House of the Dragon season 2’s premiere subtly retconned House Stark’s history from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire universe. Based on Fire & Blood, House of the Dragon takes place during the Targaryen civil war that became known as the Dance of the Dragons. While no significant roles were given to the Starks in House of the Dragon season 1, season 2 opened in Winterfell and followed Prince Jacaerys Velaryon’s visit to the North. Now that the realm was at war, Jake needed to confirm the Starks’ loyalty to his mother.

Cregan Stark may have sent Rhaenyra a few soldiers, but the Lord of Winterfell made it clear that the men of the North had to take care of their own problems, particularly regarding the Wall. The Starks helped protect the Wall for generations, plus there must always be a Stark in Winterfell. During their visit to the Wall, Cregan and Jacen discussed the history between their families. Once King of the North, Torrhen Stark pledged his loyalty to Aegon the Conqueror and was remembered as “the king who bent the knee.”