'House of the Dragon': who is Cregan Stark and what role will he play in the Dance of the Dragons

In the last episode of the first season of House of the Dragon, Rhaenyra said goodbye to her two eldest children, who departed on their dragons to confirm the alliances needed to claim the throne. Luke went to Storm's End, a journey where he met his death at the hands of his uncle Aemond riding Vhagar, while Jace headed North to seek the support of the Stark family.

The second season begins in a familiar setting for Game of Thrones fans that had not been seen in the prequel: the Wall of Winterfell. A perfect scene to resume the action, which continues just a few days after the fateful events of the previous one.

In the scene, Jace speaks with Lord Cregan Stark (Tom Taylor), head of House Stark known as the Old Man of the North, as they ride the elevator to the top of the massive 200-meter ice barrier, escorted by the honorable Night's Watch, whose mission is to keep the "death" at bay, which in the future will be known in Westeros as the White Walkers.

There, Cregan Stark told him how his father once took Viserys' predecessor, King Jaehaerys Targaryen, and his queen, Alysanne, to see the Wall, and watched as their dragons refused to cross it. This tale will take on new meaning for the prince if Rhaenyra decides to share Aegon the Conqueror's prophecy with him.

True to his name and values, Cregan upholds the oath his father, Lord Rickon Stark (David Hounslow), made to King Viserys I in the first season, when he supported Rhaenyra as the rightful heir. 

"Surely great Torrhen Stark would have died before bending the knee," Jace says. "Unless he believed the Conqueror could bring unity to the Seven Kingdoms."

Torrhen Stark is an ancestor of Cregan, who swore loyalty to Aegon I Targaryen when he conquered Westeros and established the Targaryen dynasty almost 130 years before. He was also the last Stark to rule as King in the North before Robb Stark claimed the title following the death of Ned Stark in Game of Thrones.

Although his priority is to guard the Wall, Cregan ultimately agrees to commit thousands of northern soldiers known as snows to Rhaenyra's cause.

Who is Cregan Stark

Lord Cregan Stark

Cregan was the eldest son of Lord Rickon Stark and Lady Gilliane Glover. After his father's death in 121 AC, Cregan became Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North at the age of thirteen.

During his minority, his uncle Bennard Stark ruled the North on his behalf. When Cregan turned sixteen and reached his majority, Bennard was slow to relinquish power, which strained the relationship between uncle and nephew over time.

Lord Cregan Stark, known as the Old Man of the North, was the head of House Stark and, as such, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North during the reigns of Viserys I, Aegon II and three other kings whose names we will not reveal because they are spoilers from the series.

He married Lady Arra Norrey and their youngest son, Brandon, will become his successor. Through him, Cregan's line will directly lead to Ned Stark. It will also lead to Lyanna Stark, who married Rhaegar Targaryen before giving birth to Jon Snow.

Cregan also had a bastard sister, Sara Snow, whose mother's identity is unknown in the book and who will likely have a presence later in the series.

'The Arrival of the Wolf' ©Ertaç Altinöz

What role does he play in the Dance of the Dragons

Cregan will fulfill his promise and play an important role in the Dance of the Dragons, but we most likely will not see him again until the third season, as the events he protagonizes will take place in 131 AC, two years later than the current narrative. 

The reason why the Starks have such little presence in this historical period, in addition to the fact that during periods of peace they had no reason to visit the South, is mainly geographical. Winterfell is quite far from King's Landing and Dragonstone, which makes each visit a considerable odyssey since they do not have dragons. Instead, they rely on horses and ships, taking weeks to make the journey.

Although he will ultimately be considered one of the most important Starks in Westerosi history, he has not yet earned that title.