House of the Dragon’ Casts Amanda Collin as Queer Ruler Lady Jeyne Arryn

Season 2 Episode 5 of “House of the Dragon,” titled “Regent,” brings viewers a character that wields considerable influence in Westeros: Lady Jeyne Arryn. This role is played by Amanda Collin, well-known to genre enthusiasts as Mother from Max’s “Raised By Wolves.” Lady Arryn engages with Rhaena Targaryen, portrayed by Phoebe Campbell, manipulating a situation created by Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) to send their most defenseless dragons and heirs to the Vale. In just one scene, Lady Arryn emerges not only as a significant political entity but also as a potential ally for the isolated Rhaena.

**Spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5 “Regent,” now streaming on Max**

The episode opens with Jace (Harry Collett) on a diplomatic mission to Winterfell, attempting to garner support from Lord Cregan Stark (Tom Taylor) for Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne. This journey wasn’t his only task; earlier, he visited the Eyrie to persuade Lady Jeyne Arryn that the Vale should back Rhaenyra’s claim. Lady Arryn demanded assurance: a dragon to guard the Vale in return for her support.

Rhaenyra opted to hedge on this promise, dispatching her youngest sons by Daemon—toddlers Aegon and Viserys—to the Eyrie along with their young dragons and unhatched eggs. The guardian for these vulnerable members? Daemon’s younger daughter, Rhaena. Unlucky by comparison to her elder sister Baela (Bethany Antonia), Rhaena has neither claimed nor ridden a dragon, rendering her strategically insignificant and a weak link in Rhaenyra’s plan. Consequently, Rhaena is assigned to babysit.

Rhaena is unhappy with this arrangement, but Lady Jeyne Arryn is no more thrilled. The Eyrie is well-protected against land invasions but vulnerable to dragon attacks. Lady Arryn contends that Rhaenyra’s decision to send infant dragons and a helpless Rhaena to the Vale was a maneuver to skirt the agreement made with Jace. After putting Rhaena through a tough evaluation, Lady Arryn relaxes somewhat when Rhaena admits she dislikes feeling powerless. This leads to an invitation for dinner, introducing an intriguing twist to their relationship.

Lady Jeyne Arryn stands as the current head of the Vale, part of the Seven Kingdoms governed by House Targaryen in this period. Like Daemon’s first wife Rhea Royce, Lady Arryn embodies the spirited “tomboy” ethos prevalent in the Vale. According to George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” Lady Arryn, a relative of Rhaenyra through her mother Aemma Arryn, is hinted at being a lesbian. However, her immediate concern is less about legacy or power and more about the looming threat of a dragon-sized catastrophe threatening her home.

This layered characterization of Lady Jeyne Arryn is efficiently communicated through just one scene in “House of the Dragon” Season 2 Episode 5. This is due in large part to excellent writing and the stellar portrayal by Amanda Collin. Fans of “Raised By Wolves” are already familiar with Collin’s talent, as she and fellow “Hot D” newcomer Abubakar Salim delivered deeply human performances as androids in the Ridley Scott-produced series.

As for Rhaena, the series has shown us that she has lost her betrothed, Lucerys (Elliott Grihault), in battle and is often neglected by both her family and dragons. Could Lady Jeyne Arryn’s acceptance signal the start of a new, perhaps romantic, connection? Although unlikely, “House of the Dragon” is a series where anything is possible.

Source: HBO