- Primary Subject: House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 1, "Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood"
- Key Update: The highly anticipated premiere episode officially brings the brutal Battle of the Gullet to the screen.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: June 22, 2026
- Quick Answer: The explosive premiere launches the Dance of the Dragons into a chaotic new phase, dramatically shifting the wartime power dynamics and testing Queen Rhaenyra's leadership.
House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 1, “Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood,” is finally here, and it wastes no time plunging viewers into the Battle of the Gullet.
As the brutal conflict between the Blacks and the Greens enters a new era, Harry Collett opens up about the changing Targaryen power dynamics and what lies ahead for Jacaerys Velaryon.
WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. READ WITH CAUTION.
What Happened to Jace in House of the Dragon Season 3 Premiere?
Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) has lost another son following the death of Lucerys (Elliot Grihault) in the House of the Dragon Season 1 finale, with Jacaerys meeting an untimely end during the Battle of the Gullet.
As Jacaerys attempts to aid the Velaryon fleet during the fiery battle, both he and his dragon, Vermax, lose control of the situation after Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell) arrives on Sheepstealer to join the fight. The wild dragon suddenly turns on Moondancer and Vermax, throwing the battle into chaos.
Vermax is struck by a scorpion bolt and crashes into the sea. Although Jacaerys manages to resurface, he is ultimately killed by Triarchy soldiers, who shoot him with arrows in the chest and neck.
With Rhaenyra now having lost a second son, Harry Collett believes the tragedy will have a profound impact on the queen.
“I think his death is very impactful and brings out different sides of people, I'll say, which could make a difference in the future,” he told ScreenRant. “And it's what Jace was all about. I mean, as much as he lost his life, the battle was won. So it's won."
Given the emotional toll the loss will take on Rhaenyra, Collett is convinced Jace's death will reveal a different side of the grieving queen, especially as it deepens her sorrow while she remains confined to Dragonstone rather than fighting on the battlefield.
“I think it brings out a completely different side in Rhaenyra. We've already seen her grief many times for different reasons, but this one seems to hit harder than the others, mainly because I feel like she couldn't do anything about it, which is my fault,” he continued.
Despite admitting that what happened was largely Jace's fault, Collett believes his character would still be glad that he helped keep Rhaenyra safe by locking her in the chambers, even though he knows she will likely blame herself for the tragedy.
“I think Rhaenyra's going to feel somewhat responsible for that,” Collett added.
How Jace’s Death Changes Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon?
While it remains to be seen how Jace’s death will change Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon Season 3, it is expected to be a major turning point for her.
The loss may push her further into despair and harden her outlook on the war against the Greens.
It may also lead her to make harsher decisions and become more distrustful, leaving her increasingly isolated and resulting in a gradual decline in her position and support.
With Collett’s hint, Rhaenyra may become a darker and more grief-stricken version of the queen in House of the Dragon Season 3.
By the looks of it, Jace’s death will be one of the defining moments in Rhaenyra’s character arc, transforming her from a queen fighting for her birthright into a ruler consumed by loss, war, and the mounting costs of the Dance of the Dragons, as she also seeks to avenge the deaths of her sons.
House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 1 now streams on HBO, while the next episode will be released on Sunday, June 28.
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