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SAVE $259.99: As of Aug. 10, the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S26+ (256GB, Cobalt Violet) is $840 at Amazon. That's down from $1,099.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26+ $840 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $259.99   Get Deal

Samsung just wrapped its latest Unpacked event, and it came loaded. The lineup includes the Galaxy Z Fold 8, a new, wider Z Fold 8 Ultra, the Z Flip 8, refreshed Galaxy Watches, and — for the first time ever — smart glasses built with Gemini AI.

New drops often mean deals on older models, and this time is no different. At $840, the Samsung Galaxy S26+ is $259.99 off its $1,099.99 list price — a 24% discount on a phone that only came out this year. That's a solid markdown for a current-gen flagship, and it's up for grabs in the colors cobalt violet and black.

SEE ALSO: 7 ways the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra turns your next festival into content worth posting

The S26+ runs on Samsung's fastest processor yet, so gaming, multitasking, and everyday use should all feel fast and responsive. The display has also been upgraded, pulling out richer color and sharper detail automatically, so photos and videos look more immersive without adjusting a single setting.

The Galaxy AI features are where this phone earns its keep. Photo Assist lets you type or tap to add objects, fix details, or restyle a shot in seconds, no editing skills required. There's also a wider front camera for group selfies, so nobody gets left out of the frame, and Now Nudge surfaces smart suggestions to help you stay on top of your day.

Samsung Wallet lets you carry cards and boarding passes digitally, and pairing the phone with the Galaxy Buds4 Pro unlocks Hi-Res Audio and hands-free translations.

Grab the Samsung Galaxy S26+ on Amazon before the price snaps back.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 is on sale for $41.98 at Amazon, down from its $59.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 $41.98 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $18.01   Get Deal

The First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 has spent the summer getting steady price drops — making it easier on any Pokémon TCG budget. And Amazon has now taken another slice off the price of the 30th-anniversary-themed box. 

As of Aug. 10, the Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 2 can be picked up for $41.98 at Amazon. Altogether, that’s $18.01 off its $59.99 list price, giving you a 30% discount and putting the collection comfortably below the $50 mark it was at only a few weeks ago.

This particular low-priced listing comes from the third-party seller Collectors Expedition and is scheduled to arrive as soon as Aug. 14 at the time of writing. If you want it as soon as possible, the $49.95 version sold by Kings Games is being shipped by Amazon itself — allowing Prime members to get theirs as soon as today or Aug. 11, depending on your location. 

Walmart has knocked an extra $5 off the Series 2, while TCGplayer’s lowest unopened listing comes to a total of $34.39 when shipping is added on, going only $1 above its estimated market price. 

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You’ve got a nice trinity of options depending on your trading card-buying preferences, but the contents of this particular Series 2 Partner Illustration Collection will be the same no matter where you buy from: a celebration of first partner Pokémon from Johto, Unova, and Galar — with Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile, Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble making up the nine illustration rare-style promo cards.

Each box gives you one special pack containing three of those nine promos, plus two regular Pokémon TCG booster packs and a sticker sheet. Since the promo cards are random, pulling the complete nine-card set will take more than one box unless you trade for whichever starters you are missing. 

SAVE OVER $80: As of Aug. 10, select colors of the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 portable power station are marked down to $218.98 at Amazon. That's a discount of $80.02 from their full price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 30 V2 $218.98 at Amazon
$299 Save $80.02   Get Deal

A portable power station is very helpful to have around the house, and if you've been thinking it's time to buy one before summer ends, Amazon has dropped a great deal on Bluetti's Elite 30 V2. For a limited time, you can save just over $80 on select colors.

That price cut means that, as of Aug. 10, this power station has dropped from $299 to $218.98. At this price are the standard black and twilight glow purple models, but for a little bit extra, you can get the light sand gray and glacier blue for $218.99, or the blush pink for $219.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

While its delightful color variety is certainly a plus, the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 really shines for what it offers under the hood. It boasts a 288Wh capacity and can deliver a full 600W output, or up to 1,500W when you activate Power Lifting Mode. It can run a variety of items, including camping lights, speakers, car fridges, laptops, and even small appliances like a kettle or toaster.

It also features nine output ports: a 12V cigarette lighter port, two 12V DC5521 ports, a 100W USB-C port, two USB-A ports, a 140W USB-C port, and two 600W AC Outlets.

Amazon may not keep this deal live for long. Be quick to act on the Bluetti Elite 30 V2 portable power station while it's still on sale.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Apple is considering a major overhaul of its Apple Watch, though what exactly that means is still very uncertain.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman says that the company's next Apple Watch versions that are coming out this year will only get "modest upgrades," which includes a performance boost, new colors and bands, health and fitness upgrades, and – possibly – a ceramic case variant, though it's unclear whether that'll happen this or next year.

In the future, however, bigger changes are in the works. According to Gurman, Apple is looking into wearables of all sorts, including ones with no displays, and those with different types of screens and various sizes.

Yes, that's pretty vague, but when you consider that Apple Watch has pretty much looked the same since day one, it would be a pretty big move by Apple.

Apple is also reportedly considering premium models "beyond the Ultra and Hermès variants," as well as cheaper models than the Apple Watch SE.

It's early days, and Gurman says the company hasn't settled on a single direction yet, and that the changes will "take time."

SEE ALSO: The latest iPhone 18 news, leaks, and rumors: Release date, price increases, and color options

Gurman also touched on the iPhone, saying that Apple is already planning a second and a third version of its upcoming foldable iPhone, scheduled to arrive in 2027 and 2028, respectively. Those variants will have "slightly larger displays," both on the inside and the outside.

