The hanging in House of the Dragon Episode 9, “The Green Council,” serves as a stark reminder of the swift and often brutal justice dispensed in Westeros. It was Lord Lyman Beesbury, the Lord of Honeyholt and Master of Coin, who met this grim fate.
The Offending Opinion and Its Repercussions
Lord Beesbury was the only member of the small council to openly oppose the succession of Aegon II Targaryen. He maintained that King Viserys I Targaryen had named his daughter, Rhaenyra Targaryen, as his heir, a declaration that should be honored. This defiant stance, seen as treason by the Greens, the faction supporting Aegon’s claim, proved fatal.
The Council’s Division
The episode vividly portrays the fractured state of the small council following King Viserys’ death. While Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, and Alicent Hightower, the Queen, maneuvered to place Aegon on the Iron Throne, Lord Beesbury voiced his resolute opposition. He argued that their actions were a betrayal of Viserys’ wishes and a threat to the stability of the realm.
Ser Criston Cole’s Brutal Act
Furious at Beesbury’s refusal to bend to their will, and seeing him as a direct threat to their carefully orchestrated plan, Ser Criston Cole, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, took matters into his own hands. Cole silenced Beesbury permanently, ending his life with a swift and shocking act of violence. This act demonstrated the lengths to which the Greens were willing to go to secure Aegon’s ascension.
The Significance of Beesbury’s Death
Beesbury’s death holds significant weight within the context of the series. It represents:
- The erosion of honor and loyalty: He was one of the few remaining figures who genuinely seemed to value his oath to the King.
- The escalating conflict: His murder marks a turning point, solidifying the Greens’ ruthless resolve and signaling the beginning of open hostilities.
- The corruption of power: It exemplifies how power can corrupt, leading individuals like Criston Cole to commit acts of violence in the name of ambition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lord Lyman Beesbury and Episode 9
FAQ 1: Was Lord Beesbury’s death planned from the start?
It’s highly unlikely that Beesbury’s death was explicitly planned in advance as a pre-determined strategy. However, Otto Hightower likely anticipated resistance and was prepared to deal with it swiftly. Beesbury’s unwavering loyalty to Rhaenyra made him an immediate obstacle that the Greens couldn’t afford to ignore. Ser Criston Cole’s action was more likely a spur-of-the-moment decision driven by his volatile temperament and unwavering support for Alicent and Aegon.
FAQ 2: Did Alicent Hightower order Beesbury’s execution?
While Alicent was aware of the plan to install Aegon on the throne and actively participated in it, there’s no direct evidence that she specifically ordered Beesbury’s execution. She seemed taken aback by Criston Cole’s violence. However, her tacit approval of the overall plan makes her complicit in the events that led to his death.
FAQ 3: What was Beesbury’s role in the small council before his death?
Lord Beesbury served as the Master of Coin. He was responsible for managing the finances of the realm, including collecting taxes, overseeing royal spending, and maintaining the royal treasury. His expertise and experience were crucial to the smooth functioning of the kingdom.
FAQ 4: How did Beesbury’s death affect the stability of the realm?
Beesbury’s death, while seemingly a singular event, contributed to the overall instability of the realm. It further divided the court and demonstrated the Greens’ willingness to use violence to achieve their goals. This created an atmosphere of fear and distrust, pushing the kingdom closer to civil war. The loss of his financial expertise also likely had ramifications for the realm’s economy in the long run.
FAQ 5: Was Lord Beesbury a popular figure in the realm?
While not explicitly stated, Beesbury’s long tenure on the small council suggests he was respected and trusted. He was seen as a loyal servant of the crown and a man of integrity. However, his popularity among the common people is unknown. He was likely more respected within the noble houses and circles of power.
FAQ 6: What was the significance of Beesbury’s refusal to support Aegon?
Beesbury’s refusal was significant because it represented a principled stance against what he perceived as a usurpation of the throne. He believed in upholding the established line of succession and honoring Viserys’ explicit wishes. His defiance highlighted the moral conflict at the heart of the succession crisis and demonstrated the depth of support Rhaenyra held, even within the Green faction’s inner circle.
FAQ 7: Did other members of the small council disagree with Aegon’s ascension?
While other members might have had reservations, they ultimately succumbed to the pressure exerted by Otto Hightower and the other key figures in the Green Council. Some may have been motivated by ambition, while others feared the consequences of opposing the Greens. Only Beesbury voiced open opposition before his death.
FAQ 8: How did Beesbury’s death differ from other deaths in House of the Dragon?
Unlike many deaths in the series which are often results of battle, conspiracy or intrigue, Beesbury’s death was a direct act of political violence. It was a stark display of the Greens’ willingness to silence dissent and consolidate their power, carried out not in the heat of battle but in a council chamber.
FAQ 9: What were the immediate consequences of Beesbury’s death for the Green Council?
The immediate consequence was the removal of a dissenting voice. It allowed the Green Council to proceed with their plans to install Aegon on the Iron Throne without further open opposition from within their ranks. However, it also likely created a sense of unease and fear among some members of the council, realizing the lengths to which the Hightowers and Criston Cole were willing to go.
FAQ 10: How does Lord Beesbury’s character compare to other members of the small council?
Lord Beesbury stands out for his steadfast loyalty and adherence to principle. He represents a sense of old-fashioned honor in a world increasingly defined by ambition and political maneuvering. Unlike characters like Otto Hightower or Larys Strong, Beesbury doesn’t seem driven by personal gain or a lust for power, but by a genuine desire to serve the realm and uphold the rightful succession.
FAQ 11: What lessons can be learned from Beesbury’s fate?
Beesbury’s fate serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political dissent and the importance of loyalty. It highlights the brutal realities of power and the consequences of standing against those who wield it. While his actions were brave, they ultimately cost him his life. However, his unwavering commitment to principle also offers a reminder of the importance of standing up for what one believes in, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
FAQ 12: How does Beesbury’s death impact the future events of the Dance of the Dragons?
Lord Beesbury’s death can be seen as a catalyst for the Dance of the Dragons. It signaled the Greens’ willingness to resort to violence to secure their claim to the throne, pushing the realm closer to open war. It also solidified Rhaenyra’s determination to fight for her birthright, knowing that her opponents were willing to kill to prevent her from ruling. His death, although seemingly small, was a critical step on the road to the brutal civil war. The vacuum left by his expertise in managing the treasury is also expected to influence the progression of the war.