopping it may have sounded like little more than an exaggerated statement from an increasingly unpopular ruler.

As a result, the revelation may never have been considered important enough to pass down through Westerosi history.

The explanation also gives the television series a way to introduce a major prophecy without directly contradicting the historical record established in Martin’s source material.

House of the Dragon season 4 release

Meanwhile, Condal has confirmed that the fourth season of House of the Dragon is scheduled to arrive in 2028.

The upcoming season will continue the story of the Targaryen civil war as the HBO series moves closer to its conclusion.