SAVE $130: As of Aug. 10, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo is on sale for $499 at Amazon. That's a 21% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $499 at Amazon
$629 Save $130   Get Deal

If you want to level up your content, you need to check out this latest Amazon deal on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is basically a handheld gimbal camera designed for shooting smooth video while you're out and about, and right now it's at its lowest-ever price. Normally $629, you can take it home for just $499 right now.

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The compact vlogging camera has a 1-inch CMOS sensor that can record 4K video at up to 120fps. It also has a 2-inch touchscreen that rotates for horizontal or vertical shooting, and a 3-axis mechanical stabilization that helps keep footage steady when you're moving around.

Another feature is the ActiveTrack 6.0. This keeps subjects firmly in the center of the frame. And for editing, the camera supports D-Log M and 10-bit color depth, letting you capture up to 1 billion colors for greater flexibility in editing.

There's also built-in audio with stereo recording, but the DJI OsmoAudio means the camera can also connect directly to a DJI Mic 2 or Mic Mini transmitters. The whole package includes a DJI Mic 2 transmitter, a battery handle, an Osmo mini tripod, and the Pocket 3 itself.

Head to Amazon to get this creator-ready bundle now.

SAVE $170: As of Aug. 10 the Anker Solix C1000 is on sale for $429.98 at Amazon. That's a 28% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $429.98 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $170.01   Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing a portable power station, Amazon has a particularly good deal on the Anker Solix C1000 right now.

As of Aug. 10, the Anker Solix C1000 is available for $429.98, down from its usual $599.99 price. That’s a saving of $170 on a seriously useful bit of kit, especially if you’ve been waiting for a discount to buy.

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This portable power station is a handy power solution to have on hand, whether you live in an area that sees regular power outages or you take a lot of kit with you when camping. Whatever you need it for, it will keep you connected and powered. It can even charge up fast, so you don't need hours of prep to get going. It can reach 80% battery capacity in 43 minutes with UltraFast charging, and a full charge takes under an hour via AC input. Plus, the LiFePO4 battery is rated for 3,000 cycles over a 10-year lifespan, so you're getting your money's worth.

It has 11 ports, so it can power a range of appliances, from laptops to a mini fridge. It also supports up to 600W of solar input, with a full solar recharge taking around 1.8 hours. Solar panels are sold separately, but many of these upgrades are currently on sale.

Head to Amazon now to grab this limited-time Anker deal.

I learned that my iPhone 15 Pro Max and the upcoming 2026 total solar eclipse do not mix. I stumbled upon BGR's article, which warned skygazers against using their phones to take pictures of the imminent cosmic event.

If you're like me, you may be wondering "Why?" After all, who wouldn't want to snap a photo of such an awe-inspiring celestial occurrence?

As it turns out, taking a photo of the 2026 solar eclipse could damage your iPhone's camera hardware.

SEE ALSO: Solar eclipse 2026 from the US: how to watch from home and online Why you shouldn't take a photo of the 2026 solar eclipse with your phone

In the same way that you shouldn't use a telescope or binoculars to gaze at the sun (you could melt your eyeballs off), you shouldn't use your phone's shooter — or any other poorly equipped camera — to take a photo of the solar eclipse.

BGR says that no smartphone is designed to handle the intense solar rays the sun emanates. "Using your camera or phone could cause the heat from the rays to become so concentrated that it could melt the lens inside," the tech outlet warned.

Days before the April 8, 2024 eclipse that swept across parts of North America, NASA provided similar advice.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

There is a workaround in that you can purchase filters for your phone and camera.

NEEWER 67mm Clip On Filters Kit for Phone & Camera Credit: Amazon

But the best way to see the eclipse might very well be with your eyes rather than a camera lens. That is, if they are fully protected.

SEE ALSO: Here's where to buy legit solar eclipse glasses that'll arrive before Wednesday's eclipse

It must be emphasized that it's imperative that your eyes are protected. NASA recommends getting "ISO 12312-2" grade solar eclipse glasses that filter harmful light.

The historic 2026 total solar eclipse is set to happen Aug. 12 and, depending where you are, might only be visible as a partial solar eclipse if it's visible at all. Mashable's Elisha Sauers, our space reporter, shares exactly when and where to get the best view of the 2026 solar eclipse.

UPDATE: Aug. 9, 2026, 11:00 a.m. EDT This 2024 story was updated to include information related to the 2026 solar eclipse happening on Wednesday, Aug. 12.

TL;DR: Lock in a 1-year subscription to Autodesk AutoCAD LT and make 2D renderings easy, now for just $199 (reg. $540).

Opens in a new window Credit: Autodesk Autodesk AutoCAD LT: 1-Year Subscription $199
$540 Save $341   Get Deal

It’s 2026, and it’s time to design smarter, not harder. If you work with 2D designs, you’ll want to check out this AI-powered tool that makes it easier than ever to create technical drawings and documentation with industry-standard DWG compatibility.

Right now, you can lock in a one-year subscription to Autodesk AutoCAD LT for only $199.

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Whether you’re an engineer, architect, designer, or drafting professional, Autodesk AutoCAD LT is ready to help you streamline your workflow. This software creates precise technical drawings and documentation with industry-standard DWG compatibility, with added features that can automate repetitive tasks and help make your life a little easier.

Let Autodesk AutoCAD LT help create everything from architectural plans, mechanical drawings, and electrical diagrams to technical documentation. There are built-in tools for drafting, annotation, and documentation, and it works across Windows, macOS, web, and mobile devices.

The smart blocks feature automatically detects repetitive objects and converts them into reusable blocks to streamline your workflow for future projects, while the AutoLisp automation automates repetitive tasks and helps customize your workflows.

