How That Alicent and Rhaenyra Meeting Completely Changes Our Understanding of the Dance of Dragons

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As a historian who has spent decades poring over the annals of Westeros, I must say that the actions of these two formidable women – Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower – have left me both awestruck and dismayed in equal measure.

As a longtime fan of George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series, I must issue a heartfelt warning to fellow enthusiasts: brace yourself for the Season 2 finale of House of the Dragon, as it delves deep into territory already explored in Fire & Blood, potentially revealing spoilers that may shatter the suspense and surprise of those who have yet to read the book. Having navigated the labyrinthine twists and turns of Westeros for decades, I speak from personal experience when I say that these tales are best consumed without prior knowledge of their outcomes. So heed this advice, dear reader, and may the winds of luck guide you through the tumultuous seas of House Targaryen.

Fans of “House of the Dragons” were surprised by a truce-like situation instead of the anticipated epic battle at the end of Season 2. In an unusual meeting, the two queens, Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) and Alicent (Olivia Cooke), agreed that Rhaenyra would advance towards King’s Landing. Alicent, whose son Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) is heading to the Riverlands, will grant entry to Rhaenyra without putting up resistance. In a surprising twist, Alicent consents to sacrifice her eldest son, Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney), whom Rhaenyra requires to eliminate in order to strengthen her claim. As compensation, Alicent will be permitted to take her daughter Helaena (Phia Saban) and granddaughter Jaehaera away from King’s Landing to enjoy a tranquil existence.

In a stark contrast to “Fire & Blood,” George R.R. Martin’s fictional Targaryen chronicle, the series “House of the Dragon” derives its foundation. Unlike “Fire & Blood,” which presents various Maester accounts with their individual biases, this narrative focuses on one consistent timeline. However, there is unanimous agreement among these writers regarding a significant event: The Greens and the Blacks enter into a full-blown conflict around the story’s pivotal point. Numerous battles ensue, starting with Team Green, supported by Triarchy pirates, attempting to breach House Velaryon’s defense at the Battle of the Gullet. Dragons engage in combat. Both factions sustain substantial casualties. Not until after these skirmishes does Rhaenyra make her move for King’s Landing.

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Previously, the series has deviated from the source material of the books. The show often attempts to provide additional context or portray events that occurred before they were distorted by historians in “Fire & Blood”. It also introduces the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy, a significant point of conflict between Rhaenyra and Alicent, which is not mentioned in the books. Contrary to the texts, where Rhaenyra is mostly absent during this period due to a miscarriage, the show has already depicted a clandestine encounter between these two women in Episode 3. In this instance, Rhaenyra, disguised as a septa, infiltrated King’s Landing to meet with Alicent secretly, aiming to prevent war.

It’s understandable that the series might feature another meeting between Rhaenyra and Alicent, as this would help refocus the predominantly male narrative on its strong female leads. By bringing these talented actresses together, it creates an opportunity for compelling scenes that highlight their characters’ struggles in preventing a disastrous outcome – turning the Dance of Dragons into a tale not just about fiery beasts, but two women desperately striving to avoid a catastrophe.

In addition, this gathering seems to alter the sequence of events during the Dance of Dragons. The series might be omitting several battles (which appears improbable since Season 2 ended with a sequence showing armies from across Westeros preparing for war), rearranging the order of incidents, or making the casualties in these conflicts seemingly meaningless if it’s revealed that Rhaenyra and Alicent had secretly agreed on Rhaenyra claiming the Iron Throne beforehand.

As a dedicated fan of George R.R. Martin’s epic saga, I delve into the intricacies of the latest scene from ‘Fire & Blood’, scrutinizing its departures from our familiar tale, and pondering the potential implications for the unfolding series. Let’s embark on this exciting exploration together!

Alicent admits she treated Rhaenyra unfairly

Similarly to how Rhaenyra managed to enter King’s Landing undetected earlier this season, Alicent is able to visit Dragonstone without anyone in her family noticing – an impressive accomplishment given that Prince Regent Aemond had barred the gates of King’s Landing some episodes back. It appears security measures have become less stringent in Westeros.

