Last episode of House of the Dragon, “The Green Council,” saw the usurpation of the Iron Throne by the Greens, Aegon II’s faction, following Viserys I Targaryen’s death. The episode meticulously detailed the power grab, the machinations within the Red Keep, and the desperate attempts of some to maintain the King’s supposed wishes, all culminating in a tense and uncertain future for Westeros.
The Greens Seize Control
The episode opened not with grief, but with conspiracy. The small council, already heavily skewed towards the Hightower faction, convened to discuss the implications of King Viserys’s death. Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, swiftly took charge, revealing a pre-planned strategy to install Aegon II Targaryen on the Iron Throne. Queen Alicent Hightower, though seemingly conflicted, initially believed Viserys’s last whispers referred to Aegon. This misinterpretation, whether genuine or strategic, became the cornerstone of their claim.
The council was sharply divided. Lord Beesbury, the Master of Coin, vehemently opposed the blatant disregard of Viserys’s declared heir, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. He was quickly silenced, highlighting the ruthlessness of the Hightowers and their supporters. The subsequent scenes depicted the rounding up of dissenters, the manipulation of oaths, and the careful choreography of events to present a united front to the people of King’s Landing. The episode masterfully built tension, illustrating the speed and efficiency with which the Greens moved to consolidate their power.
Aegon’s reluctance to embrace the throne became apparent. He preferred the hedonistic pleasures of King’s Landing to the responsibilities of ruling. Alicent, pressured by her father, pleaded with Aegon to accept his destiny, appealing to his sense of duty and the potential dangers Rhaenyra posed to their family. This internal conflict within the Green faction added a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. The episode climaxed with Aegon’s coronation, a lavish spectacle held in the Dragonpit, marking the formal declaration of war against Rhaenyra and her supporters. The stolen crown of Aegon the Conqueror, placed upon Aegon II’s head, symbolized the blatant disregard for established succession and the impending bloodshed.
Major Developments and Character Arcs
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Alicent’s Dilemma: Alicent grappled with the implications of her actions, oscillating between genuine belief in her father’s narrative and a growing unease with the consequences. She sought to temper the more aggressive elements of the Green Council’s plan, specifically advocating against killing Rhaenyra.
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Otto Hightower’s Ruthlessness: Otto demonstrated his unwavering commitment to securing the throne for his bloodline, employing deception, coercion, and violence to achieve his goals. He was the driving force behind the coup, expertly manipulating events to his advantage.
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Aegon’s Unwillingness: Aegon’s initial reluctance to rule revealed his immaturity and lack of interest in the political landscape of Westeros. His eventual acceptance of the crown, spurred by his mother, solidified his role as a key player in the coming conflict.
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The Seeds of Resistance: The episode also highlighted the nascent seeds of resistance against the Green Council. Figures like Ser Erryk Cargyll, who stole the crown of Jaehaerys I, signaled a potential counter-movement in support of Rhaenyra’s claim.
FAQs: Unpacking the Green Council’s Coup
Below are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the events and implications of “The Green Council.”
Understanding the Aftermath
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FAQ 1: Why did the Greens move so quickly after Viserys’s death? The speed was crucial. They needed to secure key positions within the city guard, control the flow of information, and prevent Rhaenyra’s supporters from mobilizing. A swift and decisive action was essential to prevent a civil war from being averted. Delays would have risked their entire plan. The element of surprise was their greatest asset.
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FAQ 2: What specific advantages did the Greens have over Rhaenyra’s faction at this point? The Greens controlled King’s Landing, the Red Keep, and the Iron Throne. They had the city guard under their command, access to the royal treasury, and the support of powerful houses within the Crownlands. They also had the element of surprise and the perception of legitimacy due to Aegon’s presence in King’s Landing.
Exploring Character Motivations
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FAQ 3: Was Alicent genuinely mistaken about Viserys’s last words? It’s debatable. The ambiguity of Viserys’s final words allows for multiple interpretations. While Alicent might genuinely believe she was fulfilling his wishes, it’s also possible she deliberately misinterpreted them to further her own ambitions, or, more likely, to placate her father’s plans. The show leaves enough room for ambiguity to keep the audience guessing.
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FAQ 4: What motivated Ser Erryk Cargyll to steal the crown? Erryk was a sworn member of the Kingsguard, bound by oath to protect the royal family and uphold the rightful succession. He likely believed that Rhaenyra was the rightful heir and saw the coronation of Aegon as a betrayal of his oath. This highlights the inner conflict and divided loyalties within the Kingsguard.
Implications for the Targaryen Dynasty
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FAQ 5: How does Aegon’s coronation affect the Targaryen dynasty? Aegon’s coronation plunges the Targaryen dynasty into a devastating civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons. It fractures the family and weakens their power, ultimately leading to significant losses and instability. This event marks a turning point for the Targaryens, setting the stage for their eventual decline.
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FAQ 6: Is there any chance of a peaceful resolution between the Greens and the Blacks? At this point, a peaceful resolution seems unlikely. The coronation of Aegon is a blatant act of usurpation, and Rhaenyra is unlikely to accept this betrayal without a fight. The deep-seated animosity between Alicent and Rhaenyra, coupled with the ambitious machinations of Otto Hightower, further diminishes the prospects of a peaceful outcome.
Analyzing the Political Landscape
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FAQ 7: Which houses are most likely to support the Greens? Houses that traditionally allied with the Hightowers, particularly those in the Reach, are most likely to support the Greens. These include powerful houses like the Tyrells (though they are not explicitly mentioned yet), and potentially some of the smaller houses within the Reach who have benefited from Hightower influence.
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FAQ 8: Which houses are most likely to support the Blacks? Houses that swore fealty to Rhaenyra when she was named heir, particularly those in the Vale, the Riverlands, and the North, are most likely to support the Blacks. The loyalty of these houses is crucial to Rhaenyra’s claim and her ability to wage war against the Greens.
Strategic Considerations of the War
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FAQ 9: What are the Greens’ immediate priorities after Aegon’s coronation? Their immediate priorities include securing King’s Landing, consolidating their power base, and sending assassins to kill Rhaenyra, and solidifying alliances to legitimize their claim on the Iron Throne by force. They must also control the flow of information and suppress any dissent within the capital.
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FAQ 10: What are Rhaenyra’s strategic advantages and disadvantages going forward? Rhaenyra’s main advantage is her dragons. She and her family are dragonriders. Dragons are powerful weapons. She also enjoys the support of loyal houses and a claim based on Viserys’s original decree. Her main disadvantages are her distance from King’s Landing, her vulnerability to assassination, and the fact that she is pregnant.
Looking Ahead
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FAQ 11: How will the control of dragons affect the Dance of the Dragons? Dragons are the ultimate weapon in Westeros, and the side with more dragons will have a significant advantage in the war. The Dance of the Dragons will be largely defined by dragon battles, and the fate of Westeros will ultimately depend on who controls the skies.
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FAQ 12: What key characters should viewers keep an eye on in the coming episodes? Viewers should pay close attention to Alicent Hightower, Otto Hightower, Aegon II Targaryen, Rhaenyra Targaryen, Daemon Targaryen, and the various lords and ladies who will pledge their allegiance to either the Greens or the Blacks. Their actions and decisions will shape the course of the Dance of the Dragons and determine the future of the Targaryen dynasty.