If you’re working with two different versions of a drawing, you can use the DWG compare feature to identify additions, deletions, and modifications. There are also trace and markup tools that let you review designs, add feedback, and collaborate without altering the original DWG file.

Boost your productivity with this 1-year subscription to Autodesk AutoCAD LT, on sale now for just $199 (reg. $540).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Listen to your favorite wind-down content in peace with the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker in blue, now for only $14.99 (reg. $79.95).

Opens in a new window Credit: Vista Shops Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker (Blue) $14.99
$79.95 Save $64.96   Get Deal

If you thought agreeing on a temperature to set the thermostat was hard, you probably haven’t had to battle it out about bedtime sounds. Whether you’re the partner who loves to drift off to podcasts or playlists, or you’re the one desperately seeking silence, the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker is the perfect bedroom upgrade.

Right now, you can score this super-thin speaker made to slide under your pillow in a cool shade of blue for only $14.99.

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If you’re looking for a way to bring peace to your bedroom, the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker lets you enjoy your audio without waking your partner, thanks to bone-conduction sound that only you can hear.

Listen to podcasts, lullabies, or soothing white noise on the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker, a bedmate-friendly option that lets you enjoy your audio of choice discreetly. It’s slim enough to fit comfortably under your pillow without any pressure points, even for side sleepers.

To use the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow, just take advantage of its Bluetooth connectivity. It pairs easily with smartphones, tablets, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices, with an added TF Card playback option that lets you listen to stored music, sleep sounds, podcasts, or audiobooks if you’d like to go offline.

You can set an auto-off timer for 30, 60, or 90-minute increments to allow you to drift off to sleep. Onboard buttons are available for volume, playback, and listening modes. There’s also a rechargeable battery, which you won’t have to power up often, thanks to the low-power operation option for efficient overnight listening.

Bring home your new favorite bedtime gadget, the Ultrathin Sleep Aid Under Pillow Speaker in blue, now for just $14.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

It's now three years since Confide, one of the most popular apps for sexy chats, officially shut up shop. We're still feeling the loss of that special cross-platform gem. Confide featured disappearing messages and end-to-end encryption, making it a favorite among all walks of life — celebrities, politicians, and ordinary folks. Pretty much anyone who wanted to connect freely without worrying about security or annoying digital paper trails.  

If you're one of the many disappointed Confide users looking for a replacement — hey, it may have been three years, but lots of us still have a Confide-shaped hole in our lives — there are some other great sexting apps that are absolutely worth exploring.

Among the most popular sexting options is AdultFriendFinder. It doesn't have all the same cybersecurity features as Confide — in fact, it doesn't even have an official phone app, preferring to keep things old-school as a site. But that hasn't prevented AFF from accumulating millions of active users worldwide. In three decades of existence, it's become a top destination for very spicy finger flirting (and lots more).

Keep reading to find out how AdultFriendFinder stacks up against Confide (RIP), with a rundown of both the pros and cons, and why you should consider giving AFF a try the next time you want to explore the internet's sexier side:

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Finding a partner

When it comes to sexting, there's one big difference between Confide and AFF. It all comes down to how you go about finding a connection. When you used Confide, you needed to do some heavy lifting first. The platform wasn't built to connect you with strangers. Instead, it was meant for connecting you with people you already know. With AFF, however, there's an existing community of millions of people worldwide. And the best part? They're all looking to enjoy some adult fun.

SEE ALSO: I had a Grindr sugar daddy for a day. Then he tried to get a refund.

So, whether you're looking to meet someone for the first time or simply connect for a quick naughty chat, AdultFriendFinder offers a search function, allowing you to browse through local singles or even search by very specific desires, plus a wide array of groups and discussion forums based around naughty topics as varied as bondage, foot fetishes, and erotic story writing. 

Security

For people who prioritize privacy, Confide was a fantastic app, boasting end-to-end encryption across all communication formats (including photos and videos), ScreenShield technology to guard against screenshots, and self-destructing messages. All of these security features made it a highly attractive app for sexting, since the combination of cybersecurity, anonymity, and the promise of no digital record-keeping allowed people a measure of security rarely found on other sites and apps.

Unfortunately, this is one area where AFF falls short. They've already had one major data breach in 2016, in which more than 400 million accounts were compromised, and though they've made real efforts to improve their security protocols since then, they still don't claim to have end-to-end messaging encryption. They do, however, offer ConfirmID to verify accounts, a process that requires both a government-issued ID card and a facial scan, so if you want to err on the side of caution, you can restrict your communications to verified accounts. 

Group messaging

Another huge benefit to Confide was the ability to find or create group chats, which helped people who shared a common kink or fantasy to establish their own digital spaces. AdultFriendFinder doesn't have a private messaging group chat, but it does offer kink-based, public-facing discussion groups and messaging boards, which offer a great place to meet like-minded people.

SEE ALSO: 3 AdultFriendFinder red flags — how to avoid scams on AFF

There's also nothing stopping you from using those groups to meet individuals. In fact, AFF actively encourages those interactions. So if you do find someone in a discussion forum that you happen to hit it off with, you can use that interaction to break the ice in a one-on-one private chat. 

Live broadcasts

One place Confide decidedly fell short was in broadcasting. You could use the app to send photos, videos, and even voice notes, but you couldn't actually initiate a video call. While AFF doesn't yet offer one-on-one video conferencing, it does host webcam shows on its servers, so you can either start your own show and hope to attract someone that way or join the chat room of another person's show to shoot your shot. 

If you happen to join a popular live show and want to stand out from the crowd, AFF lets you earn or purchase "points" to tip the broadcaster, making your message pop in the cam chat. You can also initiate a private message with any person in the broadcast by navigating to the Viewers tab, scrolling down to the member you want to talk to, and then clicking on the Private Chat icon to the right of their name.

