Phia Saban reflects on Helaena’s tragic end in House of the Dragon season three

Spoiler warning: This report contains details regarding the season three finale of House of the Dragon, currently streaming on Max. Helaena Targaryen, portrayed by Phia Saban, dies by suicide in the season three finale after jumping from her window in the Red Keep. According to a report by Variety, this scene marks the end of her role as the moral centre of the series. At the time of her death, Helaena is pregnant; she is left alone in her chambers before choosing to jump. The death was anticipated by many fans, as Helaena had struggled throughout the season with ominous visions and deep depression. Her separation from her young daughter, Jaehaera, in King's Landing had further impacted her mental state. Queen Rhaenyra, played by Emma D'Arcy, discovers Helaena's body shortly before the episode concludes. This death represents one of the most significant developments of the finale, with the implications for the warring houses and the trajectory of season four remaining to be seen. In an interview with Variety, Phia Saban described the conclusion as a tragedy. The Variety report also notes that the show has altered the storyline of Maelor compared to the original source material, with further analysis of these changes to follow in ongoing season three coverage.