How to Draw a Dragon Easy: Fire and Blood, Sweat and Tears

If we were to ask you what the hottest attraction in New York is at the moment, you would probably have the usual answers, such as Central Park, Times Square, and one or two of the iconic skyscrapers that make the skyline of New York one of the most instantly recognizable skylines in the world. And while all those answers may be correct in their own right, and there’s no doubt that every visitor to the Big Apple has that special attraction they want to see, there’s one more sight to the City that Never Sleeps that would fascinate you to no end: The Empire State Building, which is THE absolute symbol of New York City. But wait – there’s more! It actually had a unique and special visitor last June, and it was one of the most singular sights to behold in NYC when House of the Dragon Empire State Building met face to face. The dragon from the famous HBO hit series, House of the Dragon, spent some ‘me time’ wrapped snugly around the building’s massive masthead, and all of New York was gaping at the unexpected sight!

The prequel to end all prequels

House of the Dragon, the prequel to George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones, has just finished the season finale of season 2, and fans are all abuzz with the news. There’s no other series like Game of Thrones, and although its ending was a little bit of a disappointment, it still didn’t stop enthusiasts from eagerly waiting for – and watching – the series’ much-anticipated prequel.

House of the Dragon is set around 200 years from the events on Game of Thrones and precisely 172 years prior to the birth of Daenerys Targaryen, and it is action-packed from the start, full of the twists and turns that made Game of Thrones a thrill to watch. Audiences stood mesmerized at the tales of love, longing, and – let’s face it – cold-blooded murder, and House of the Dragon had even more ruthless characters than Game of Thrones. It was simply blood-curdling and chilling to watch, and now that season 2 is finished, numerous fans are getting ready for season 3 with gusto. But if you have never seen the series, what makes it so mesmerizing? Maybe it’s best to give you a little introduction into the world of Westeros.

House of the Dragon: where and how it all began

House of the Dragon is, as you already know, an epic series that serves as a prequel to the acclaimed Game of Thrones, and it transports you back to approximately 200 years before the events of the original show. The ambitious series delves into the intricate and detailed history of the Targaryen dynasty, a family whose very name is synonymous with dragons, fire, and conquest.

At the heart of the story of House of the Dragon lies the Dance of the Dragons - a brutal and bloody civil war that threatens to tear the Targaryen family - and the mighty realm of Westeros - apart. The series begins with the golden age of House Targaryen, under the rule of King Viserys I. The Targaryens have enjoyed almost a century of peace since Aegon the Conqueror united the Seven Kingdoms, and their dominance is unquestioned – mostly due to their control over the formidable dragons. However, beneath the surface, tensions are brewing within the royal family. Viserys I is a kind and well-meaning king, yet he faces the difficult task of ensuring a smooth succession. His decision to name his daughter, Princess Rhaenyra, as his heir disturbs the traditional male succession line, and this sets the stage for the start of the conflict.

Rhaenyra is strong-willed and capable, and she is determined to inherit the Iron Throne. But her position is challenged by those who believe a male heir is more suitable to rule, which includes her uncle, Prince Daemon Targaryen, a fierce warrior with an unstable personality, and her childhood friend, Alicent Hightower, who marries Viserys and bears him a son, Aegon II. As the years pass, alliances are formed and rivalries deepen, with the court of King’s Landing becoming a flaming hotbed of intrigue, manipulation, and, ultimately, betrayal.

The growing tension between the different characters eventually erupts into full-scale war following the death of King Viserys. The realm is divided between supporters of Rhaenyra, known as the Blacks, and those who back Aegon II, referred to as the Greens. What follows is a devastating conflict that engulfs the Seven Kingdoms, pitting family members, former friends, and noble houses against one another. The Dance of the Dragons is marked by ruthlessness and tragedy, as it is not only a battle for the throne but also a struggle for survival, with both sides deploying their dragons as fearsome weapons of war.

