Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 and major SPOILERS for Fire & Blood, the show's source material.
Summary
- Aemond Targaryen makes crucial war strategies in House of the Dragon.
- House Velaryon's blockade causes food shortages for the Greens.
- Aemond's pending alliance with the Triarchy has the opportunity to intensify his revenge narrative.
Otto Hightower was already dismissed as Hand of the King earlier in the Dance of the Dragons from a zoomed-out, historical text perspective. While much of the series follows the timeline established in the text, there are many changes made to fit the television adaptation, including some pertaining to Otto.
With Aemond Targaryen declared Prince Regent amid King Aegon II's injury, he's begun adjusting the Greens' war strategy. Episode 6 saw him establish two crucial strategies that will lead to some of the Dance's defining battles. Aemond demands that Criston Cole mobilize the Greens' forces from King's Landing and march on Harrenhal immediately, hoping to get the jump before Daemon can assemble an army. He also announces his intent to align with the Triarchy to clear Corlys Velaryon's blockade of the Gullet.
Otto Hightower Planned An Alliance With The Triarchy Before He Was Fired In The Book, Not Aemond
Otto Is Left With No Impact On The Dance Of The Dragons Without This Act
Corlys Velaryon's blockade of the Gullet is a major obstacle for the Greens, causing food shortages in King's Landing. House Velaryon has the most powerful navy in Westeros, and though the Greens have ships from the Reach and the Westerlands to contend with them, it will take time for them to make it to Blackwater Bay. The Triarchy is far closer, and as Aemond mentions, they already have a grudge against Lord Corlys and Daemon due to the War in the Stepstones from season 1.
The Triarchy is an alliance of the Free Cities Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh, all in the southwest region of Essos.
In Fire & Blood, Otto Hightower is the one who organizes this plot, and it's an action he takes before Aegon II dismisses him as Hand of the King. It's important in the book, as Aegon misinterprets Otto's patience for inaction when his decisions ultimately lead to one of the Greens' least costly victories in the war at the Battle of the Gullet. Now that it's Aemond's decision, Otto really doesn't have any impact on the Dance of the Dragons in House of the Dragon's version.
Where Is Otto Hightower & Does He Become Aemond's Hand?
Aemond summoned Otto Hightower to King's Landing to be his hand in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6. Here's how this differs from the book.
Aemond Organizing The Triarchy Alliance Makes His Childhood Revenge More Brutal
Aemond's Decision Completes His Revenge Cycle With Jace's Eventual Death
While the choice to give this strategy to Aemond detracts from Otto, it does add to the Prince Regent's narrative. Much of his ambition is driven by revenge for the bullying he withstood as a child from Jace, Lucerys, and Aegon. He's already killed Lucerys and nearly killed Aegon, and the Gullet will see him indirectly killing Jace, who's shot down off of his dragon during the naval conflict. It'll be one of the most dramatic battles in House of the Dragon, fully completing Aemond's desires for revenge.
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys's controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
- Cast
- Sian Brooke, David Horovitch, Bill Paterson, Gavin Spokes, Michael Carter, Steffan Rhodri, Elliott Tittensor, Luke Tittensor, Garry Cooper, Julian Lewis Jones, David Hounslow, Frankie Wilson, Mikhail Sen, Rhys Parry Jones, Gary Raymond, Andrew Bicknell
- Franchise(s)
- Game of Thrones
- Seasons
- 4
- Streaming Service(s)
- MAX