In their encounter, Alicent confesses that her self-righteous behavior throughout the season was misplaced. She admits to having unfairly shamed Rhaenyra for having a lover and hypocritically judging her when Alicent herself later formed a relationship. Moreover, she acknowledges that it was incorrect of her to support her dimwitted son as king instead of her capable friend.

Essentially, Alicent chose allegiance with the patriarchal structure (her father, husband, sons, and even Criston Cole, who could be considered the world’s most toxic boyfriend), all while undermining her friend Rhaenyra. It came as no surprise to her when these same men eventually pushed her aside. In Season 1, Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best) warned Alicent, “You yearn not for freedom but to create a peephole in the walls of your prison.” Now, Alicent is determined to orchestrate an escape from her confinement.

She explains to Rhaenyra:

Alicent: I was raised to believe there was an order to things, that there was security in following the path laid out for us. I resented you, I think, for caring so little for any of it, for knowing what you wanted. I did not know what I wanted. I knew only what was expected of me.
Rhaenyra: Why have you come here?
Alicent: Because I lost my way—or rather it was taken from me. All those I put my faith in—my husband, my father, my lover…
Rhaenyra: Oh the incorruptible queen sullies herself with a lover.
Alicent: Do not judge me for what you yourself have done. Your father died, I took comfort with another. I too have desires.
Rhaenyra: Yes, but you alone made virtue your banner.
Alicent: And I clung to it, in defiance of you, I think, who so disdained it. I have been alone of late. I walked outside the walls of the city, and I felt a weight lifted from me.
Rhaenyra: How lovely for you.
Alicent: I thought for the first time what I would choose if not for the duty I put before all else.
Rhaenyra: Shall you cast your son down and rule alone?
Alicent: No, I do not wish to rule. I wish to live, to be free of all this endless plotting and striving…I would take my daughter and her child and leave it all behind.
Rhaenyra: It’s too late, Alicent. You said it yourself: Blood has been shed, cities burned, armies march, and you wish to wash your hands of what you yourself set in motion.

Alicent almost admits she was wrong about the prophecy

Alicent appears to be contemplative and almost on the verge of acknowledging her misunderstanding of Viserys’ final wishes, which ultimately led to conflict between Rhaenyra and Aegon. However, instead of delving into her past mistakes, she subtly changes the topic to her deceased husband. She shares with Rhaenyra a personal detail about Viserys, revealing that despite their affection for each other, Viserys held a lifelong love for Rhaenyra’s mother, Aemma, even after she had passed away.

Alicent: It was his love for her the kept him resolute in his choice of heir.
Rhaenyra: And yet you believe he wavered at the end. Why have you come here?

Alicent doesn’t respond in this moment; instead, she looks away, suggesting that she may now understand what Rhaenyra shared earlier this season: It seems that when Viserys mentioned an “Aegon” on his deathbed, he was referring to Aegon the Conqueror and the prophecy of Ice and Fire, not Alicent’s son Aegon.

Alicent plots to help Rhaenyra defeat her sons

Alicent proposes a strategy to Rhaenyra: If Aemond, riding his colossal dragon Vhagar, heads towards Harrenhal where Daemon has amassed troops for Rhaenyra’s cause, then Rhaenyra can seize the opportunity and fly to King’s Landing. In this situation, Queen Helaena, Alicent’s daughter, would be in control of the city’s defense, ensuring minimal resistance.

In the books, Rhaenyra and Daemon launch a sudden attack on King’s Landing while Aemond is occupied in the Riverlands. Alicent revealing Aemond’s strategies to Rhaenyra provides an explanation for how they managed to execute this surprise assault successfully. (Spoiler alert)

Yet, a disagreement arises between the two ladies as they ponder over the future of King Aegon, who’s yet to fully heal from the burns sustained during the Battle of Rook’s Rest.

