House of the Dragon Season 3 is set to introduce a long-awaited element from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire that has never appeared in Game of Thrones. Showrunner Ryan Condal recently hinted at this addition during an episode of his podcast, The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of, which focuses on movie props and production design. Although Condal described it as a “smaller detail,” fans are already buzzing with speculation—many believe it to be the enigmatic Valyrian glass candles.
Ryan Condal’s Mysterious Tease
During the podcast, Condal stated, “We have some very specific things we have to build, and one of them is a very in-world thing that we’ve heard a lot about from the books but haven’t really seen on screen in a specific way.” While he downplayed its significance, calling it “a smaller detail,” readers of Martin’s work know that even minor details can have massive implications.
The Valyrian Glass Candles: A Forgotten Magical Relic
Glass candles are mystical artifacts from Valyria, crafted from obsidian (dragon glass). Historically, they were used for telepathic communication, remote viewing, and prophetic visions, similar to the way Greenseers utilize Weirwood trees. These candles, which come in green and black, could burn with an eerie light without being consumed.
By the time of A Game of Thrones, the glass candles are believed to have lost their power, as the maesters of Oldtown struggle to reignite them. However, some fans theorize that the Targaryens secretly maintained their ability to use them, and House of the Dragon could finally confirm this on screen.
Glass Candles and the Targaryen Civil War
Condal’s mention of a long-standing book element making its way into the series has led to rampant speculation that glass candles may be introduced in Season 3. This fits with House of the Dragon‘s growing emphasis on magical elements, such as Daemon’s Weirwood visions in Season 2 and the Green Man at Harrenhal. If the show embraces glass candles, it could significantly alter the perception of Targaryen rulers and their supposed ‘madness.’
Helaena Targaryen is a strong candidate to interact with a glass candle. She already displayed prophetic tendencies in previous seasons, and her appearance in Daemon’s visions suggests a connection to mystical forces. Additionally, House Hightower—one of the major factions in the Targaryen civil war—has deep ties to magical lore, with rumors suggesting that their ancient tower was built with dragonfire and allows them to ‘see all things.’ The introduction of glass candles could reveal how the Hightowers have manipulated events from the shadows.
Implications for Future Storylines and Spin-Offs
If Season 3 confirms that Targaryens could still use glass candles, it could reshape interpretations of past events in Westerosi history. Many prophecies and visions that influenced Targaryen rulers may have stemmed from these artifacts, adding depth to their decisions and struggles.
This potential revelation also connects neatly with HBO’s upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set between House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. Since that series explores the post-dragon era of Westeros, glass candles could play a crucial role in maintaining House Targaryen’s power in the absence of their mighty beasts.
A Fan Theory Set to Ignite?
Reddit users have long speculated about the importance of glass candles in Martin’s planned future books. Some deep-diving fans, including those researching early drafts of A Feast for Crows, have found evidence that these artifacts were meant to play a greater role in the story. While the show’s adaptation does not necessarily reflect Martin’s final intentions, bringing glass candles into House of the Dragon would reignite discussions on their importance.
Looking Ahead to Season 3
Although Condal’s comments leave room for doubt, House of the Dragon Season 3 could finally bring Valyrian glass candles into live-action. Their introduction would enrich the series’ mystical elements and offer fresh theories on Targaryen rule, prophecy, and madness. With filming currently underway, fans eagerly await confirmation of what could be a groundbreaking addition to the lore.
Meanwhile, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set to premiere in 2025, and Martin’s books remain available in print, digital, and audiobook formats for those eager to dive deeper into the world of Westeros.
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