'Ruined' village on slate hillside hints at brutal House of the Dragon scenes

AN IRON ring has been thrown around a slate mine on the edge of Eryri for season three of HBO's House of the Dragon (HoTD).

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As set construction picks up pace, the whole of Dinorwig Quarry has been placed off-limits, with security guards posted around the massive complex.

Sneak pictures of the work undertaken so far suggest a ruined village is being built.

A series of fire-damaged carts and boxes have been brought to the site, along with piles of charred timber.

It's speculated the latter will be used to recreate buildings that were used in series two - showing the devastation wrought by a fire-breathing dragon.

It's widely assumed the quarry, near Llanberis, is again standing in as a HoTD backdrop as Harrenhal Castle, the largest fortification in the fictional country of Westeros.

Three other sites in the area are also rumoured to be filming locations for the Game of Thrones prequel series.

Two are thought to be in the Nant Peris pass at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), with a third by Llyn Padarn, Llanberis.

As the rest of George RR Martin's Fire & Blood storyline contains some spectacularly brutal battles, signs point to all-out war in HoTD season three.

A letter to local residents warned that scenes planned for Dinorwig include "extras in armour, horses, special effects and various props".

A casting call has also been issued for "rugged men" with "good facial hair".

The main quarry footpath will now stay shut until June 17.

Security guards have been posted at both quarry entrances - from the Nant Peris side and from the Dinorwig Bus Terminus.