HOTD | Season 1 | Episode 1 | Part 13 - Death of Queen Aemma Arryn in front of Viserys Targaryen

Childbirth has always been a violent gamble for its bearers, especially before the dawn of modern medicine, but Dragon’s choice to depict a gruesome C-section, sans anesthesia, with such an unflinching eye is a complex one. The gore is not inaccurate, but neither is it sparing. As Aemma screams, the camera whizzes back and forth between her writhing body and the clashing spears of the tourney. The parallel is so obvious, so on-the-nose, it’s equally nauseating and exasperating.

Although Viserys is presented as a Ned Stark type—good-hearted but easily subverted—I find little sympathy for him as Aemma registers the sacrifice her husband’s willing to make. Her shrieks for mercy are ignored as she’s dragged to the center of the bed and sliced open, the walls of her abdomen pulled apart with gloved fists.

Dragon has promised less “gratuitous” violence than its predecessor, but this is still a Thrones prequel. Gratuitousness is embedded in its DNA. The franchise’s accuracy to medieval violence might, arguably, legitimize its depiction. But I’m not so convinced the world isn’t already all-too aware of the bloody horrors women have endured in bed or on the surgeon’s table, all in the name of sex and reproduction, whether forced or desired. There are few issues as obvious, as divisive, as modern. What is Dragon trying to say here that’s interesting, insightful, or even remotely novel? I hope, whatever it is, it’s better distilled in future episodes.

On the tourney field, Criston and Daemon duel, with Daemon forced to yield after a premature celebration of his prowess. Today is a losing day for the Targaryens, as Aemma quickly succumbs to her blood loss and the babe dies hours later. Viserys, mourning, is seemingly unable to command the dragons to burn his wife’s body, and so it is Rhaenyra who must give the command made iconic in Thrones: “Dracarys.” Dragon fire.