House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 6 Recap: Ser Criston Cole's Fate Changes the War

The Riverlands: Ser Criston's Last Stand

Ser Criston Cole’s army stumbles upon dead Rivermen, only to realize too late that it is a trap. A gruesome surprise attack follows, and though Criston’s men defeat the initial force, they soon discover this was merely a distraction—they are entirely surrounded by Rhaenyra’s army.

Refusing to surrender, Ser Criston prepares to fight to the end, but he is struck down by three arrows before he can draw his blade. In a poignant moment, Alicent’s handkerchief remains wrapped around his sword hilt, a final symbol of their quiet bond.

King’s Landing: Captives and Secrecy

Following their failed escape through the hidden passage, Alicent and Helaena are captured by Rhaenyra’s men. During interrogation, Alicent claims to Rhaenyra that Helaena is with child, insisting that was the sole reason they tried to flee. Unmoved, Rhaenyra orders them to have tighter confinement with more guards.

Later, Mysaria lies directly to Rhaenyra, claiming she had no prior knowledge of Helaena’s pregnancy. Meanwhile, Alicent reveals a crucial piece of intelligence to Rhaenyra: Helaena’s visions place Aemond at Harrenhal. Rhaenyra insists that Alicent travel there personally with a sword, as Daemon trusts her presence. Though terrified and reluctant, Alicent is left with no choice.

Rhaenyra and Daemon’s Fracturing Rule

Rhaenyra convenes her small council to map out their next strategy following the delay caused by Criston’s army. Feeling squeezed by growing unrest, she experiences mounting pressure from court updates.

In the city, Daemon searches for intelligence regarding Lord Ormund Hightower's movements. Tensions boil over when the City Watch confronts him directly, declaring their mass resignation—they remain unpaid, penniless, and unwilling to risk their lives. Daemon also runs into Ser Ulf wandering the streets and sternly orders him never to set foot in the city again. Seeking revenge for his murdered Gold Cloaks, Daemon's frustration deepens.

The Dragonseeds: Unrest and Strain

At Tumbleton, Ser Hugh relieves Ser Ulf from guard duty. Unhappy with his post, Ulf vents his frustration over being barred from local taverns, complaining that his quality of life hasn't improved at all since claiming a dragon. Desperate to see his family, Hugh disguises himself as a villager and sneaks into Tumbleton to visit his wife. She is first relieved to see him alive. She then becomes furious—expressing resentment that he chose to become a dragon rider instead of staying on the ground to protect her.

Harrenhal: Visions and Temptations

At Harrenhal, Aemond wants to go and search for Vhagar, but Alys Rivers urges him to rest and rebuild his strength. She cautions him about the active bounty on his head, suggesting that Vhagar’s sudden departure might actually be the dragon's way of keeping him hidden. Later, Alys leads Daemon to a hidden clutch of dragon eggs that have lain dormant for a century since his ancestor's death. She tempts him with a dark proposition: using these dragons to rule the realm together.

The Reach and Dragonstone

Ser Gawayne arrives in Tumbleton and meets with Lord Ormund Hightower. Daeron confides in Gawayne that he despises who he becomes when he is around Ormund. Gawayne admits he cannot fix Daeron's plight and resolves to return to Oldtown to pick up the pieces of his own life. Shortly after, assassins launch a surprise attack on Daeron, but Gawayne reacts swiftly, slaying the attackers before the young prince is harmed.

At the Eyrie, Lady Jeyne Arryn reprimands Rhaena for abandoning her assigned hiding spot to chase after Baela on Moondancer. Jeyne reminds her that Rhaenyra is actively seeking a rider for Sheepstealer, and being spotted out in the open puts both of their plans at risk.

Elsewhere, Alyn of Hull and Baela Targaryen share a quiet, intimate moment together and kiss.

The Sea Snake’s Trials

Alyn informs Lord Corlys Velaryon that Rhaenyra is demanding additional Velaryon soldiers for her frontline army. Bitter over his past, Alyn reminds Corlys that he denied his own sons' legitimacy for years—much like Rhaenyra is doing now. Corlys reveals that the Lannister forces survived the Battle of the Gullet and are currently marching toward Rook’s Rest.

Elsewhere, Larys Strong and King Aegon quietly bury the fallen leader of Rook's Rest.

Disaster strikes later when Lord Corlys and his men are ambushed in the woods by an unknown force. The skirmish leaves his ultimate fate hanging in the balance.

House of the Dragon is currently streaming on HBO Max Sunday nights at 9pm ET/PT.

What did you think?

Change Image

• Loved it
• Hated it
• So/So