The fire that consumed the corpse of Lord Beesbury in House of the Dragon Episode 9 wasn’t just a disposal of a body; it was a symbolic purging of dissent and the physical manifestation of the Greens’ treacherous coup. Beyond the literal destruction, the flames represented the burning of tradition, loyalty, and the established line of succession, paving the way for Aegon’s unlawful claim to the Iron Throne.
The Deadly Price of Loyalty: Lord Beesbury’s Fate
Lord Lyman Beesbury, Master of Coin and the only Small Council member to openly and vehemently oppose the usurpation of Rhaenyra Targaryen, met a grim end in Episode 9. His staunch adherence to the oath he swore to King Viserys I proved fatal. Rather than passively accepting Aegon’s coronation, Beesbury stood firm, declaring Rhaenyra the rightful heir. This act of defiance, however noble, was swiftly silenced.
Otto Hightower, Hand of the King, initially ordered Beesbury’s imprisonment in the black cells. However, Criston Cole, Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and a fervent supporter of Aegon, took matters into his own hands. In a fit of anger and perceived justification, Cole struck Beesbury down, ending his life and effectively silencing the last voice of reason in the council chamber.
The subsequent disposal of Beesbury’s body by fire, while seemingly pragmatic, held a deeper significance. It was a deliberate act of concealment and erasure. The Greens sought to eliminate any trace of opposition to their claim, hoping to present a unified front and solidify Aegon’s position. The fire, therefore, became a symbol of their ruthless ambition and their willingness to silence dissent at any cost. It signaled the beginning of a violent struggle for power, where loyalty to the rightful heir was punishable by death.
Deciphering the Symbolism of Fire in Westeros
The use of fire within the Game of Thrones universe, and now House of the Dragon, is rarely arbitrary. Fire often represents purification, destruction, rebirth, and power. In this instance, the fire consuming Beesbury is a perversion of those themes. It’s not a cleansing flame, but a destructive force used to obliterate truth and justice. The Greens are attempting to forge a new reality, one built on deceit and violence, and the fire serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of opposing their vision.
Furthermore, the Targaryens themselves are intrinsically linked to fire. Their history is intertwined with dragons, creatures of fire and blood. However, while Daenerys Targaryen sought to use fire as a tool of liberation, the Greens are wielding it as a weapon of oppression. This contrast highlights the fundamental difference between their ideologies and foreshadows the devastating conflict to come. The image of Beesbury’s body burning will likely remain a potent visual symbol of the Greens’ betrayal and the brutal nature of the coming war.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Aftermath
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the implications of Lord Beesbury’s death and the burning of his body:
FAQ 1: Was Lord Beesbury’s death planned from the beginning?
It’s unlikely that Lord Beesbury’s murder was a premeditated part of Otto Hightower’s initial plan. While Otto likely anticipated resistance to Aegon’s coronation, he probably intended to imprison dissenters rather than execute them. Criston Cole’s impulsive violence was a turning point, escalating the situation and forcing the Greens to cover up the act.
FAQ 2: Did anyone else know the circumstances surrounding Beesbury’s death?
Only the members of the Small Council present at the meeting witnessed Criston Cole’s act. They subsequently colluded to conceal the true circumstances of Beesbury’s death, presenting a fabricated narrative to the public. However, the secret will undoubtedly weigh heavily on their consciences, potentially leading to future conflicts and betrayals within the Greens’ camp.
FAQ 3: How does Beesbury’s death impact the legitimacy of Aegon’s claim?
Beesbury’s death severely undermines the legitimacy of Aegon’s claim. As the Master of Coin and a respected member of the Small Council, his open opposition would have carried significant weight. His sudden demise and the subsequent cover-up raise serious questions about the integrity and morality of the Greens, casting a shadow of doubt over Aegon’s ascension.
FAQ 4: Will Beesbury’s family seek revenge?
