An epic history of the centuries before Game of Thrones begins to unfold in a special animated feature from the season 7 DVD.

Narrated by Harry Lloyd as Viserys Targaryen, the Animated History of the Seven Kingdoms begins far across the Narrow Sea in the freehold of Valyria. This first clip from chapter one, titled “Valyria’s Last Scion: House Targaryen,” sets the scene for the dragon lords rise and fall — and the fateful flight of one family to the shores of Westeros.

The Animated History of the Seven Kingdoms continues the tradition of expanding the vast mythology of George R.R. Martin’s world on the Game of Thrones box sets. This time, though, history geeks can luxuriate in a 45-minute extra disc devoted exclusively to this intricate lore, included for a limited time in the Game of Thrones season 7 DVD and Blu-ray sets.

Though Prince Viserys is not exactly an objective narrator, fascinating strains of historical truth are elucidated through his telling. The wild debauchery of old Valyria is crystalized, though the freehold’s destruction remains a mystery. Viserys may be skeptical of the prophetic vision that may have driven his forebears to Dragonstone, but he is also well-versed in the only partially familiar political structure of pre-conquest Westeros.

While there probably won’t be an excess of new material for hardcore fans of A Song of Ice and Fire (if you know who Daenys the Dreamer is, you’re already ahead of the game) the Animated History of the Seven Kingdoms looks like a fascinating and beautiful addition to Game of Thrones lore.

And, of course, with the past becoming ever more critical to the present on Game of Thrones, maybe we can hope for a few hints to the future as well.

The Game of Thrones season 7 DVD and Blu-ray will be available for purchase on Dec. 12.