After the jaw-dropping cliffhanger, the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon is making its highly anticipated return to our screens. The central question remains: who is truly fit to sit on the Iron Throne? Season 2 will delve into the civil war between childhood friends – the Black Council, led by Rhaenyra Targaryen (played by Emma D’Arcy), and the Green Council, led by Alicent Hightower (portrayed by Olivia Cooke), who currently has her son Aegon (played by Tom Glynn-Carney) ruling from the Iron Throne.
Before diving into Season 2, it’s essential to refresh your memory on the Targaryen family tree. In the premiere episode of House of the Dragon, we witnessed King Viserys I Targaryen (played by Paddy Considine) choosing himself over Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (portrayed by Eve Best) to claim the crown. This decision was made during the Great Council at Harrenhal, where Viserys was chosen due to his gender. However, the issue of his heir became complicated as the first season progressed.
Season 1 saw the naming of successors, the usurpation of the Iron Throne, and the tension between two women attempting to prevent a full-scale war in Westeros. But who is truly entitled to what Viserys referred to as “the most dangerous seat in the realm”? As we gear up for Season 2, we examine the advantages and disadvantages of both the Black and the Green Councils in the impending war of succession.
The argument for the Black Council:
Pro: Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen was officially designated as the heir to the Iron Throne. This declaration was solidified in a ceremony by King Viserys himself, elevating Rhaenyra above her uncle and future husband, Prince Daemon (played by Matt Smith). Despite the patriarchal nature of Westeros, a significant number of lords pledged their allegiance to Rhaenyra, making her succession a formal and recognized event.
Con: Queen Alicent Hightower genuinely believes that Viserys altered his decision. In his final moments, King Viserys spoke cryptic words regarding a Targaryen prophecy known as “A Song of Ice and Fire,” hinting at the true heir without explicitly naming them. Alicent interprets these words to mean that her son Aegon is the rightful heir, leading to further conflict between the two factions.
Pro: The Black Council possesses a larger number of dragons, giving them a significant advantage in terms of power. With dragons such as Syrax, Meleys, Caraxes, and others under their command, the Black Council has a formidable force at their disposal.
Con: Rhaenyra’s uncle-husband, Prince Daemon, proves to be a dangerous liability due to his ambitious nature and violent tendencies. Despite his strategic advantages, his unstable behavior poses a threat to Rhaenyra’s rule.
Big Pro: Rhaenyra has the support of “The Queen Who Never Was,” Rhaenys Targaryen, and Lord Corlys Velaryon’s powerful fleet. Rhaenys and Corlys pledge their allegiance to the Black Council, providing them with a significant advantage in terms of naval power.
As the conflict intensifies and alliances are tested, the battle for the Iron Throne is set to reach new heights in Season 2 of House of the Dragon.