The series does not delve deeply into Beesbury’s family. It is possible that future episodes will explore their reaction to his death, but nothing is indicated so far. If Beesbury had close relatives who are powerful or influential, they might be motivated to seek revenge against the Greens, further complicating the political landscape.
FAQ 5: What alternatives could the Greens have considered instead of killing Beesbury?
The Greens could have explored several alternatives to killing Beesbury. They could have attempted to coerce him into supporting Aegon’s claim, offering him a position of power or appealing to his sense of duty. Alternatively, they could have simply imprisoned him indefinitely, preventing him from rallying support for Rhaenyra. Criston Cole’s rash decision eliminated these options, leading to a more drastic and violent course of action.
FAQ 6: How does this event change Criston Cole’s character?
Criston Cole’s act of violence cements his transformation from a noble knight into a ruthless enforcer of the Greens’ will. He demonstrates a willingness to abandon his oaths and moral principles in service of his perceived duty to the Hightowers and Aegon. This act solidifies his position as a key antagonist and a dangerous threat to Rhaenyra’s cause.
FAQ 7: What implications does this have for Rhaenyra and Daemon?
Beesbury’s death is just one of the many things that will ignite Rhaenyra and Daemon’s rage. The death of Beesbury will undoubtedly serve as further evidence of the Greens’ treachery, galvanizing Rhaenyra and Daemon to defend her claim. It will also likely strengthen their resolve to wage war, knowing that their enemies are willing to resort to murder and deception.
FAQ 8: Does burning the body have religious significance?
While burning the dead is a common practice in Westeros, especially among the Targaryens, it doesn’t necessarily have any specific religious significance for Lord Beesbury himself. The decision to burn his body was more about hiding evidence and preventing any form of memorial that could inspire opposition to Aegon’s reign.
FAQ 9: How does the show portray the ethics of war following this event?
The death of Beesbury serves as an early indicator of the escalating brutality of the Dance of the Dragons. It highlights the moral compromises and ethical violations that occur during times of conflict, where individuals are willing to sacrifice their principles for the sake of power and victory. The show clearly indicates that the war to come will be filled with unspeakable acts.
FAQ 10: Could Beesbury’s death be considered treason?
While Beesbury’s actions could be interpreted as treason by the Greens, his unwavering loyalty to King Viserys and the established line of succession could also be viewed as an act of profound integrity. Ultimately, whether his actions constitute treason depends on one’s perspective and allegiance in the ongoing conflict. From the Greens’ perspective, he was a traitor; from Rhaenyra’s, a loyal servant.
FAQ 11: What role will the Kingsguard play moving forward?
The actions of Criston Cole demonstrate the politicization of the Kingsguard, signaling a dangerous shift in their traditional role as protectors of the king. Their allegiance has become divided, with some siding with Aegon and others potentially remaining loyal to Rhaenyra. This division will likely play a significant role in the unfolding conflict, as the Kingsguard’s loyalty becomes a crucial factor in the battle for the Iron Throne.
FAQ 12: How does this event impact the perception of Otto Hightower?
While already perceived as a schemer, Otto Hightower’s initial plan of imprisoning Lord Beesbury now seems mild compared to the eventual outcome. Although he did not intend for Beesbury to be murdered, the subsequent cover-up further solidifies his reputation as a cunning and ruthless manipulator willing to sacrifice anyone for the sake of his family’s ambition. His willingness to ignore the murder solidifies him as a villain and someone who will do anything to achieve his goals.
The burning of Lord Beesbury’s body represents far more than just the disposal of a corpse. It symbolizes the destruction of loyalty, the suppression of dissent, and the ruthless ambition that fuels the Dance of the Dragons. The fire serves as a potent reminder of the brutal consequences of betrayal and the high price of power in Westeros. As the conflict escalates, the memory of Beesbury’s fate will undoubtedly serve as a rallying cry for those who remain loyal to Rhaenyra Targaryen and the rightful line of succession.