House of the Dragon episode 9, “The Green Council,” sees the Dance of the Dragons officially begin as the Greens, led by Alicent Hightower and Otto Hightower, seize control of King’s Landing and crown Aegon II Targaryen as king, defying Viserys’s clear wishes and setting the stage for a brutal civil war. This dramatic installment exposes the simmering tensions within the Hightower faction and solidifies the inevitable clash with Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Black faction.
The Succession Coup: A Night of Whispers and Deceit
Episode 9 meticulously portrays the chaos and power plays following King Viserys’s death. The Green Council, a gathering of key figures loyal to Alicent and Otto Hightower, convenes to decide the fate of the Iron Throne. Their discussions are fraught with tension, revealing deep divisions within the council itself. Some, like Lord Beesbury, staunchly defend Rhaenyra’s rightful claim, while others, driven by ambition or fear, eagerly endorse Aegon II. Lord Beesbury’s unwavering loyalty ultimately leads to his tragic demise, a stark illustration of the episode’s ruthless atmosphere.
Unraveling Otto’s Scheme
Otto Hightower’s intricate plan to secure the throne for Aegon II is revealed. He had already spent years meticulously building alliances and positioning individuals within the King’s Landing power structure. This careful orchestration allows him to swiftly mobilize the City Watch and other key forces, effectively locking down the Red Keep and preventing any dissent from spreading. The speed and efficiency of his operation highlight the extent of his preparations and the unwavering dedication of his followers.
Alicent’s Moral Dilemma
While Alicent initially believes she is acting in accordance with Viserys’s supposed final wish (a misunderstanding fueled by his deathbed delirium), she struggles with the ramifications of her actions. She grapples with the moral implications of usurping Rhaenyra’s birthright and the potential for devastating war. However, the pervasive influence of her father, Otto, and the compelling arguments of others ultimately push her towards supporting Aegon’s claim. This internal conflict adds a layer of complexity to Alicent’s character, making her a more nuanced and compelling figure.
The Hunt for Aegon: A King Reluctant to Rule
A significant portion of the episode focuses on the desperate search for Aegon II Targaryen, Viserys’s eldest son, within the brothels and fighting pits of King’s Landing. Aegon’s reluctance to embrace the responsibilities of kingship is palpable. He displays a hedonistic lifestyle and a deep-seated insecurity about his abilities, contrasting sharply with the image of a strong and decisive ruler. This hunt reveals the darker underbelly of King’s Landing and further underscores the precarious nature of Aegon’s claim.
The Cargyll Twins’ Clash
The quest to locate Aegon leads to a pivotal confrontation between the Cargyll twins, Erryk and Arryk. Erryk, disgusted by the planned usurpation, defects to Rhaenyra’s side, smuggling Viserys’s crown out of the Red Keep. Arryk, remaining loyal to the Greens, intercepts him. Their fraternal bond is tested, foreshadowing the devastating familial conflicts that will define the Dance of the Dragons. This brief but poignant scene highlights the personal cost of the coming war.
The Crowning: A Fateful Ceremony
Despite his initial reluctance, Aegon II is eventually crowned in a lavish ceremony before the people of King’s Landing. The public reaction is mixed, with some cheering his ascension and others expressing unease or confusion. The episode ends with Aegon standing atop the Iron Throne, the symbolic weight of his new role heavy upon his shoulders. The scene is punctuated by the arrival of Rhaenys Targaryen on her dragon, Meleys, who makes a dramatic escape, choosing not to unleash fire upon the assembled crowd but signaling a declaration of war to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why did the Greens crown Aegon II so quickly after Viserys’s death?
The Greens acted swiftly to preempt any attempt by Rhaenyra to claim the throne. Otto Hightower had a plan in place, and speed was crucial to consolidate their power and prevent any organized resistance. They feared Rhaenyra’s allies might arrive in King’s Landing and challenge their claim.
Q2: What was Alicent’s understanding of Viserys’s last words?
Alicent misinterpreted Viserys’s delirium-induced ramblings about Aegon the Conqueror and the song of ice and fire as a declaration that he wished Aegon II to succeed him. She believed she was honoring her husband’s final wish, though Viserys was actually referring to Rhaenyra’s lineage and the threat from the North.
Q3: How did the Green Council ensure control of King’s Landing?
The Green Council utilized the City Watch, under the command of Ser Criston Cole, to secure the Red Keep and prevent any information about Viserys’s death or the coup from reaching Rhaenyra. They also arrested key figures loyal to Rhaenyra, further solidifying their control.
Q4: Why was Aegon II hesitant to become king?
Aegon II is portrayed as irresponsible, immature, and lacking in ambition. He prefers drinking and indulging in pleasures over the responsibilities of leadership. He doubts his ability to rule effectively and fears the weight of the crown.
Q5: What role did Larys Strong play in the episode?
Larys Strong acts as Alicent’s master of whisperers and provides her with crucial information. He is instrumental in securing the Green’s position, even resorting to gruesome tactics like the murder of Lord Beesbury to eliminate opposition. His loyalty lies with Alicent, and he is a cunning and ruthless player in the game of thrones.
Q6: Why didn’t Rhaenys burn the Green Council when she had the chance?
While Rhaenys could have decimated the Green Council with Meleys’s dragonfire, she ultimately chose not to. The reasons are debated, but likely include a desire to avoid killing innocent bystanders, the potential for irreparable damage to the Red Keep, and a calculated decision to deliver a powerful message to Rhaenyra and the Black faction, signaling the official start of the war.
Q7: What does the escape of Erryk Cargyll with Viserys’s crown signify?
Erryk Cargyll’s defection and theft of Viserys’s crown represent a symbolic transfer of legitimacy to Rhaenyra’s claim. The crown is a tangible symbol of the King’s authority, and its presence with Rhaenyra strengthens her position.
Q8: Who are the key members of the Green Council?
Key members include Otto Hightower, Alicent Hightower, Ser Criston Cole, Lord Larys Strong, and other powerful lords and ladies who support Aegon’s claim. Their influence and resources are crucial to the Green’s success.
Q9: How does the episode portray the ordinary people of King’s Landing?
The episode shows a diverse reaction among the people of King’s Landing to Aegon’s coronation. Some are enthusiastic, while others are wary or indifferent. This highlights the uncertainty and potential unrest that could arise as the Dance of the Dragons escalates.
Q10: What is the significance of the song about Aegon the Conqueror mentioned in the episode?
The “song of ice and fire” refers to Aegon the Conqueror’s vision of a future threat from the North that could only be defeated by a united Targaryen dynasty. Viserys intended Rhaenyra to continue this legacy, but his words are misinterpreted, leading to the conflict.
Q11: How does this episode set up the rest of the season/series?
Episode 9 establishes the opposing sides of the Dance of the Dragons and provides a clear understanding of the motivations and strategies of the Greens. It sets the stage for a devastating civil war that will engulf Westeros and shape the future of the Targaryen dynasty.
Q12: What are the main differences between the book and the show in terms of the events of episode 9?
While the show largely follows the broad strokes of George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, some details are altered for dramatic effect and pacing. The circumstances surrounding Viserys’s deathbed confession are slightly different, and certain characters’ motivations may be portrayed with more nuance in the show. The overall impact, however, remains the same: a fractured kingdom and the imminent eruption of war.