Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters and creators in geeky media. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for HBO’s House of the Dragon and the character Baela Targaryen.
Baela Targaryen
Fast Facts:
Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia) is the oldest daughter of Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell). She and her younger sister, Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell), lived with their parents in Pentos, one of the Free Cities of Essos, as a guest of Prince Reggio Haratis.
Returning to Westeros
Growing up, Baela claimed the dragon Moondancer and was quite close to her father. When Laena died during childbirth, Baela, Rhaena and Daemon returned to Westeros. Still a child, she attended her mother’s funeral at High Tide on Driftmark. Later that evening, Baela, her sister and cousins Jacaerys and Lucerys Velaryon got into a scuffle with Aemond Targaryen before he claimed Laena’s dragon, Vhagar. Unfortunately, this fight culminated in Lucerys slashing Aemond’s face, taking out his eye.
After that, Baela witnessed Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) battle it out in the Hall of Nine. Alicent believed that Lucerys, Rhaenyra’s son, should also have his eye removed as recompense. While still on High Tide, Baela, Rhaena, Jacaerys and Lucerys looked on as Daemon and Rhaenyra were wed. At one point, Baela’s grandmother, Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best), suggested to her husband, Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), that he name Baela heir of Driftmark. Corlys rejected the suggestion.
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Family Dinner
Years later, Baela became Rhaenys’s ward while Corlys fought in the Stepstones. While talking to Corlys’s brother, Ser Vaemond Velaryon (Wil Johnson), Rhaenys promised to marry Baela to Jacaerys, the future heir to the Iron Throne. Then, she accompanied Rhaenys to King’s Landing, where Vaemond planned to petition for himself as heir of Driftmark.
While in the throne room, Baela witnessed her father kill Vaemond after the latter called Rhaenyra’s sons “bastards.” That evening, she dined with her family and the ailing King Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine). She tried to fight Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) after the latter made lewd remarks and insulted her betrothed, Jacaerys.
In the Season 1 finale, Baela and Rhaena knelt before Rhaenyra after she was crowned queen. She also joined Rhaenyra’s small council.
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Season 2
In Season 2, Baela finds herself on the receiving end of Daemon’s neglect despite their past closeness. She channels her frustrations by firing her crossbow outside Dragonstone. Eventually, Rhaenyra asks Baela to patrol King’s Landing on Moondancer.
Then, Baela embarks on a potentially risky mission as the conflict for the Iron Throne between Rhaenyra and Aegon heats up. She surveys Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel) and Ser Gwayne Hightower’s (Freddie Fox) host while on dragonback. She doesn’t engage, though, per Rhaenyra’s command, but she certainly spooks them a bit.
Next, Baela and Rhaena part ways as the younger sister heads to the Vale with Rhaenyra’s youngest sons, Joffrey, Aegon and Viserys.
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Later, Baela mourns Rhaenys’s death after the latter battled Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) and Aegon above Rook’s Rest. Rhaenyra promises to rely on Baela more for support in the future as the Dance of the Dragons continues. Corlys asks Baela to be his heir, to which she declines, stating she’s “fire and blood.” Driftmark must go to “salt and sea.”
In the Season 2 finale, Baela gives Jacaerys a pep talk, reminding him that he’s the true heir to the Iron Throne.
The Real Deal:
While we haven’t seen much of Baela (yet), it’s abundantly clear she has courage in spades. As a child, we see her stand up to Aemond. Years later, she’s willing to go to bat for her betrothed after Aegon treats him poorly. She also has one of the coolest-looking dragons this side of the Narrow Sea. Moondancer is the punk rock dragon of my dreams.
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In addition to her bravery, Baela boasts unwavering loyalty. She doesn’t question Rhaenyra’s claim as the next ruler of Westeros and will fight tooth and nail to ensure Team Black wins over Aegon’s Team Green. Baela follows orders to the letter, as is evidenced when Rhaenyra asks her to observe Criston’s host but not to engage. Most young folks on a dragon would probably try to “Dracarys” the enemy to prove their mettle on the battlefield.
Baela has the fiery tenacity inherent in all Targaryens, but she’s also kind and just. She boasts immense empathy and doesn’t want innocent smallfolk to become collateral damage in this war. That said, don’t mistake her kindness for weakness.
Why She Matters:
Baela is a young dragonrider living in precarious times. She’s watching her family fight each other in a brutal, bloody, dragon-fueled war. She’s also endured so much grief from losing family members. Despite all this, Baela has a good head on her shoulders. While she’s certainly capable of action, she’s also pragmatic and would rather think before diving headfirst into action.
RELATED: Read our House of the Dragon recaps
So, be like Baela. Be loyal, steadfast and true. Know when to follow orders as part of a team and when to break the rules. Support your betrothed, even if he’s your cousin and stepbrother (those Targaryen customs, eh?). Maintain kindness even in times of conflict. Oh, and maybe take up shooting a crossbow and riding a dragon to blow off steam — if you have those at your disposal.
House of the Dragon Seasons 1 and 2 are now streaming on Max.
Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: RHAENYS TARGARYEN
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
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