The second episode of House of the Dragon Season 2 ended with a dramatic and emotional fight between the Cargyll twins, Arryk and Erryk. As with many adaptations, this battle differed significantly from the one depicted in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. Let’s break down these differences and explore how the show brought this intense moment to life.
Arryk vs. Erryk in the Show
The show sets the stage with Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) ordering Ser Arryk Cargyll (Luke Tittensor) to Dragonstone to assassinate Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy). Pretending to be his twin brother, Ser Erryk Cargyll (Elliot Tittensor), who serves in Rhaenyra’s Queensguard, Arryk infiltrates Dragonstone.
Arryk’s disguise works until Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno) spots him. Sensing trouble, she alerts the real Erryk, who confronts his brother in Rhaenyra's quarters. This leads to a brutal and emotional sword fight in front of Rhaenyra. Despite Rhaenyra’s maid calling for help, the twins fight to the death. Arryk dies in Erryk’s arms, and in a heartbreaking moment, Erryk asks for forgiveness before taking his own life.
Arryk vs. Erryk in the Book
In Fire & Blood, the events are presented as historical accounts by Archmaester Gyldayn, leading to different versions of the story. The basic plot remains: Criston orders Arryk to Dragonstone following the death of Jaehaerys. However, the book offers multiple perspectives on Arryk’s mission.
Grand Maester Munkun claims Arryk was sent to kill Rhaenyra, while Mushroom, a court fool, suggests he was targeting Rhaenyra’s sons, Jacaerys and Joffrey.
The fight itself varies in these accounts. Gyldayn writes that the brothers loved each other before the duel, which lasted an hour. Onlookers, unable to tell them apart, did not intervene. Munkun describes them dying in each other's arms, tears on their cheeks. In contrast, Mushroom’s salacious version depicts a shorter, more brutal duel, with Erryk cursing Arryk as he languished for days from his wounds. The idea of Erryk taking his own life, as shown in the series, is not mentioned in the book.
Implications of the Duel
This battle, while not as pivotal as the murder of Jaehaerys, deepens Rhaenyra's resolve and adds to the growing tension. Each death forces her to consider the increasing cost of conflict and the looming possibility of full-scale war.
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