The long-awaited premiere of House of the Dragon episode 1 has finally arrived on HBO Max! Fans of Game of Thrones can now return to the fantastical lands of Westeros, where the Targaryens, Starks, Baratheons, and Lannisters once reigned supreme.

Let's meet the key characters in House of the Dragon episode 1, which premiered on Sunday, August 21!

Viserys Targaryen, portrayed by Paddy Considine, is the current ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Chosen by the Great Council to succeed his grandfather, King Jaehaerys Targaryen, he holds the coveted Iron Throne. Viserys was selected over his elder cousin, Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, due to his position as the king's oldest male descendant.

Daemon Targaryen, played by the talented Matt Smith, is King Viserys' younger brother and the presumed heir to the Iron Throne. A formidable warrior, Daemon commands the City Watch in King's Landing. He dreams of ruling, but many doubt his fitness for the role.

Rhaenyra Targaryen, portrayed by either Milly Alcock or Emma D'Arcy, is King Viserys' eldest daughter. She shares a special bond with her dragon companion, Syrax. Rhaenyra has witnessed her father's desire for a male heir to succeed him as king, which puts her in a precarious position.

This is just the beginning of the exciting journey that House of the Dragon promises to take us on. Make sure to stream episode 1 on HBO Max now and buckle up for an adventure filled with epic battles, political intrigues, and of course, the majestic dragons!