Staying anonymous

If privacy is your primary concern, you shouldn't overlook AFF just because it lacks disappearing messages and end-to-end encryption. Spend a quick minute perusing profiles on the site, and you'll see that many AdultFriendFinder users choose to remain largely anonymous, with no face photos or identifying information on their profiles at all. 

The site is remarkably generous in how it allows users to engage with it, and unlike traditional dating sites, there's no obligation to show your face or even use your real name in a public-facing capacity. Moreover, there's a real culture of "anything goes" on the site, so if you want to use it as a traditional dating site, you can meet people who want that, but if you just want to use it for a sneaky link or a one-and-done dirty chat, that's also perfectly acceptable. 

The bottom line? What AFF lacks in security features, it more than makes up for with a massive userbase, a laissez-faire, sex-positive culture, and the option to keep your anonymity as you browse the site and search for a like-minded chat partner. 

SAVE $100: As of Aug. 7, the Apple AirPods Max 2 are down to $449 on Amazon. The H2 chip powers active noise cancellation, adaptive audio, and even live translation.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 $449 at Amazon
$549 Save $100   Get Deal

Apple's AirPods Max 2 rarely drop in price, but right now they're down to $449 on Amazon. That's an 18% discount off the usual $549 price.

That's good timing, because when we reviewed the AirPods Max 2, our take was simple: they're a genuinely great pair of headphones, just not enough of an upgrade to justify full price if you already own the original. Our advice at the time was to wait for a sale.

Sound-wise, the Max 2 is built to deliver deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs, and Apple pairs it with Personalized Spatial Audio, which uses your ear shape and head movement to make music and video sound as if they're surrounding you, similar to a mini home theater.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to qualify

Noise cancellation gets a real bump too, up to 1.5 times better than the previous model, and it now adjusts automatically depending on your surroundings through a feature called Adaptive Audio. There's also Conversation Awareness, which lowers your volume automatically when you start talking to someone nearby, and a Transparency mode for when you want outside sound let back in.

One of the more interesting additions is Live Translation, which uses Apple Intelligence to translate what someone's saying into your preferred language in real-time, just by holding down the listening mode button. That said, it needs a compatible iPhone running iOS 26.4 or later, so it's not something every user can access right away.

If this is your first time trying Apple's earbuds, now's a good time to pick up a pair. Grab the Apple AirPods Max 2 while they're $100 off.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Booster Display Box is on sale for $534.98 at Amazon (including shipping, down from its $650.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Booster Display Box $534.98 at Amazon
$650.98 Save $116   Get Deal

The Destined Rivals expansion has become increasingly scarce, and prices have bumped as a result. However, Amazon has now taken a sizable chunk out of its latest listings to help you save money on three dozen packs. 

As of Aug. 10, the Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Booster Display Box with 36 packs has dropped in price to $534.98 on Amazon ($529.99 plus $4.99 shipping), representing a $116.01 discount off its standard $650.99 price.

With that 18% price drop, each of the three-dozen booster packs inside this box will only cost you around $14.86 each — a nice $3.06 cut from the $17.94 you’d have been charged beforehand. Keep in mind that this box is being shipped and sold by third-party seller Strike Zone Online, with delivery estimated between Aug. 12-14 at the time of writing. 

That said, this third-party-sold box still comes with Amazon’s usual 30-day refund or replacement window if there are any issues. 

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Meanwhile, prices are even lower on TCGplayer. For lower than the Destined Rivals box’s estimated $474.61 market price, you can snag your unsealed box for as little as $470.98 — or about $13.08 for each booster. There are quite a few listings even cheaper, but those are for loose lots of three-dozen packs, not in a box, so you will have to scroll down a fair bit to find the sealed versions if you’re checking all the listings. 

Each pack in the 36 Destined Rivals boosters will give 10 random trading cards per pack from the 244-card expansion. Although Destined Rivals came out all the way back in May 2025, there are still plenty of pricey chase cards you can pull (or simply buy them individually from TCGplayer) — including SIR Team Rocket’s Mewtwo ex, Cynthia’s Garchomp ex, and Ethan’s Ho-Oh ex. 

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free on BBC iPlayer. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're still a couple of years away from the next quest for Olympic medals, but that doesn't mean the best athletes are sitting back and relaxing. No, there are PBs to chase, rivals to beat, and world records to set. And some elite athletes will be targeting all of that at once in the 2026 European Athletics Championships.

The Alexander Stadium is welcoming some of track and field's biggest stars this month. The likes of Keely Hodgkinson, Mondo Duplantis, and Femke Bol will be battling it out for places on the podium. And Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen will make his long-awaited return to the track in the 5,000 meters.

If you want to watch the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What are the European Athletics Championships?

The European Athletics Championships are a biennial track and field event organized by the European Athletics Association. The championships bring together the continent’s best athletes to compete across sprint, distance, field, road, and combined events for medals.

When are the 2026 European Athletics Championships?

The 2026 European Athletics Championships take place from Aug. 10-16 at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, UK.

How to watch the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free

The 2026 European Athletics Championships is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can bypass these restrictions with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the European Athletics Championships from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 European Athletics Championships by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Watch the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams of the European Athletics Championships without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the entire event before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 80% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 European Athletics Championships for free with ExpressVPN.

Another solar eclipse is coming. If you're ready to look up to the sky for the special event, don't forget to protect your eyes. As Europe gears up to witness a total eclipse, parts of North America will enjoy a partial eclipse.

The solar eclipse is taking place on Wednesday, Aug. 12. According to NASA, a total solar eclipse will be seen in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. However, partial eclipses can be seen in the northern U.S. (from Alaska to North Carolina), most of Canada, much of Europe, and northwestern Africa.

