In the Game of Thrones universe, it is often the supplemental characters that prove to have the biggest impact on storylines. Though the first season seems to suggest that the series will have a somewhat narrow scope than its predecessor, House of the Dragon has already introduced audiences to a slew of side characters that will have a considerable impact on the future of Westeros.
Larys Strong, for example, is an unassuming lurker whose physical disability keeps him from being an imposing physical threat but has already proven to be a master of espionage, as well as a ruthless plotter, and Ser Criston Cole, a lowborn soldier who rose to be a prominent member of the Kingsguard, will kill enemies of Queen Alicent seemingly at a moment’s notice. Neither man will wear a crown, but no one can deny their impact.
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Princess Rhaenys, the older cousin of the late King Viserys and wife of The Sea Snake, Lord Corlys Velaryon, is one of the most fascinating characters in House of the Dragon. She may very well prove to be one of the most useful players in the civil war that will soon rock Westeros. Princess Rhaenys is perhaps the highest-born living Targaryen, yet it seems that attaining considerable power has eluded her for her entire life. What will come of Princess Rhaenys Targaryen in future installments of House of the Dragon?
Rhaenys Interrupts Aegon’s Coronation on Dragonback
HBO
The plot to illicitly install Aegon Targaryen on the Iron Throne was put into action by the Greens. This political faction stands in opposition to the ascension of King Viserys’s chosen ruler, Princess Rhaenyra. Immediately, they attempted to rid the city of loyalists to the Princess, and Rhaenys was locked in her chambers. Queen Alicent attempted to convince Rhaenys to join the Greens, but she was unconvinced and criticized Alicent for continuing to serve at the beck and call of powerful men.
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With the help of Kingsguard member Ser Erryk, Rhaenys is able to escape. But when she is swept up in the citywide march toward the Dragonpits for Aegon’s ascension ceremony, she decides to reclaim her dragon Meleys and makes a scene in the process. Moments after Aegon is crowned, Meleys smashes through the flood and stomps her way to face the usurpers. However, Rhaenys stops short of burning them alive, instead simply having Meleys bellow at the traitors before flying away from King’s Landing.
Princess Rhaenys, The Queen Who Never Was
Princess Rhaenys has a rich backstory that has fundamentally shaped the way in which she interacts with the world. Many assumed that Rhaenys would take the Iron Throne following the death of her grandfather, King Jaehaerys, as she was the eldest potential heir in his direct bloodline. However, her gender caused her to be overlooked, and King Viserys was chosen.
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When King Viserys selected Princess Rhaenyra as his successor, he was breaking with years of Targaryen tradition by choosing a woman to rule. Rhaenys seems to be sympathetic to the general plight of women in Westeros, so it makes sense why Aegon taking up the Iron Throne when Rhaenyra was the rightful heir would be so upsetting to her.
Where Will Rhaenys’ Allegiances Lie in the Impending Civil War?
In the recently released House of the Dragon season one finale, “The Black Queen,” it is revealed that Rhaenys immediately flew Meleys to Dragonstone. She informs Princess Rhaenyra that her father has passed and follows it up with the devastating news of King Aegon’s illegitimate ascension. Standing at the end of a long table, still clad in her dragonriding leathers, it is immediately clear to audiences, judging by Rhaenys’s unclinching expression, that she will never be able to fully trust Rhaenyra, due to her suspected involvement in Rhaenys’s son Laenor’s death in “Driftmark.”
Nevertheless, it appears as if Rhaenys will ultimately ally herself with the Blacks in the war to come. After it is revealed that her husband survived being wounded in the Stepstones, the couple confers about their options. Despite Lord Corlys suggesting that they return to Driftmark and pledge loyalty to neither side, Rhaenys explains that she believes Rhaenyra represents the only hope for avoiding all-out war in Westeros. The two ultimately pledge allegiance to Rhaenyra, declaring her to be the rightful Queen. Lord Corlys offers his considerable fleet to the war effort, which will potentially be utilized to establish a shipping blockade in the Stepstones.
Princess Rhaenys has already lost her son (at least, she thinks) and her chance at sitting on the Iron Throne. She’s been through so much and has lived a life in the shadows of powerful men. Hopefully, Rhaenys will have her revenge against those who have wronged her and manage to claim some of the power she has been denied for so long.