Why the House of the Dragon is a tale that endures

Plenty of people have long been beguiled by the Game of Thrones and its prequel, the House of the Dragon, but why is it a story that endures? Perhaps it’s because the House of the Dragon explores the ever-complex dynamics of power, family, and legacy. Granted, it’s not a must-see sight like the Empire State Building House of the Dragon, but the show delves into each and every characters’ motivations, revealing the personal ambitions, insecurities, and fears that drive them – just like ordinary people, but in a vastly otherworldly setting. Rhaenyra’s fight for her birthright is as much about securing her place in history as it is about protecting her children and her sense of justice. On the other hand, Daemon’s pursuit of power is fueled by his desire to prove his worth and carve out his own legacy, while Alicent’s actions are motivated by her fierce determination to safeguard her children’s future.

The series also portrays the devastating consequences of the civil war. The Dance of the Dragons leads to widespread destruction across Westeros, with entire regions destroyed by dragonfire, with noble houses decimated, and the Targaryen family itself broken beyond repair. The once-mighty dynasty is left weakened and vulnerable, sowing the seeds for the eventual decline of their reign, which would culminate in the events depicted in Game of Thrones.

Visually stunning and rich in storytelling, House of the Dragon captures the grandeur and brutality of Westeros while offering us a look into the history that shaped the world of Game of Thrones. It presents a rich tapestry and a tale of ambition and tragedy, where the pursuit of power comes at a great cost. And as the characters navigate the dangerous and tricky waters of political intrigue and warfare, the show reminds viewers that in the game of thrones, no one is safe, and even the mightiest can fall.

But of all its fascinating, warring characters, none is more fascinating than the fiery Vhagar the Dragon - and we saw him in all his 270-foot glory perched atop the Empire State Building. It’s too unfortunate that the Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon universe at the Empire State Building has already ended, but fear not, because you can still immerse yourself in the endlessly enthralling world of the Targaryens through the House of the Dragon slot game developed by Aristocrat Gaming, the same people that brought the Game of Thrones slot characters to life.

The House of the Dragon slot game is scheduled to have its debut at the Global Gaming Expo in October, so you have the rest of the summer and the first part of spring to binge-watch House of the Dragon and familiarize yourself with the never-ending intrigues and rivalries that make the series the most well-loved and talked-about series for generations.

The saga of House of the Dragon continues through the ages

As we eagerly await the release of Season 3, the excitement surrounding House of the Dragon continues to grow. The series has, without a doubt, managed to capture the imagination of viewers worldwide, as no other series offers a richer blend of history, fantasy, and drama that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The anticipation is palpable, with audiences speculating about the future of their favorite characters and the direction the story will take. Will Rhaenyra finally claim her rightful place on the Iron Throne, or will the inexorable pursuit of power lead to her downfall? These are the questions that keep us on the edge of our seats, hungry for more.

But the cultural impact of House of the Dragon extends beyond the television screen. The series has spawned a vast array of merchandise, fan theories, and even themed events and slot games that allow enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the world of Westeros - there are even contests and shows that instruct you how to draw a dragon easy! From detailed costumes and collectibles to interactive experiences like the House of the Dragon slot game, the franchise has become a global phenomenon that transcends the boundaries of traditional media. This widespread appeal is a testament to the show’s ability to resonate with audiences on multiple levels, offering something for everyone - whether they are fans of epic battles, complex characters, or intricate political schemes.

Season 3: all set to take us on another rollercoaster ride

Season 3 promises to be another rollercoaster of emotions, with new alliances forged, old rivalries reignited, and the stakes higher than ever. In fact, the show’s producers have hinted at even more dragon action and shocking twists that will leave viewers gasping for breath. As the story continues to unfold, the consequences of past actions will come to the forefront once again, challenging characters in ways they could never have imagined. The Dance of the Dragons, which has already claimed countless lives, shows no signs of slowing down, and the Targaryen dynasty’s future hangs in the balance.

As we look ahead to the next chapter in this epic saga, it’s clear that House of the Dragon has firmly established itself as a cultural touchstone, and it is a series that will undoubtedly be remembered and celebrated many years after its ending. So whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Westeros, there’s no denying the grandeur and majesty of this captivating tale. As the nights grow longer and the air grows colder, there’s no better time to cozy up with a warm blanket, a cup of your favorite beverage, and lose yourself in the world of House Targaryen. The dragons are calling, and the fire still burns brighter than ever.