Why Did Erryk Kill Arryk in House of the Dragon Season 2? Tragic Ending of Twins Explained

why did erryk kill arryk in house of dragon
Credit: GRRM | HBO Entertainment | Source: https://press.wbd.com/us/property/house-dragon/images | Fair Use For Promotional Purposes

why did erryk kill arryk in house of dragon
Credit: GRRM | HBO Entertainment | Source: https://press.wbd.com/us/property/house-dragon/images | Fair Use For Promotional Purposes

Ser Erryk was tasked with infiltrating the Black faction's territory and killing Queen Rhaenyra as revenge. But why did Erryk kill his twin brother, Arryk, in House of the Dragon season 2? Here's what went down.

CONTENT SPOILERS: This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, so proceed with caution.

Who Are Ser Erryk and Ser Arryk in House of the Dragon?

why did erryk kill arryk in house of dragon
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Ser Erryk and Arryk Cargyll (played by 34-year-old twin actors Elliott and Luke Tittensor) are twin brothers forced to serve and reside in opposing factions.

Both earning the title of being renowned knights, Ser Erryk is a member of the Queensguard under Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen in the Black faction, while Ser Arryk is a Kingsguard of King Aegon II Targaryen in the Green faction.

The twins may have gone through so much growing up together, but the separation of their duties and responsibilities led them astray from protecting each other.

In this case, this led to their final battle in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 2 titled Rhaenyra the Cruel.

READ MORE: Targaryens vs Lannisters: Comparing Characters from House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones

Season 2's Heinous Task Reminds Ser Erryk of a Westeros Taboo

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King Aegon wanted revenge. Convinced that Queen Rhaenyra was behind the death of his son and heir, he ordered Criston Cole to murder the opposing Queen. Little did they know, it had been Daemon who organized the killing.

Cole had chosen Erryk to swoop into the Blacks' castle and carry on the deed while being in the guise of his twin brother. Reluctantly, he did, to defend his honor and duty as a Kingsguard.

Once Erryk drew the sword against the Queen, Arryk arrived just in time to defend her. While Erryk keeps attacking his twin, Arryk leans more on protecting his Queen, showing where they stand in this fight.

Unfortunately, Arryk gets killed when Erryk pushes the sword through his own brother. The tragedy doesn't end there, however.

Kin slaying is a terrible deed in Westeros, far too horrifying to send the gods cursing after you. Erryk knew it was too late for him. He tells Queen Rhaenyra "Forgive me" as he committed suicide out of shame for murdering his own kin.

"When he says 'Forgive me', he's saying it to Rhaenyra because he's about to sacrifice himself in front of her," Elliot explained, "But it's also directed towards his brother."

READ NEXT: Dragonlords: The Importance of Dragons in Targaryen Culture and Warfare

Meanwhile, House of the Dragon season 2 episode 3 airs on June 30, 9 PM ET/PT on HBO and Max.

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