RETURN TO WESTEROS

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Sky Atlantic/Now, from Monday, August 22

MORE than three years after the contentious final episode of Game Of Thrones, the eagerly awaited prequel House Of The Dragon begins its reign on Monday.

Based on George RR Martin’s book Fire & Blood, the ten-part series chronicles the turbulent history of House Targaryen almost 200 years before the events of Game Of Thrones.

The dynasty is led by the benevolent King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine), his younger brother Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and first-born child Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy).

Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans) and his daughter, the king’s wife Queen Alicent (Olivia Cooke), loyally serve the king – but they fear Daemon and the ramifications if he ascends to power.

These are the roots of a conflict which will soon turn into a bloody civil war, known to later generations as the Dance of the Dragons.