Don't expect a dramatic show if you're watching from the US, though. The farther south you are, the less you'll see, and if you're not in the eclipse's path, or the weather doesn't cooperate, NASA will stream the eclipse live starting at 1:15 p.m. ET at nasa.gov/live.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the Apple iPhone 17 for free — how to qualify

If you're planning on watching the eclipse, you'll need a pair of solar eclipse glasses. Be wary, there are plenty of solar eclipse glasses available, especially on Amazon, but you must make sure they're ISO 12312-2 Certified for the safest eye protection. The American Astronomical Society has a list of approved manufacturers you can verify too.

Since the glasses are delicate, check them before use to ensure there are no punctures or tears. To test them, wear them inside your home, and you shouldn't be able to see any light fixtures besides a small filament.

To prepare for the upcoming solar eclipse, here's a list of all the options available at Amazon. All the options on this list are CE-, ISO-, or AAS-certified to protect your eyes during the eclipse. Plus, they all arrive before Wednesday, Aug. 12.

A quick note before you buy: since the eclipse is just days away, delivery timing matters here. Amazon Prime members will generally get the fastest and most reliable delivery windows, so it's worth checking the estimated arrival date on each listing before you order — some of these options are cutting it close, arriving on Aug. 12.

Solar Eclipse Glasses in the UK

• Absolute Eclipse Solar Eclipse Glasses — £4.79

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses — £5.99

• Solar Optics Solar Eclipse Glasses 5-pack with Phone Filters — £14.99

• Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses 5-pack — £15.99

• Kesseph Solar Eclipse Glasses — £17.99

Solar Eclipse Glasses in the U.S. and North America

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (2 pack) — $7.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Medical king Solar Eclipse Glasses (10 pack) — $8.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Lunt Solar Eclipse Glasses (5 pack) — $9.95

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (5 pack) — $9.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Bookishbunny Solar Eclipse Paper Glasses (10 pack) — $10.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Keyaluo Solar Eclipse Glasses (12 pack) — $13.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Galaxium Solar Eclipse Glasses for kids — $14.95

• Soluna Solar Eclipse Glasses (10 pack) — $14.99 (arriving Aug. 12)

• AAA Eclipse Solar Glasses (6 pack) — $17.95

• Galaxium Solar Eclipse Glasses (6 pack) — $17.95 (arriving Aug. 12)

• Helioclipse Solar Eclipse Glasses (12 pack) — $19.95

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Medical wrapping.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

GAUZE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A collection (of songs, photos, etc).

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 10, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ALBUM

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To brush past.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 10 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 10, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

GRAZE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Giver.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

DONOR

Final Hurdle hint

Short.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

BLUNT

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

If you thought the Moon looked small last night, it'll be even thinner this evening as it continues to wane ahead of the New Moon in a few night's time.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Monday, Aug. 10, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in Waning Crescent phase, with 16% of its surface visible.

To see anything on the Moon's surface tonight, you'll need either binoculars or a telescope. With these, you'll be able to see the Grimaldi Basin, a huge ancient crater on the Moon, formed by a massive asteroid collision. Its center was later flooded with dark basalt rock, creating the distinctive shadowy area surrounded by a brighter rim.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on August 28.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon's appearance changes throughout the month as it orbits Earth, completing one full lunar cycle approximately every 29.5 days, according to NASA. During that journey, the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon are constantly shifting, altering how much of the Moon's illuminated surface is visible from our perspective. That's why we see the familiar sequence of phases, from a slim crescent to a half Moon, then a Full Moon, before the pattern begins again.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Ever since Ormund Hightower (James Norton) took over the town of Tumbleton in House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 3, fans knew the Battle of Tumbleton was imminent.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' gives Alys Rivers a tragic backstory that isn't in the book

One of the most infamous battles in George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood, the Battle of Tumbleton is a resounding defeat for Rhaenyra's (Emma D'Arcy) forces, made all the worse by the betrayal of some of her dragonriders. House of the Dragon's Season 3 finale gets these broad strokes right, but just like with the Battle of the Gullet, several key details are different from the source material. From missing traitors to new participants, here are the biggest differences between House of the Dragon's Battle of Tumbleton and Fire and Blood's.

House of the Dragon reverses who's laying siege to who in the Battle of Tumbleton. Tommy Flanagan in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Theo Whiteman / HBO

When the Battle of Tumbleton breaks out in Fire and Blood, Rhaenyra's forces hold the town, while Ormund's armies attack. House of the Dragon reverses this. By the time the battle happens, Ormund has a long-established presence in Tumbleton, and it's Rhaenyra who's had to weigh whether to attack or not.

SEE ALSO: When is 'House of the Dragon' Season 4 coming out?

The switcheroo offers up several opportunities for House of the Dragon. On one side of the war, it amplifies Rhaenyra's moral dilemma: Should she attack Tumbleton and risk harming her subjects, or should she take a peaceful approach and be labeled as weak? On the other end of the battlefield, it allows House of the Dragon to explore Ormund's sadistic side, first with his poor treatment of dissenting Tumbleton residents, then with his wartime strategy of using children as human shields. That plan is a show-only creation, as is much of Ormund's personality. Martin only provided a sketch of Ormund, just as he does for most of Fire and Blood's characters and events. House of the Dragon is simply filling in the lines.

Corlys and Gwayne's plan for peace is completely new. Freddie Fox in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Before the Battle of Tumbleton breaks out in House of the Dragon, Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) and Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) try to use Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) as a bargaining chip to sue for peace.

