House of the Dragon episode 9, titled “The Green Council,” premiered on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at 9 PM ET on HBO and HBO Max. This pivotal episode marked a significant turning point in the Dance of the Dragons, setting the stage for the escalating conflict between the Greens and the Blacks.
The Significance of Episode 9
Episode 9 is arguably one of the most crucial installments in the entire first season of House of the Dragon. Its significance stems from several key factors:
- The Death of King Viserys I Targaryen: The episode opens with the immediate aftermath of Viserys’s death, a moment the entire season had been building towards. This event unleashes the pent-up tensions and ambitions within the Targaryen court.
- The Green Council’s Conspiracy: The episode revolves around the Green Council, a clandestine group of loyalists to Aegon II Targaryen, plotting to usurp the Iron Throne from Viserys’s chosen heir, Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen.
- The Crowning of Aegon II: The episode culminates in the controversial and hasty crowning of Aegon II as King, solidifying the division of the realm and triggering the Dance of the Dragons.
- The Lack of Rhaenyra’s Presence: Rhaenyra is absent from King’s Landing during these crucial events, highlighting her vulnerability and setting her up for a response in subsequent episodes. This absence dramatically intensifies the conflict.
Exploring the Core Events of “The Green Council”
The narrative unfolds within the Red Keep, illustrating the power struggles and betrayals that characterize the Targaryen court. Here’s a breakdown of the key events:
- Otto Hightower’s Orchestration: Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, plays a central role in manipulating events to secure Aegon’s claim. He navigates the treacherous political landscape with cunning and ruthlessness.
- Alicent Hightower’s Dilemma: Alicent, driven by what she believes were Viserys’s dying wishes, grapples with the moral implications of defying her husband’s clearly stated desire for Rhaenyra to succeed him.
- Aegon II’s Reluctance: Despite being proclaimed King, Aegon II displays a lack of interest and leadership qualities. His ascension is driven by ambition and the manipulations of others, rather than genuine desire or competence.
- The Search for Aegon: A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the search for Aegon within King’s Landing, showcasing his unpopularity and perceived unsuitability for the throne.
- The Symbolic Seizing of Power: The episode ends with Aegon wearing Aegon the Conqueror’s crown, a powerful symbol of usurped power and a direct challenge to Rhaenyra’s legitimacy.
House of the Dragon Episode 9: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about House of the Dragon episode 9, providing further insights and addressing potential viewer queries.
H3: What exactly is the Green Council?
The Green Council is a clandestine meeting of influential figures within King’s Landing who support Aegon II Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne. Key members include Otto Hightower, Criston Cole, and several other prominent lords and ladies. They strategize to undermine Rhaenyra’s succession. Their alliance is named after the green dress Alicent Hightower often wears, symbolizing their allegiance.
H3: Why is Rhaenyra not in King’s Landing during these events?
Rhaenyra is at Dragonstone, her ancestral seat, during the events of episode 9. This physical separation makes her vulnerable to the Green Council’s machinations and prevents her from immediately asserting her claim. The distance contributes significantly to the speed at which the Greens are able to seize control.
H3: What was King Viserys’s true desire regarding his heir?
King Viserys repeatedly and unequivocally named Rhaenyra Targaryen as his heir. Any interpretation suggesting he changed his mind is portrayed as a misunderstanding or deliberate manipulation by Alicent Hightower. The show emphasizes Viserys’s strong conviction in Rhaenyra’s right to rule.
H3: What is the significance of Aegon wearing Aegon the Conqueror’s crown?
The crown is a symbol of legitimacy and power. By placing it on Aegon II’s head, the Greens are attempting to establish his claim to the Iron Throne, directly challenging Rhaenyra’s right as Viserys’s chosen heir. This act is seen as a blatant act of usurpation.
H3: Who decides to crown Aegon II?
The decision to crown Aegon II is orchestrated primarily by Otto Hightower and Alicent Hightower. Otto uses his political influence to rally support for Aegon, while Alicent believes she is fulfilling Viserys’s dying wish (although this is a misinterpretation).
H3: How does the common population react to Aegon II being crowned?
The reaction is divided. While some within the Red Keep and among the higher nobility support Aegon, others are skeptical or outright opposed. The episode also hints at popular unrest and potential rebellion due to the unexpected and arguably illegitimate crowning.
H3: What role does Criston Cole play in episode 9?
Criston Cole acts as a strong enforcer for the Green Council’s agenda. He suppresses dissent, ensures loyalty to Aegon, and is instrumental in carrying out Otto Hightower’s plans. He is essentially the muscle behind the political maneuvering.
H3: How does “The Green Council” differ from the book it is based on?
While the episode stays relatively faithful to the source material (Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin), some details are altered for dramatic effect. For example, the show provides more insight into Alicent’s motivations and internal conflicts, while the book often presents events from a more detached historical perspective. The specific details of the hunt for Aegon are also slightly different.
H3: What are the implications of Aegon’s coronation for Rhaenyra?
The coronation puts Rhaenyra in a precarious position. She must now gather her own forces and rally support to challenge Aegon’s claim. The episode sets the stage for a bloody civil war, the Dance of the Dragons, as Rhaenyra fights to reclaim what she believes is rightfully hers.
H3: Is there any foreshadowing in episode 9 about the upcoming war?
Yes, there is considerable foreshadowing. The episode highlights the growing tensions, the divisions within the houses, and the potential for violence. The hasty coronation itself is a clear sign that war is inevitable. Discussions about dragons and their potential use further foreshadow the dragon-centric battles to come.
H3: Where can I watch House of the Dragon episode 9?
House of the Dragon episode 9 is available to stream on HBO Max. You can also access it through services that offer HBO as part of their subscription package, such as Hulu with HBO or YouTube TV with HBO.
H3: What is the significance of the name “The Green Council” for this episode?
The name is highly symbolic. “Green” refers to Alicent Hightower’s signature color and represents her faction’s allegiance to Aegon II. The “Council” highlights the secretive meetings and strategizing that take place as the Greens conspire to seize power. The name underscores the political intrigue and power plays at the heart of the episode.
Conclusion
House of the Dragon episode 9, “The Green Council,” is a critical turning point in the series. Its intricate plot, compelling characters, and high stakes make it a memorable and essential installment, setting the stage for the epic Dance of the Dragons. Understanding the events of this episode is crucial for appreciating the full scope and impact of the Targaryen civil war.