Alicent: Aemond will soon fly to join Cole in the Riverlands. When he is gone, Helaena as queen will be the crown’s authority. If you come then to King’s landing, I will see to it that her guards throw down their arms, we will open the gates, we will shed no blood. You will enter as a conquerer. You already have the stronger hand. Once you take the throne, this senseless war must end.
Rhaenyra: What of Aegon?
Alicent: He is broken beyond recognition. He lies in the dark in pain and terror. He has many faults but if he still heeds his mother, I believe I can prevail upon him to bend the knee.
Rhaenyra: No, still, you defend him. Still you imagine you can have all you want without pain, a price I have no choice but to pay.
Alicent: This will set things right.
Rhaenyra: If I am to take the throne, I must put an end to the opposition. I must take Aegon’s head and do it for all to see. You know this. However you may try to evade it, you know this. Choose. Will you shrink from what you set out to do or will you see it through and make your sacrifice? A son for a son.

As a movie reviewer, I recently found myself pondering the poignant finale of “Game of Thrones” prequel series, “House of the Dragon.” In an exclusive chat with TIME, Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower) shed light on a heart-wrenching scene where Alicent, after much internal struggle, consents to allow Rhaenyra Targaryen to execute her son, Aegon. This tragic decision, it seems, is key to strengthening her claim to the Iron Throne.

Let’s focus on the point where Rhaenyra exclaims, “A son for a son.” Indeed, in the Season 1 finale, it was Aemond, Alicent’s son, who ended up killing Lucerys, Rhaenyra’s son. Seeking retribution, Rhaenyra aimed to eliminate Aemond. However, Daemon made an error and had Jaeherys, the firstborn son and heir of Aegon, killed instead. Sadly, two young lives, both innocent, have been lost. Strangely, it seems that in Rhaenyra’s eyes, Jaeherys doesn’t hold much significance as she still desires one of Alicent’s sons to perish.

If Aegon had survived, it’s likely that others would have risen in rebellion on his behalf, even without a direct challenge to the throne. There’s a sense that something more profound is at play here. It appears that the vicious cycle of retribution has already started, and it seems almost impossible to halt its progression.

Despite the circumstances, Alicent chose to allow the death of her oldest child. No matter how one may view Alicent, it’s clear she has always prioritized protecting her children from harm. This was evident when she intervened after Aemond lost his eye in a squabble with Rhaenyra, and again during Season 2’s riot, where she put herself between Helaena and the danger. To intentionally part with Aegon is not just a sacrifice, it’s a significant transformation in her character. Rhaenyra later acknowledges this shift.

Rhaenyra: You are much changed.
Alicent: Let us be done with this. Please.
Rhaenyra: And what do I do with you now?
Alicent: You let me go to do what I promised, and you fly to the Red Keep in three day’s time and you take your throne, or you take me for a liar. I have neither weapon nor armor. My life itself is forfeit. I cast myself at the mercy of a friend who once loved me.

A three-day span isn’t much for events to unfold. Is it likely that the Battle of the Gullet will occur before Rhaenyra tries to seize King’s Landing next season? Or could the skirmishes, which have already begun, disrupt this peace agreement between these two women instead?

No matter how Season 3 unfolds, book readers are aware that future generations will have varying perspectives on these two women. In a self-fulfilling prophecy reminiscent of the narrative in “Fire & Blood”, Rhaenyra foreshadows Alicent’s portrayal in historical records—much like her character is depicted in the book. She is foretold to bear the blame for numerous events. For instance, in the book, Alicent is blamed for closing the gates of King’s Landing (an action taken by Aemond in the series) and inciting war through various means we won’t reveal. Overall, she is predominantly cast as a villainous figure.

Rhaenyra: History will paint you the villain—cold queen grasping for power then defeated.
Alicent: Have them think what they must. I am at last myself with no ambition greater than to walk where I please and breathe the open air, to die unremarked, unnoticed, and be free.

In simpler terms, it appears Alicent is now heeding Rhaenys’ warning from Season 1, where she was essentially being told she was only making an opening in her own cage. We’re still unsure how this will play out in relation to Alicent’s storyline in the books.

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2024-08-05 06:08