Notably, neither Gwayne nor Corlys are present at the Battle of Tumbleton in Fire and Blood. Corlys never becomes a prisoner, and Gwayne is long dead by this point, slain when Rhaenyra took over King's Landing. Their plan, then, is a show-only creation, although it's in keeping with the show's repeated storylines of of people trying their best to stop inevitable bloodshed.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon's Steve Toussaint breaks down Corlys's quest for peace at Tumbleton Daemon is not at Tumbleton in Fire and Blood. Matt Smith in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Theo Whiteman / HBO

Speaking of people who aren't at Tumbleton in Fire and Blood, everyone give a warm welcome to Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith)! The King Consort is nowhere near the Battle of Tumbleton when it goes down in the book. However, his presence here makes sense, since most of the key players on Team Black in the book, aside from Roddy the Ruin (Tommy Flanagan), have been cut from the show. The show has consistently cut bit parts from the book and shuffled lead characters into their place, and here is no exception. Because let's be honest, who are viewers more likely to be invested in: Daemon, whom they've followed since Season 1, or someone they barely know, like Ser Garibald Grey?

Daeron and Tessarion get in on the action in Fire and Blood. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Instead of trying to sue for peace like he does in the show, Fire and Blood's Daeron Targaryen actually joins in on the fight on his dragon, Tessarion. The show's take on Daeron is less battle-tested, and even though he wants to take to the skies, Gwayne winds up dissuading him. While House of the Dragon leaves his fate uncertain, here's hoping the young Targaryen prince can get some airtime next season.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 finale: Is Daeron Targaryen dead? The search for Ulf the White is not in Fire and Blood. Tom Bennett in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Theo Whiteman / HBO

In an entirely new subplot, Ormund spends a good chunk of the Season 3 finale looking for Ulf the White (Tom Bennett), his final piece on the board for the battle. Ulf being Ulf, though, he had one too many pints with the lads and has wound up passed out in the privy. Fire and Blood may label him a vile turncoat, but at least it lets him keep his dignity!

After Ormund slaps Ulf around for his lateness, Ulf realizes that no matter which ruler he serves, they'll always see him as inferior. From there, he betrays yet another ally, scorching Ormund in a fiery "screw you."

Hugh Hammer also betrays Rhaenyra in Fire and Blood. Kieran Bew and Ellora Torchia in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

On the subject of vile turncoats, let's talk about Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew). In Fire and Blood, he joins Ulf in turning on Rhaenyra, and he and Vermithor help burn Tumbleton to a crisp. Fire and Blood states that history may never truly know why the Two Betrayers switched sides, although it floats both greed and cowardice as options.

House of the Dragon keeps the greed the motivation for Ulf, but it's changed Hugh and his motivations completely from the book. A brute in the source material, Hugh is a family man in the show, who's been trying to make amends with his estranged wife, Kat (Ellora Torchia). That's why he winds up in Tumbleton. He's not betraying Rhaenyra or razing armies on dragon back. Instead, he's fighting to find Kat. When he does find her, it's too late. As he grieves her loss, could this mark the start of his own turncoat arc? We're far from the book when it comes to Hugh, so we'll have to wait until Season 4 to see if he'll join Ulf in the traitor club.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max.

Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) is a legendary warrior and a key player in Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) war efforts. But in House of the Dragon's Season 3 finale, the formidable Sea Snake is all about peace.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 family tree: How Targaryens, Hightowers, and Velaryons connect

The episode sees him attempting to broker a truce between Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) and Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) before the Battle of Tumbleton. While the move is unsuccessful, it marks the culmination of Corlys' increasing disillusionment with Rhaenyra's war and its cost, both for his family and the realm as a whole.

In a conversation with Mashable, Toussaint broke down Corlys' hopes for peace, his reaction to the carnage at Tumbleton, and the Corlys scenes that didn't make the final cut.

We start the season by seeing Corlys in full battle mode at the Battle of the Gullet, but by the end of the season, he's trying his best to sue for peace. Walk me through the way he's changed and the way his thoughts on the war have changed from the Battle of the Gullet to the Battle of Tumbleton.

Steve Toussaint: I think that arc began even before this season, towards the end of Season 2. In fact, it could be argued that it started even before that. Basically, one of the things about Corlys is that he is one of the few men in the realm, outside of Daemon, who has experienced an awful lot of war and a lot of battle. Where we meet him, obviously still grieving his wife, I think he's wondering about the futility of war.

There's that famous saying that in war there's no winners. Only war itself is the winner. Corlys is coming to that conclusion, and he's also trying to obviously reconcile with his boys and set them up in some way. The last thing you want for your newly recognized children is to launch them into a world of turmoil and chaos. All of those things are playing a part, so that when we have that scene towards the end of the finale between Corlys, Gwayne, and Daemon, Corlys says, "Look, this isn't worth it. [Rhaenyra] will still be on the throne."

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' just united three generations of House Velaryon in one shot

Around episodes 2, 3, 4, and 5, there's also a sense of righteous indignation, a sense that he's been betrayed, that he's given up so much in the cause of his queen and received little, if anything, in return. A lot of that is playing into where he is at at the moment.

I like that you mention that quote about war, because we see that devastation in the final sequence at Tumbleton, where Daemon is struggling through the burning city, and Corlys winds up being the grounding presence who gets him out of there. Tell me about playing that moment, and what it means for their relationship.

One of the things I think about Daemon in that sequence, up until Corlys turns up, is that he has got to a point where he wants to be chopped down. If he's going to die, he wants to die with his sword in his hand and in battle. So I think he goes seeking that, and I think Corlys recognizes that in him. So I grab him, and in other words [say], "No, you have to live and fight another day." Basically, what he's saying is, "This is pointless. What's the point of you dying here?"

SEE ALSO: When is 'House of the Dragon' Season 4 coming out?

