House of the Dragon: A Clash of Fire and Blood

After a nearly two-year hiatus, HBO's prequel to "Game of Thrones," known as "House of the Dragon," is set to return this weekend. The series, based on George R.R. Martin's book "Fire and Blood," will bring back a vast array of characters gearing up for war, with their factions identified by the colors of the banners they fly.

The Blacks vs. The Greens

The Blacks, led by Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Emma D’Arcy), are in opposition to the Greens, led by Rhaenyra's younger half brother, Aegon (played by Tom Glynn-Carney), and his supporters, including his mother, Alicent Hightower (played by Olivia Cooke). Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne of Westeros was originally usurped by Aegon, and now, the fate of the patriarchal world rests in the hands of these two women.

Meet the Key Players

Whether you're choosing sides or simply getting ready for the Season 2 premiere on HBO this Sunday, here's an introduction to the most influential characters from both factions.

Team Black

Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy)

Rhaenyra, the late King Viserys Targaryen's only child, was named heir to the throne, defying centuries of tradition that dictated male rulers. Unfazed by tradition, Rhaenyra embraced her position until her father's marriage to Alicent Hightower and the subsequent birth of Aegon led to a family schism. Following her father's death and Aegon's coronation in King's Landing, Rhaenyra initiated her own rival rule from House Targaryen's ancestral island, Dragonstone.