Already through its first season, House of the Dragon proves itself the prequel that Game of Thrones fans deserves after the divisive finale. However, even for a Game of Thrones series set a century before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen, House of the Dragon proves that intellect is not dead in Westeros, and many cunning eyes keep a watchful gaze on the iron throne.
There have been a few characters already introduced to HBO’s House of the Dragon, and of these characters, all seem to be playing some form of chess with everyone else. It’s thoroughly entertaining to see these families clash minds, but only a select few are the smartest of them all.
8 Viserys Targaryen
By no means is Viserys Targaryen an idiot, but he seems to be completely unaware or lacking the strength to challenge those that question his rule. As the king, Viserys is tried and tested by his council, family, and the people of Westeros. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and most uncomfortable is the body, as Viserys seems unfit to rule due to the iron throne cutting him on occasion.
Viserys has noticed a few things with his eye, like the manipulation of his new wife. However, he is blinded by the love for his family and refuses to entertain the notion of his daughter being of purity, and fulfilling the banishment of his brother, Daemon.
7 Rhaenyra Targaryen
One of the first things that House of the Dragon teaches viewers, is that Westeros is most unkind to women. The role of women in House of the Dragon is reduced to duty to one’s man, and they are often seen as insignificant and of servitude. It doesn’t take Rhaenyra long to figure this out, and she seems all but cunning in her ways out of it.
Rhaenyra’s role could very well be as the first Queen to sit on the iron throne, and her intellect makes her a good candidate. She has already deduced the love affair between her arranged husband and his lover, whilst also remaining manipulative of her father and stepmother.
6 Alicent Hightower
As the story of House of the Dragon continues, Alicent Hightower has her eyes opened more to the truth behind the gritty world of Westeros. She has learned much from her father and has succeeded in manipulating a grief-stricken king Viserys into making her his wife.
Seating a Hightower on the iron throne is one of Alicent’s priorities, and to secure her father’s bloodline. However, she seems to now have it out for her childhood friend and stepdaughter, Rhaenyra, whom she watches like a hawk.
5 Lyonel Strong
As a member of Viserys’ small council, Lyonel Strong had quite the say in matters as the Mater of Laws. It wasn’t long before Lyonel proved himself as a keen advisor, and a great mind to the king, in which he was blessed with the title of Hand of the King. Lyonel is another member of the king that knows the importance of power, and the brain to cease it.
No fool or court jester can play Hand of the King, and even Viserys appreciates Lyonel, by speaking of how he is always right. Lyonel’s role as Hand of the King lasted a lot of years, and in those years his intellect and knowledge of all the comings and goings would have increased.
4 Daemon Targaryen
Daemon Targaryen is completely fierce, with an unbreakable spirit, and a combat ability like no other. He has the mind of a tactician of war, and as such, is in a constant mental battle with himself and his family. Daemon wants nothing but the iron throne, and he doesn’t care whom he has to kill or bed to get it.
Daemon’s manipulation of his brother, king Viserys, knows no bounds, even in the attempts to bed his niece. His perceived legacy of the utmost importance has led him to do many immoral and questionable things, with the worst surely yet to come.
3 Rhaenys Targaryen
The Queen that never was, Rhaenys Targaryen was supposed to be the first Queen to rule over Westeros on the iron throne. However, the council of men and their fear of change left the decision for the king set upon her cousin, Viserys. Despite the initial frustrations, Rhaneys has come to terms with how unfair life in Westeros is, but battles daily to rectify that.
She may seem kind and family-focused, but Rhaenys has ultimate ambition, and claim. Knowing the importance of power, she has even given her son to Viserys’ daughter, in the hopes that her house will rule.
2 Larys Strong
Born with a birth defect, Larys Strong may never enter battle and clash swords to stake his claim, but the strength of his mind will make it so he never should have to. Larys Strong’s father is the Hand of the King, and he knows all too much of the tight-knitted circle of King Viserys’ council.
Due to his birth defect, Larys learned from a young age that if he is not invited to speak, then he will learn to observe. It is currently unknown just how much Larys knows, or just how dark his true intentions are, but they will be far from simple.
1 Otto Hightower
It’s no secret that every Hand of the King in the Game of Thrones series has some higher knowledge, and unseen hand of cards yet to be revealed to the king and other high-ranking members of the council. Yet, Otto Hightower surely takes it a step further, with his claws deeper than any other into king Viserys.
As Hand of the King, Otto Hightower has embedded his fingers into many powerful pies, including a stake for the iron throne. His manipulation has helped him place his daughter as the queen consort, with his grandson in line for the throne. He also has many spies over the lands, to ensure his knowledge is far-reaching, and beyond king Viserys.
House of the Dragon airs Sundays at 9 PM EST on HBO and HBO Max.