English with "House of the Dragon"

The Game of Thrones spinoff!!!

STREAMING

6/17/20243 min read

House of the Dragon is relevant for English learners because it combines rich, formal language with contemporary dialogue, offering a variety of (1) vocabulary and expressions. The series covers themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal, exposing learners to idiomatic phrases and cultural references. Watching it helps improve listening skills, expand vocabulary, and understand complex sentence structures, all while exploring a compelling story with strong characters and dramatic scenes, making it both educational and entertaining.

Sign up for our Newsletter: you will get so much more! More vocabulary, more grammar, more videos, more insights... And if you love the Newsletter, you can always buy the Euskaldunberry Case Study Book based on this subject!

Section glossary:

1- the lead-up: El período previo

The series covers themes..: La serie abarca temas, aborda, cubre, trata temas...

loyalty: lealtad

betrayal: traición

white concrete wall

The Vocabulary

Dance of the Dragons...

1. Important Vocabulary for Enjoying House of the Dragon

Nouns:

Throne: The ceremonial chair of a ruler.

Realm: A kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch.

Heir: A person legally entitled to the throne or a position after the current ruler.

Oath: A solemn promise, often sworn to be loyal.

Verbs:

Rule: To govern or control a kingdom.

Swear: To make a formal promise or commitment.

Conquer: To take control of a place or people by force.

Challenge: To dispute someone's authority or power.

Section glossary:

1- Throne: Trono

Realm: Reino

Heir: Heredero

Oath: juramento

-Verbs-

Rule: gobernar

Swear: jurar

Conquer: conquistar

Challenge: desafiar, retar (cuestionar, disputar)

Adjectives:

Fierce: Strong and aggressive.

Loyal: Showing faithfulness or allegiance.

Ruthless: Showing no compassion or pity.

Idioms and Phrases:

“Bend the knee”: To swear allegiance or submit to someone’s rule.

“By fire and blood”: A motto emphasizing violent conquest.

“Claim the throne”: To declare oneself the rightful ruler.

Section glossary:

Throne: feroz (intenso, violento)

loyal: leal

Ruthless: despiadado, implacable

-Idioms and Phrases-

“Bend the knee”: “Doblar la rodilla”

“By fire and blood”: “A sangre y fuego”

“Claim the throne”: “Reclamar el trono”

Write your email to subscribe to the Euskaldunberry English Newsletter!

My personal account, and why you should get the free Newsletter (AND also buy the book, Let Your Vocabulary Fly with Dragons - The Magic and Mystical English Building Activities from the Fantastic Worlds of George R. R, Martin - a Case Study)

"House of the Dragon" is a prequel series to the immensely popular show "Game of Thrones," set in the same fictional universe of Westeros. It is based on George R.R. Martin’s book "Fire & Blood," which details the history of House Targaryen, a powerful family known for their dragon-riding abilities. The show specifically focuses on the events leading up to and during the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons—a brutal conflict between rival factions of the Targaryen family over the Iron Throne.

Plot Overview:

The series is set nearly 200 years before the events of "Game of Thrones." It chronicles the rise of House Targaryen at the height of its power in Westeros, focusing on the internal struggles and rivalries within the family. The central conflict revolves around the question of succession to the Iron Throne. The death of King Viserys I Targaryen sparks a fierce battle between his chosen heir, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, and his younger wife, Queen Alicent Hightower, who wants her son, Aegon II, to be king. This rivalry leads to the devastating civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, which ultimately weakens House Targaryen and sets the stage for the events of "Game of Thrones."