What Is the Triarchy in ‘House of the Dragon'? You've Seen Them Before Season 3
House of the Dragon Season 3 kicks off with the much-anticipated Battle of the Gullet, and it's a thrilling start to the newest outing. It continues the war between Team Black and Team Green, but it also thrusts another group into the midst of the action: the Triarchy. They're fighting for the Greens, but the skilled warriors arrive at the battle with their own interests in mind - and those tie into prior appearances in the Game of Thrones spinoff series. Warning: SPOILERS ahead for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 1.
Yes, the Triarchy is introduced before House of the Dragon Season 3's action-packed premiere - but as it's been two years since Season 2 ended, and even longer since their introduction, viewers may find themselves struggling to recall who or what the group is. Abigail Thorn's Admiral Sharako Lohar may not survive the entirety of "Salt and Sea, Fire and Blood," but she and her forces leave an impression. And their determination to take down Steve Toussaint's Corlys Velaryon is set up all the way back in the show's first outing.
What Is the Triarchy in 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 (& Why Are They Fighting for the Greens?)
House of the Dragon's Triarchy is an alliance formed between the Free Cities of Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh, which is governed by a council of magisters. It emerges in 96 AC, so it's a relatively new coalition when House of the Dragon opens with the Great Council in 101 AC. The Triarchy is initially formed to stand against Volantis, but it becomes more influential as time goes on. It's outside the governance of the Seven Kingdoms, but it occasionally inserts itself into their affairs. We see that firsthand in House of the Dragon Season 3.
As for why the Triarchy is involved in the Dance of the Dragons, the answer to that comes from earlier seasons of House of the Dragon. In the Season 2 finale, Tyland Lannister visits them on behalf of the Greens, trying to secure the support of their fleet. He successfully forms an alliance - though their camaraderie with him doesn't last long into the Battle of the Gullet - by offering them gold and dominion over the Stepstones.
The Stepstones are a major point of contention in the Triarchy's storyline, and that's where House of the Dragon first introduces it. The chain of islands makes for an ideal trade route, causing multiple parties to feud over it. That includes the Triarchy and House Velaryon, leading to the tensions that drive so much of the Battle of the Gullet.
We've Seen the Triarchy in 'House of the Dragon' Twice Before
The Triarchy's involvement in the Battle of the Gullet is officially set up in House of the Dragon Season 2's finale. However, their introduction in the show happens further back than that. They're the same group that Daemon Targaryen and Corlys Velaryon wage war on over the Stepstones. It's one of many storylines to take up House of the Dragon Season 1, but Daemon killing the Crabfeeder in Episode 3 is a moment viewers will likely still recall.
The Crabfeeder is a prince-admiral of the Triarchy, and he's far from the only member of the alliance to be killed by Daemon and Corlys in the War for the Stepstones. This is why Thorn's character has it out for Corlys throughout House of the Dragon Season 3's premiere. She wants vengeance, and although she's killed getting it, she does leave her mark before the battle is through.
What Happens to the Triarchy After the Battle of the Gullet
The Triarchy has a huge impact on the Battle of the Gullet, even if they don't technically win it. Likewise, the Battle of the Gullet affects the alliance's future going forward - and not for the better. George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood reveals that it sparks tensions between the three Free Cities of Essos. With so few ships returning - and most of the survivors hailing from Lys - both Myr and Tyrosh become suspicious. This causes conflict between the three, eventually destroying their partnership.
Of course, it's worth noting that Lohar survives the Battle of the Gullet in the source material, so House of the Dragon is already making changes. Things may play out differently in the HBO show, and it's just as possible we won't hear from the Triarchy again. There's certainly enough drama to contend with among the Blacks and Greens alone. Yet it would be interesting to see the larger ramifications of the Dance of the Dragons. Only time will tell if the Game of Thrones spinoff goes in that direction.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 12:43 PM.