Learn english with House of the Dragon

The Targaryen dynasty is at the absolute apex of its power, with more than 15 dragons under their yoke. Most empires crumble from such heights. In the case of the Targaryens, their slow fall begins when King Viserys breaks with a century of tradition by naming his daughter Rhaenyra heir to the Iron Throne. But when Viserys later fathers a son, the court is shocked when Rhaenyra retains her status as his heir, and seeds of division sow friction across the realm.

Why learn english with House of the Dragon?

"House of the Dragon" tells the story of the Targaryen family, rulers of a land called Westeros, about 200 years before the events of "Game of Thrones." This fantasy series uses rich vocabulary related to royalty (king, queen, princess, prince, throne, dynasty, council), dragons (dragonrider, Dragonstone, Dracarys), and medieval warfare (knights, swords, shields, battle, tourney). By watching with subtitles, learners can pick up new words and phrases in context, improving their understanding of English. The story revolves around a succession crisis, with the king choosing his daughter as heir, a decision that sparks conflict and political maneuvering. This complex plot offers learners the opportunity to follow conversations, understand different characters' motivations, and learn how English is used to express emotions like anger, ambition, and love. The show explores themes of power, family, tradition, and betrayal, using dramatic dialogue and emotional scenes. The language ranges from formal pronouncements in court to informal conversations between family members, exposing learners to a variety of English expressions. For example, characters express anger by saying things like "You disobeyed me!" or "You've thrown everything back in my face!" They show affection with phrases like "My darling" or "I love you." By paying attention to these exchanges, learners can gain a deeper understanding of how tone and word choice contribute to meaning. The show also features characters with different accents and speaking styles, which can help learners become more familiar with the diversity of spoken English. Learning English with "House of the Dragon" can be both enjoyable and beneficial. The captivating storyline keeps learners engaged, making it easier to absorb the language naturally. The show's popularity provides opportunities for discussion and practice with other English speakers. Furthermore, the rich vocabulary and diverse language use can help learners expand their understanding of English beyond everyday conversation. By immersing themselves in the world of Westeros, learners can improve their listening comprehension, vocabulary, and overall fluency in a fun and exciting way.

Words from House of the Dragon

Here are the first 15 of the more difficult words in House of the Dragon:

dynasty: a succession of rulers from the same family
yoke: a wooden beam used to join two animals together, typically oxen, enabling them to pull loads
reign: to be in power or to rule over an area, organization, or activity
prosperity: being successful, particularly when it comes to earning money
tragedy: a play or event that involves death or suffering, especially one with a sad ending
succession: a number of people or things that follow each other in order
heir: someone who legally receives someone else's property, money, or title after their death
descendant: a person’s children, grandchildren, and all related people who live after them
cousin: a child of your uncle or aunt
paramount: most important
vassal: a person or country under the control of another more powerful person or country
throne: the position of being a king or queen, or the chair that they sit on
beast: an animal, especially one that is large, dangerous, or unusual
unspoiled: beautiful because it has not been changed or damaged by people
spike: a sharp, pointed object, typically made of metal or wood