What does it mean for their relationship? I'm not entirely sure, because their relationship has always been one of uneasy respect for each other. I think Corlys see Daemon as clearly a formidable warrior, but sometimes something of a lone wolf. Although in this season and part of last season, Daemon is now thinking about himself and Rhaenyra, so that's a good thing. But I think Corlys recognizes where Daemon is at and steps in to save him from himself, and also the fact is he will be useful in the war that they will have to continue to fight.

That was a powerful moment. Another moment I found very effective is when we see Ulf's first attack on the army through Corlys' eyes. I'd love to hear about shooting that run across the battlefield and mustering up the fear of a dragon attack.

There are two aspects of it. There's what you go through mentally as a performer, which is first of all like, "Oh, here's one of our dragons. I know that's one of ours," and then you see what he's doing, which is like, "Oh my God, all is lost." So, that thing was — I mean, they cut my heroic dive. I did a dive, but you don't see it, unfortunately.

Oh, no!

After all that work I put in!

Having a conversation with Andrij [Parekh], our director, about what's going through his mind, it does become a scramble for survival. You don't have time at that stage to be thinking about recrimination, about how we're going to get Ulf back. At that stage, look, I just have to survive like everybody else, and so that's the impetus, the motivation to that run.

There is a shot, briefly, of Corlys as he looks and sees the devastation, and realizes again that so much of the work they put in has now gone by the wayside.

Steve Toussaint in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

We're so used to seeing Corlys in positions of power: as a lord, a commander, or a trusted voice on the Small Council. In these last two episodes, he's become a hostage. That's new to the show, and a new position for him to be in. What was your reaction when you first found out you'd be playing this new material?

I was excited. Look, you always want to try and explore different facets of the character you're playing, so it was interesting to have him, as you say, for once not be in charge of his own fate because he's in chains. Of course, he doesn't show any fear sitting at the table. [Laughs] I was disappointed that they decided to, you know, cut his finger off. I was like, "Can they just not take his ring?" But it's Westeros, so we've gotta shed blood where we can.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' gives Alys Rivers a tragic backstory that isn't in the book

Ideally, you just want to see your character put in different environments and see how he copes with them. We could have continued with him being in charge and being ambitious and angry and so forth. But no, I think it makes him much more interesting, much more compelling, which is how I felt with Season 2 and him grieving for his wife. Anything that shows you another side to the character is a good thing.

For sure. I also think that there is still quite a bit of power to him in these scenes, even though he's in chains. He's still able to command attention. Walk me through finding that kind of power in the hostage scenes, even though Corlys has physically got the short end of the stick.

Even though, as you said, he has the short end of the stick, he still sees respect in the eyes of his captors. Right from the the scene where he's having dinner with Ormund, there is a way that Ormund still tries to speak to him as an equal, and Ormond still tries to almost persuade him onto his side.

Then later on in the cell, [Corlys says] something like, "All I've got left is my honor. Do you think I would just give that away cheaply?" And I think Gwayne recognizes that in him, and I think Corlys recognizes that Gwayne recognizes that. Because often we, as human beings, we receive our values in the eyes of the people that we interact with, and I think the great thing about those performances is that they had to portray a certain amount of respect for this man. Even if they do have him in chains, he's still valuable and he's still a high-worth individual, and Corlys knows that too.

I found that uneasy alliance with Gwayne so interesting, especially in that failed peace treaty negotiation. Tell me about Corlys' mindset there, and what he is willing to do in order to treat for peace.

At that point, despite the fact that Gwayne actually is a decent soldier, I don't know that Corlys has thought that much of him. So, from the minute that they're in the cell, and then [Gwayne] says "the hard way," and then — well, we did shoot it, but we imagine the walk to where where Daemon and his guys are. During that walk, I think Corlys is just like, "Oh, there's a fool. He has no idea what he's doing."

Then, when they meet Daemon, and Gwayne starts to go and relay his plan, some of it makes sense. It actually is surprisingly sensible as far as Corlys is concerned. Not all of it, clearly, which is why he then interjects and says, "Shut up." But he's right. We can't continue with this.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 finale: Is Daeron Targaryen dead?

The moment that's key for me is when Daemon says, "What has he given you? What have they bribed you with?" And Corlys says, "Peace." That encapsulates everything about Corlys at that moment. Again, it's that whole thing we were talking about earlier in this conversation about war being futile. I think that's what he wants. Peace, not at any cost, but at a high cost. That's where Corlys is coming from in that moment. He thinks he has a plan, but the minute when I read the script and he said something like, "What you have to decide is how you want to get to Rhaenyra being queen, whether you want to have her be queen or you want a mountain of dead Hightowers," even as I was reading, I was like, "Oh, I know which way Daemon is going. Why am I even asking?"

Exactly. You mentioned that they cut the walk to Daemon, and they also cut your heroic dive. What was another Corlys moment that didn't make it into the season that you were excited about?

It's probably me maiming somebody in the Battle of the Gullet, because you do all these setups where you cut somebody's arm off. In fact, there is one sequence in the midst of the battle, where somebody comes up from behind and I swing my arakh and I get in between the legs. I just thought that was such a cool move, but that didn't make the final cut.

Oh bummer, that would have been awesome.

I know, right? There you go.

Steve Toussaint in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Corlys' descendants also get some big moments this episode. We have Baela (Bethany Antonia) standing up to Rhaenyra, and Alyn (Abubakar Salim) carrying out Rhaenyra's orders and killing the High Septon. How do you think Corlys would react to both of their actions?

Certainly with Alyn killing the High Septon, I think I would be incredibly disappointed. I don't know that Alyn had a choice, frankly, but I think that would be something else that Corlys would count as a cost to his family in their cause. I don't think he'd be happy about that.

