House of the Dragon’s Criston Cole is the screw-up who would be kingmaker

House of the Dragon’s Criston Cole is the screw-up who would be kingmaker

As a long-time fan of the Game of Thrones universe, I have grown to admire Criston Cole, portrayed by the talented Fabien Frankel. His journey from a low-born knight to the Hand of the King is one that resonates with me on a deep level. The struggles he faces in his quest for power and recognition, despite being born in an age of dragons, are all too relatable for any avid gamer or fantasy enthusiast.


Criston Cole (portrayed by Fabien Frankel) is a man deserving of songs, with an extraordinary journey from humble beginnings as a knight, promoted to the Kingsguard, appointed Lord Commander, and eventually serving as Hand to the King. This handsome knight harbors some anger within him, a common trait in this world. Yet, he maintains a strong sense of honor and gallantry, which is all that counts according to history. However, there’s one significant drawback to his character – something beyond his control: he was born during the era of dragons.

In Episode 4, Criston reached new heights with his consecutive military triumphs, gaining him widespread admiration from the people. The unexpected turn of events for a humble knight to be hailed as a “kingmaker” is a tale told through generations. However, Criston’s rise came with an abrupt fall. Amidst dragons dueling in the sky above Rook’s Rest, Criston was unseated from his horse and spent most of the battle unconscious. Though dragon battles were abundant, this pivotal sequence underscores the human experience. This significant battle marked one of the most critical days in Criston’s career, the culmination of this entire campaign. Yet, he missed it all, lying helplessly in the mud. Regardless of one’s social standing, encountering a dragon reduces an individual to mere flesh and bone.

Despite one setback after another, Criston’s journey has been marked by numerous challenges. Rising to the Kingsguard was a promotion, yet he soon realized the constraints of his role. Constantly overshadowed by royalty, he seldom has the freedom to make decisions on his own. Two failed romantic encounters with royals have left him disillusioned. Even in success, Criston is acutely aware of his vulnerability. Regardless of his efforts and accomplishments, he feels insufficient. His military may outnumber and be better equipped than Team Black, but they appear insignificant from a dragon’s vantage point. Criston has witnessed men being discarded like playthings and has experienced the destructive power of dragons. He recognizes that his conflict between men and land is an insignificant struggle compared to the greater forces at work in the world. Despite these limitations, Criston refuses to be defeated. In the face of his powerlessness, he declares this a war between dragons, not mere mortals. Unsatisfied with his position, it’s no surprise that he feels restless.

Criston firmly believes in his great value and significance, backed up by solid proof. He surpassed Daemon at the tournament and earned a spot on the Kingsguard, with battles won solely under his command. His accomplishments far outshine Aegon’s, making most seem insignificant in comparison, including formidable Prince Aemond who was once his student. Criston has already achieved the seemingly unachievable, leading to his strong conviction in his abilities and even anticipating the praises that will be sung about him.

House of the Dragon’s Criston Cole is the screw-up who would be kingmaker

Although he holds an honorable title, Criston’s position is precarious. He goes to great lengths to conceal any proof that questions his fitness for the role, such as eliminating Joffrey in season 1 and shifting blame for Jaehaerys’ death onto Ser Arryk, leading to his execution. Despite his abilities, Criston harbors an excessive pride. His relentless pursuit of validating his worth to himself and others results in repeated failures. With each passing episode, we observe the growing agitation of a man who consistently falls short of achieving greatness amidst the presence of dragons. The situation is perilous: A man obsessed with proving his own excellence, oblivious to his imperfections, finds himself living in the dragon’s wake.

As a gamer, I can relate to Criston’s unwavering belief in himself, especially when it comes to leading his team into battle. However, this stubbornness becomes a problem when the stakes are higher than ever at Rook’s Rest. The chaos of the dragon fight leaves me shaken, but instead of rethinking my decisions, I double down. I endorse Aemond as regent, knowing that he will only escalate the war. I have witnessed the devastation dragons can cause firsthand, yet I still lead my team towards destruction. I may not be evil, but in this moment, I am delicately hateable. Alicent pleads with me to join her side, but I know I cannot. This dilemma lies at the heart of the series, and I would rather see the Seven Kingdoms crumble than be on the losing team. Like everyone else in King’s Landing, I am doomed regardless of my position.

Criston’s efforts to surpass the dragons may unfortunately keep him subordinate to them. Eager to make his mark, he will spearhead the dragon war until its brutal conclusion. His name will be etched in history, at least according to his minor role in “A Feast for Crows.” Among the regrettable and imprudent actions taken by characters in “House of the Dragon,” instigating a war among dragons could prove to be the most consequential.

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2024-07-17 16:19

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