Who Is Jason Lannister and His Twin in House of the Dragon?

Feudal masculinity is on full display in Episode 3 when Jason Lannister rides into camp with his long hunting spear. Jason (Jefferson Hall) is the first Lannister to have a major role in House of the Dragon, which recounts the reign of the pre-Lannister Targaryen dynasty. (The only Lannister-Targaryen crossover we remember is Cersei’s betrothal to Rhaegar by King Aerys—until lover/brother Jamie put a sword through the king’s back.)

So here marches in Jason Lannister to smoothly ask Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen—now 17 in the show—to marry him and come live at Casterly Rock, a large boring castle atop a big cliff. She says no thanks. He sulks away to ask King Viserys I himself. (Because men ignoring women when they say “no” is pretty much the theme of this series.)

Jason, however, isn’t the only Lannister we meet this episode. A knight on the King’s small council, Tyland Lannister, also appears to hold a prominent position close to Viserys. (Though, he’s seen generally being annoying as the King’s messenger.) The two are twins; Jason is the elder.

Is Jefferson Hall really a twin?

Nah. Hall is apparently playing both roles, just to give the HBO VFX team even more work—rather than production simply casting real twins. (It’s one of the more subtle moments of VFX artistry in an episode that features the most extensive dragon warfare we’ve seen since Game of Thrones’ final season. The battles in Episode 3 looked spectacular.)

Both Lannisters will, however, likely be back for future episodes. So their roles—while pathetic and annoying—may also be important.

Jason Lannister is the Lord of Casterly Rock (which, we hear, has the best hunting) and the head of House Lannister. Tyland is a knight on the small council and a future Hand of the King. In George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, the twins both attempt to marry Rhaenyra during a feast at Casterly Rock. (This happens in 112 AC when Rhaenyra was 15. The series suggests that Rhaenyra had visited the Lannister home before, but doesn’t remember, because she was young.)

To go any further into their histories—including the kings they will go on to serve—would be a spoiler for House of the Dragon. (Read here, if you’re curious.)

What is obvious, though, from their first appearance is their affection for Princess Rhaenyra and the difficult choice that must likely be made when Viserys dies: who will they support in the next throne claim?