Key Takeaways:
– ‘House of the Dragon' shares eery resemblances with the animated world of Shrek.
– From attire to character outcomes, both series share uncanny similarities.
– Instagram video draws attention to these resemblances.
– Both series draw from classic fantasy themes.
In the vast narrative of Ryan Condal & George R. R. Martin's House of the Dragon, touches of fairy-tale charm have not gone unnoticed. Compared frequently to the power and betrayal dynamics in Succession, the series actually mirrors more than just its predecessor, Game of Thrones. In an unexpected twist, the series also seems to parallel the animated world of Shrek.
Identical Royalty in Distinct Realms
At the heart of House of the Dragon is a tale of royalty navigating power, politics, and perils. Queen Alicent Hightower, clad in an elegant green gown, mirrors Shrek's Princess Fiona's regal attire. King Viserys and King Harold, despite their distinct narratives, share a similar demise, albeit one involves a literal amphibian transformation.
While House of the Dragon is rooted in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, and our beloved Shrek originates from William Steig's 1990 book, it would seem ludicrous to compare the two. However, further inspection reveals uncanny resemblances.
Whimsical Similarities Amid Realism and Animation
Both Shrek and House of the Dragon share more than just royal attire and fates. From grand royal feasts featuring suckling pigs to the presence of ancient fire-breathing dragons, both resonate with classic fantasy themes.
To highlight these unique resemblances, a humorous comparison video posted to Instagram underlines that “House of the Dragon is never beating the Shrek allegations”. The video also draws light to the similar royal feast features, which serve as a sign of the host's wealth and hospitality since the Middle Ages.
Archetypal Characters with a Twist
Another common thread weaving the two narratives together is the use of archetypes. Cruel rulers and frail kings make appearances in both Shrek and House of the Dragon. Additionally, beautiful, brave female leads are featured in both. Queen Alicent and Princess Fiona emit regality and grace while displaying courage in challenging times.
Emotional Struggles Behind the Scenes
As we delve into the second season, the House of the Dragon continues to unfold the Targaryen Civil War. Emma D'Arcy (Rhaenyra) confessed to finding it “lonely” to film without her co-stars Matt Smith (Prince Daemon) and Olivia Cooke (Alicent). Despite her feelings of isolation, D'Arcy expressed excitement for the active viewership experiencing different parts of the series.
Ever since its premiere, House of the Dragon has been creating a buzz with its raw portrayal of the Targaryen Civil War and record-breaking viewership. As we continue to follow this clash for the Iron Throne, we witness television history woven between realism and whimsical fantasy.
House of the Dragon streams on Max, and Shrek is available on Netflix. This entertaining blend of two different worlds reminds us of our love for storytelling, spanning genres, platforms, and the ages. Encouraging us to see narratives through various angles, we realize that no matter how different they may seem, sometimes, they might just be two sides of the same coin.