With Baela and Rhaenyra, I think as long as Baela remains safe, I think he'd be quite pleased. It's funny, I get this stuff on social media where people are like, "Oh look, he just wants his sons to be to be his heirs," and I'm like, "Don't forget, he actually offered Driftmark to Baela." He sees her as somebody who is capable, and I think her standing up to the queen, he would approve of as long as she stayed safe.

Corlys wasn't around for the big Targaryen dragon showdown in episode 7. But if he was, how do you think he would have handled things? Because I think he would have been a good presence to have around.

Knowing Corlys, he probably would have tried to usher the others to somewhere safe. He doesn't have the love of dragons like a lot of the other characters do. Actually, he's like me with horses. I quite like horses, but I remember the first time I was on a horse, I was like, "Oh my God, I'm on a vehicle that has a mind of its own. That's kind of weird," and I think that's kind of how Corlys looks at dragons. So I think he would have been the one saying, "Quick, quick, get in the cave," or whatever it is. I don't think he should be out in the open with that.

The interview above was edited for length and clarity.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max.

House of the Dragon foreshadows character fates aplenty throughout the series, and the Season 3 finale is no exception.

In the final episode, the death of Helaena (Phia Saban) is a tragic, devastating moment, with the princess leaving behind an embroidered tapestry of prophecies for Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) to reflect on. Elsewhere, Helaena's mother, Alicent (Olivia Cooke), is in a camp in the woods, having fled from Harrenhal. Her expression shows she's aware something is wrong, as the queen dowager considers a butterfly, then two, then hundreds rising up into the sky.

This sombre moment in House of the Dragon sees a mother connected with her fallen daughter, without having to deliver the news. And these beautiful butterflies were foreshadowed earlier in the season in scenes that make it even more shattering.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 finale: Helaena's tapestry, explained

In Season 3, episode 2, right before Rhaenyra takes King's Landing, then-Queen Helaena sits in a palace garden examining a caterpillar. "This is strange," she says to her mother. "It isn't the season." Alicent hastily closes her daughter's journal, but not before seeing Helaena's studious sketch of a butterfly within it.

Helaena (Phia Saban) has always looked to nature for visions of the future. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

It's not the only moment of foreshadowing, either. In Season 3, episode 5, Helaena and Alicent are now captives in the Red Keep, under Rhaenyra's orders. They're sitting in the same garden for their allotted outdoor time, with Helaena's daughter Jaehaera (Pearl Clark), who tries to touch a caterpillar on a flowering plant. But her mother stops her. “You can’t touch that. Do you know why? They eat the leaves of the nightshade, but that would be death for you or me."

Helaena, a Dreamer who has the gift of foresight, has always found signs in nature, including insects. In Season 1, episodes 6 and 7, she studies a millipede and a spider, which grant her prophetic visions of the Dance of the Dragons itself. The caterpillar could be considered one such vessel for her own fate — cocooned in captivity and unable to fly or transform until death.

Featured Video For You 'House of the Dragon's Fabien Frankel reveals a detail from Criston Cole's death that was years in the making

For keen-eyed fans, the butterfly moment could also be a major troll toward House of the Dragon writer George R. R. Martin. In a now-deleted blog post titled "Beware the Butterflies," Martin openly criticised House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal's adaptation of his book, Fire & Blood, especially the Blood and Cheese sequence (in which Helaena's son Jaehaerys was murdered).

The author notably argued that Helaena's death could not be properly captured by the show as the production had cut the character of Maelor, another of Helaena's sons who is killed during the bloody Sack of Bitterbridge during the Dance of the Dragons (the Sack of Bitterbridge was also cut from the show). Martin claimed that without Maelor and his horrific death, the show created a "butterfly effect" that "undercut the motivation for Helaena’s suicide." In his work, the author wrote, "The horrific psychological torture and eventual gruesome death of little Maelor are precisely what drive Helaena to her breaking point."

We'll have to wait and see what Martin thinks of the Season 3 finale. However, personally, I think the scene is beautiful and tragic.

New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

This story mentions suicide. If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. You can reach the Trans Lifeline by calling 877-565-8860 or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat. Here is a list of international resources.

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House of the Dragon's Season 3 finale knocked several key characters off the board, including Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton). (Rest in peace, you odor-hating icon.) However, one Team Green member's fate is still up in the air: What's happened to Prince Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth)?

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' gives Alys Rivers a tragic backstory that isn't in the book

Ormund's reluctant king-to-be was last seen fleeing through the burning streets of Tumbleton with his uncle, Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox). However, in the battle's aftermath, Gwayne finds himself alone in the rubble, calling out for Daeron. Could the prince still be alive, or did he join Ormund in death?

House of the Dragon has always played by the rule that if you haven't seen a corpse, the character isn't dead yet. Take this season's multiple Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) fake-outs, or the return of Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall). Just like with them, we haven't seen Daeron's dead body, so we can assume he's likely survived the Battle of Tumbleton. Notably, House of the Dragon also hasn't revealed the fate of his dragon, Tessarion. Could he have escaped on dragonback and chosen to regroup?

What happens to Daeron in Fire and Blood?

While House of the Dragon does differ substantially from its source material, George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood, we can still look to the book for a blueprint of what's next for Daeron.

In the book, Daeron actually fights during the Battle of Tumbleton, flying on Tessarion to take out Rhaenyra Targaryen's (Emma D'Arcy) armies. He winds up surviving the battle and remaining in Tumbleton, where he butts heads with Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) and Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew). While we may not see that book dynamic in its entirety, especially since Hugh didn't turn against Rhaenyra's armies like Ulf did, we could still see Daeron taking on more of a leadership role as the Dance of the Dragons moves into its next phase.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max.