HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Has Fundamentally Changed the Dance of the Dragons

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As a devoted fan of the epic saga that is George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood” and its mesmerizing adaptation, “House of the Dragon”, I must say that the show’s audacious departure from the source material has left me both stunned and intrigued.

The problematic nature of the source material for “House of the Dragon” has been a significant advantage for its creators, providing them with ample room for adaptation. In George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” the Dance of the Dragons is a narrative tainted by unreliable sources, each with their own biases and agendas. This ambiguity frequently results in contradictory and incomplete accounts, offering the prequel series the freedom to fill in gaps, address key questions, and alter certain events. However, after the second season finale, it’s evident that “House of the Dragon” is not simply telling viewers a retelling of Martin’s story. In the finale, Alicent giving up her son’s life to end the war and gain freedom significantly alters our understanding of the Dance of the Dragons as we have known it.

Rhaenyra and Alicent play pivotal roles in the Targaryen civil war depicted in “Fire & Blood.” They are the primary instigators of the conflict, causing its destructive fires and shedding blood throughout the realm. Remarkably, despite being adversaries, they share a common bond – an unwavering love for their children that surpasses criticism. Their aim is to protect their offspring at all costs.

In the novel, Alicent harbors concerns that Rhaenyra might have her grandchildren eliminated upon ascending the throne. Given the circumstances, her apprehension seems justified. She believes Rhaenyra would view her half-siblings and their descendants as potential rivals who could claim Viserys’ throne legitimately. At that stage in their lives, Alicent has substantial grounds for mistrusting Rhaenyra, which is why she vigorously advocates for Aegon to be crowned instead of Rhaenyra.

In the TV show “House of the Dragon,” Alicent’s reasons for backing her son’s questionable claim were significantly influenced when she misinterpreted her husband’s last words before his death. This misunderstanding marked a significant shift in Alicent’s character and laid the groundwork for the Dance, but it didn’t fundamentally change the narrative’s direction. Instead, it primarily affected Alicent’s personal journey. The rest of Viserys’ small council remained determined to seize the throne from Rhaenyra despite Alicent’s newfound motivation, and she ultimately agreed with them, albeit for a different rationale.

In a dramatic turn, the Dowager Queen appeared at Dragonstone and proposed that Rhaenyra claim the Iron Throne by sacrificing Aegon’s life. This self-serving concession fundamentally alters the narrative of George R.R. Martin’s Dance of the Dragons in a manner unlike any previous changes to the show.

As a mother myself, I can empathize deeply with Alicent’s struggle to protect her children and maintain relationships. However, her decision to betray the one quality that connected her to her greatest adversary feels heart-wrenching and out of character for someone who has been portrayed as a loving and resilient figure. This choice seems to contradict the narrative of a mother’s unwavering loyalty and love, even in the face of adversity.

Alicent has broken her bonds with her faithful allies and House Hightower. She’s prepared to watch Aemond perish in combat. What’s more, she’s giving Rhaenyra a chance to claim Aegon’s head without any struggle. All this, just so she and her daughter can escape the burdens of responsibility. This is the culmination of all Alicent’s choices throughout her life. However, the narrative presented in this prequel significantly alters the essence of the story, which has always been questionable. Disregarding the complexities of this civil war, the prequel has fundamentally changed the heart of the tale, a change that was never anticipated.

You could find Alicent’s involvement and proposal in the story captivating, or you might dislike it entirely. Regardless of your personal feelings, there’s no denying that the narrative unfolding in “House of the Dragon” differs significantly from the one presented in “Fire & Blood,” largely due to Alicent’s offer.

As a seasoned staff writer for TopMob, I’ve had the pleasure of reading and critiquing countless books. Among them, there’s one that stands out – book Alicent. While it’s not exactly my cup of tea, I must admit, its author has an undeniable talent. Mikey Walsh, aka Burgermike on Twitter and Bluesky, is the man behind this literary marvel. His unique perspective and keen eye for detail make every word he writes resonate with readers. If you’re interested in Targaryen royalty, keep an eye out for rankings where Mike’s name appears – you won’t be disappointed.

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2024-08-05 19:02