HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Made Larys Strong a More Compelling Villain By Showing His Humanity

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I’ve had the misfortune of living in the shadow of a man like Larys Strong. He was a good man, my father was, but his love for me was tainted by his own deep-seated insecurities and misunderstandings. His eldest son, Harwin, was the strong one, the one who could bring a horse to its knees with a single punch. But I, the Clubfoot, was the disappointment.

Larys Strong, commonly known as “The Clubfoot,” is one of the most intriguing mysteries in the Seven Kingdoms. A shrewd man of few words and scant friends, Larys has left a questionable legacy with his ambiguous motives and uncertain loyalties. The series “House of the Dragon” has shed new light on this enigma. We’ve seen him as a mastermind of deceit and treachery, but the show has also unveiled a darker truth about him – he is a kinslayer. In the first season, Larys brutally murdered his own father and older brother at Harrenhal Castle, thus seizing control. However, the sixth episode of season two introduced a new facet to this complex character. Larys Strong was more than just a manipulator, a betrayer, and a secret-keeper. “House of the Dragon” humanized one of its most formidable antagonists by revealing a poignant, personal backstory. Larys shared his deep-seated anguish with the audience, shedding light on the source of his hatred towards the world.

During the “Smallfolk” episode in “House of the Dragon,” the new Prince Regent, Aemond Targaryen, seemingly offered Larys Strong the position of Hand of the King during a council meeting. However, instead of this honor, Aemond publicly insulted Larys, referring to him as a “toad” and implying he was a traitor. Displeased and feeling betrayed, Larys sought refuge with someone he had previously manipulated through deceitful information about alleged coups and slanderous whispers. With Aemond no longer requiring his services, it was essential for Lord Strong to restore his allegiance to King Aegon.

As a cunning gamer observing the political landscape of Westeros, I’d say it was no surprise that old Larys, a mastermind of chaos and deceit reminiscent of Petry Baelish, had been manipulating events in King’s Landing for decades. He started stirring up discord between House Targaryen when Rhaenyra and Alicent were still girls. And the rift within the royal family? It only served to boost Larys’ wealth, influence, and power.

I was taken aback by the unexpected connection between Larys Strong and Aegon in that moment. Known for his guarded demeanor and hidden motives, Larys is a master of manipulation, weaving intricate webs with his words and actions. His charm and sincerity are mere facades, carefully crafted to keep the world at bay. Most people can’t penetrate through his layers of deceit, making him an enigmatic figure feared by many.

In an emotionally charged scene brought to life by Matthew Needham’s superb acting, Larys shared heartfelt truths with the scarred King Aegon. As Lord of Harrenhal, he revealed his own experiences and the prejudices he’s faced, explaining how he transforms perceived weaknesses into strengths. At times, his voice trembled as he grappled with his feelings, causing a single tear to slip down his cheek. Here is Larys’ moving speech:

Cheer up, Your Grace, you’ve already earned a place in history. You’ve survived dragonfire, an incredible feat. However, I have sad news. Orwyle has used up all his skills trying to mend your leg, but you won’t be able to run again. All that’s left for you is your mind.

I don’t volunteer that lightly. I was born in the depths of one Harren’s grand towers, crying loudly with robust lungs. But my foot was twisted in an unusual way, which my father took as a sign of sorcery. He accused a member of our household of casting malicious spells, but in truth, it was just my deformed foot.

Some may feel sympathy for you, either discreetly when you’re not around or openly when you are. Their stares or looks away can be discomforting, and they might undervalue your abilities. Yet, this underestimation could work to your advantage.

Ser Lyonel Strong was a well-intentioned man. Despite unintentional neglect towards his younger son, he never intended to harm him. His eldest son Harwin, nicknamed “Break Bones,” was renowned for his immense strength throughout the realm. In contrast, his youngest son Larys, also known as “Clubfoot,” did not elicit the same level of acceptance from Lyonel due to his physical deformity. However, Lyonel’s disapproval didn’t stem from a lack of love; instead, he attributed Larys’ condition to dark magic rather than acknowledging it as an unalterable aspect of nature, even though both the old and new gods had created him. Nonetheless, Lyonel showed his affection by bringing Larys to the royal court, sparing him from a secluded life that other lords might have imposed.

Intention may not always determine the outcome, it’s the actions that truly count. Larys’ confession reveals that he has spent his entire life feeling insignificant in the presence of his father, believing that this is how the world sees him as well. He exploits the pity or disgust directed towards him. People focus on what he lacks instead of recognizing his true qualities. The same will hold true for Tyrion Lannister; however, unlike Larys, he will endeavor to utilize his intellect to improve the world, even when it seems undeserving.

In true Larys Strong style, this instant of raw honesty benefited him personally. Aegon sought assistance from him, recognizing that Larys was the only one who truly grasped his thoughts. For Larys, he discovered a monarch who valued and required his presence. To Aemond, Larys appeared as a vile toad who had shed blood among their kin. In contrast, Aegon viewed him as a more insightful version of himself. Wise beyond measure, Larys capitalized on this moment of vulnerability, converting it into an advantage once more.

Larys Strong, who was previously seen as a mystery in “Fire & Blood,” gains complexity and becomes more intriguing as a character in “House of the Dragon” without diminishing his humanity.

Despite the Clubfoot’s humanness, his heinous actions cannot be excused. He cruelly burned his father alive, a wise and compassionate man who had committed only human faults. Lyonel longed for acceptance as a father when he came to understand that his son was born into a harsh, unforgiving world. Neither Lyonel nor Harwin intended to harm their child, and neither deserved the consequence of losing their lives due to misunderstanding and envy. The Clubfoot’s brother, Break Bones, perished due to his sibling’s jealousy and desire for power, a tragedy that will claim many lives in Westeros. Larys played a role in igniting a war that would consume Westeros with flames and bloodshed.

Larys Strong makes an exceptional antagonist in “House of the Dragon.” He’s not evil due to a lack of empathy, but rather by actively suppressing it. The agony he endures, born from his clubfoot, transforms into unjustifiable torment for those around him. His deeds are driven less by personal desire and more by exacting vengeance on a realm he despises. With the newfound understanding of his suffering by the King of Westeros, Larys, the Master of Whispers, will exploit this knowledge to his benefit. He may keep his motivations hidden from most, even historians. Yet, “House of the Dragon” viewers remain privy to the depth and complexity of Larys Strong’s character.

As a seasoned content writer at TopMob, I’ve had the pleasure of working with some truly exceptional teams and producing engaging articles for our readers. And let me tell you, Mikey Walsh is no exception! With his unique voice and captivating perspectives, he consistently brings fresh energy to our platform.

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2024-07-22 22:03