Episode 9 of House of the Dragon, titled “The Green Council,” sees the tragic death of King Viserys Targaryen I. While his passing is foreseen throughout the season due to his ailing health, the circumstances surrounding his death and its aftermath ignite the Dance of the Dragons, plunging the realm into civil war.
The King’s Final Breath and its Consequences
Viserys’ death is not a sudden shock; it is the culmination of a slow and agonizing decline. He succumbs to a mysterious illness, exacerbated by years of neglecting his health and the constant strain of political maneuvering. His last words, tragically misinterpreted by Alicent Hightower, become a catalyst for the conflict.
The Weight of Misinterpretation
His final mumbled pronouncements, intended for Rhaenyra regarding Aegon’s dream of uniting the realm against a coming darkness, are mistakenly heard by Alicent as an affirmation of Aegon II Targaryen as his rightful heir. This misunderstanding, coupled with Alicent’s already-held convictions about Aegon’s suitability for the throne, fuels the Hightower faction’s determination to usurp Rhaenyra’s claim.
A Realm on the Brink
Viserys’ death is more than just the loss of a monarch; it’s the breaking point for years of simmering tensions between the Greens and the Blacks. The episode showcases the intricate planning and swift action taken by the Hightowers to secure the Iron Throne for Aegon, effectively plunging Westeros into a bloody succession crisis. The lack of a clear, publicly declared heir – exacerbated by Viserys’ constant vacillation – is the root cause of this chaos. He wished to keep the peace, but his actions ultimately guaranteed war.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Death in Episode 9
Here are some of the most pressing questions surrounding the events of episode 9 and their implications:
FAQ 1: Did Viserys know he was dying when he spoke to Alicent?
Yes, Viserys was undoubtedly aware that his death was imminent. His frailty and the increasing severity of his illness were evident throughout the season. He sought to share a vital piece of Targaryen history with Rhaenyra, knowing he would soon be unable to. This urgency adds to the tragic irony of his final words being misinterpreted.
FAQ 2: Besides Viserys, does anyone else die in episode 9?
While Viserys is the only major character who dies in the traditional sense in episode 9, there are hints of potential violence and death occurring off-screen. Notably, the small council members who are not loyal to the Greens likely meet unfortunate fates. This is implied but not explicitly shown. This helps emphasize the ruthlessness with which the Greens secure power.
FAQ 3: How does Viserys’ death trigger the Dance of the Dragons?
Viserys’ death removes the only buffer between the competing claims of Rhaenyra and Aegon. His passing allows the Greens, led by Alicent and Otto Hightower, to immediately seize control of King’s Landing and crown Aegon II as king, effectively denying Rhaenyra’s established succession.
FAQ 4: Why didn’t Viserys explicitly name Rhaenyra as his heir on his deathbed?
Viserys had already named Rhaenyra as his heir many years prior and forced many lords to swear fealty to her. His declining mental state and the influence of milk of the poppy likely contributed to his confusion and inability to reiterate his wishes with clarity. Furthermore, his misguided belief that he could reconcile the warring factions within his family led to his inaction.
FAQ 5: What were Viserys’ last words, and why were they so crucial?
His last words involved “Aegon” and “the Prince That Was Promised,” alluding to Aegon the Conqueror’s prophetic dream about the White Walkers. Alicent misinterpreted this as Viserys finally acknowledging Aegon II as his heir, solidifying her resolve to usurp Rhaenyra’s claim. This misinterpretation is the immediate catalyst for the coronation of Aegon II.
FAQ 6: How did Alicent react to Viserys’ death?
Alicent initially grieved for Viserys, but her grief quickly morphed into a fierce determination to fulfill what she believed to be his dying wish – to see Aegon II on the Iron Throne. She sees herself as acting on Viserys’ final command, regardless of whether that was actually his intent.
FAQ 7: How did the small council react to Viserys’ death?
The small council, already divided between supporters of Rhaenyra and Aegon, fractured further upon Viserys’ death. Otto Hightower orchestrated a secret meeting, revealing Viserys’ supposed change of heart and solidifying support for Aegon II. Those who disagreed were either silenced or eliminated.
FAQ 8: What happens to Rhaenyra after Viserys dies?
Rhaenyra is unaware of her father’s death and the subsequent events in King’s Landing. She is on Dragonstone, pregnant and facing challenges of her own. News of Aegon’s coronation will undoubtedly enrage her and solidify her determination to claim the Iron Throne.
FAQ 9: What is the significance of Aegon’s dream and Viserys’ desire to share it?
Aegon’s dream, often referred to as “A Song of Ice and Fire,” foretells the coming of the White Walkers and the need for a Targaryen king or queen to unite the realm against this existential threat. Viserys believed that Rhaenyra, as his chosen heir, should carry this burden and prepare Westeros for the Long Night. Sharing the dream with Rhaenyra was, in his mind, preparing her for the great responsibility of being a ruler.
FAQ 10: How will Viserys’ death affect the relationship between Rhaenyra and Alicent?
Viserys’ death effectively destroys any lingering hope of reconciliation between Rhaenyra and Alicent. Alicent’s actions in crowning Aegon II are a direct betrayal of Rhaenyra, setting them on a collision course that will define the Dance of the Dragons. Any semblance of friendship or understanding is shattered beyond repair.
FAQ 11: Could Viserys have prevented the Dance of the Dragons?
Undoubtedly, yes. If Viserys had made a clearer and more forceful public declaration of Rhaenyra as his heir, and actively worked to quell the ambitions of the Hightowers, the Dance of the Dragons might have been avoided. His indecisiveness and desire to maintain peace within his family ultimately led to a far greater and more devastating conflict. His attempts to appease both sides ultimately benefitted neither, and instead unleashed a civil war.
FAQ 12: What legacy does Viserys leave behind after his death?
Viserys leaves behind a legacy of good intentions marred by poor execution. He was a peaceful king who strived to avoid conflict, but his inability to make decisive choices and effectively manage his family and court ultimately led to a devastating civil war. He will be remembered as a king who failed to secure the peace he so desperately desired. His reign, despite its initial prosperity, ultimately ushered in an era of unprecedented violence and destruction in Westeros.