Summary

  • Alicent Hightower is losing her influence over Aegon in season 2, as her sons seek immediate action.
  • Larys Strong gains power in King’s Landing by influencing young King Aegon to his benefit.
  • Criston Cole appeals to Aegon’s desire for blood and leads forces for the Greens in the war.



The House of the Dragon has marked some immediate shifts to the show’s power dynamics, with some losing their grasp on control while others ascend the ladder. House of the Dragon season 1 saw events barreling toward a Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, with King Viserys’ death in episode 8 marking an immediate shift in the realm’s power hierarchy. The House of the Dragon cast of characters is divided into the Black and Green factions, but there are more specific power games being played between members of different parties.

Several factors can determine power in the harsh feudal society of Westeros, especially during this era of House Targaryen’s history. While being hailed king or queen is a symbol of power, Game of Thrones has proven that the crown isn’t the only factor that provides power. In the sense that Tywin Lannister was always the power during King Joffrey Baratheon’s reign, there are forces among the Blacks and Greens that even Rhaenyra and Aegon can’t entirely control. Dragons, political influence, and direct control over armies and navies are other vital forms of power in House of the Dragon.



10 Alicent Hightower

Alicent Is Losing Her Grasp On Aegon

Alicent Hightower is in a naturally powerful position as Queen Regent. She’s the king’s mother, a status that should grant her significant influence in the realm. Alicent still holds a position on the small council and has some control over Aegon, but season 2, episode 1 makes a point to show that it’s waning. Aegon and Aemond have a desire for immediate action, and Alicent’s reluctance to do so causes her sons to lose interest in listening to her.


Otto has the same problem, though it’s characterized differently with Alicent. In Alicent’s case, Aegon and Aemond see their mother’s affection for Rhaenyra as a weakness, and she loses influence over them because of this. Alicent and Rhaenyra fill similar roles for their sides, as neither wishes to see direct bloodshed, though Alicent doesn’t have the status Rhaenyra has with the Blacks. If Alicent can’t control her children, she’ll quickly lose influence in the war.

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9 Larys Strong

Larys Strong’s Influence In King’s Landing Is Growing


Larys Strong is a character who typically operates from the shadows, which has proven to be effective by characters like Littlefinger in Game of Thrones. However, Larys isn’t quite the schemer Littlefinger is and doesn’t seem to have as self-interested intentions. He’s less ambitious but still utilizes his knowledge and influence to climb the ladder in King’s Landing. Season 1 saw Larys eliminate his father and older brother, making him the ruling lord of Harrenhal.

Larys knows what words to use to dig his claws into Aegon


Aside from his holdings, Larys Strong’s influence in King’s Landing is shown to be growing in House of the Dragon’s season 2 premiere. His scene with Aegon shows him beginning to influence the young, impressionable king. Larys knows what words to use to dig his claws into Aegon, and this can only continue to work to his benefit throughout the war. Larys can continue to grow more powerful and influential, though he’s not as personally invested as others. He’s simply playing the game.

8 Criston Cole

Criston’s Strength Earns Him Credibility With The Greens

While Alicent loses influence due to her supposed weakness, Criston Cole gains influence due to his strength. As Lord Commander of the Kinsguard, Criston Cole was the man who took action and killed Lyman Beesbury in season 1. He hates Rhaenyra more than anyone else does and can use that to gain favor with Aegon. In that sense, Criston Cole’s position isn’t too dissimilar to Larys Strong’s, as Cole appeals to Aegon’s desire for blood, even if the knight isn’t scheming to earn that favor.


He may not have a dragon, but Criston is capable of assembling and leading forces for his side

The season 2 premiere shows Criston Cole discussing potential battle tactics with Prince Aemond, another Targaryen whose favor is valuable to have. The Greens see Criston Cole as an invaluable military leader on top of his personal skill as a knight. He may not have a dragon, but Criston is capable of assembling and leading forces for his side, and his tactical prowess can’t go understated as a virtue.

7 Rhaenys Targaryen

Rhaenys Rides The Realm’s Fastest Dragon


Rhaenys Targaryen has an influential name and is married to one of the most powerful men in Westeros. While she hasn’t been shown to have any direct political influence, it matters greatly to the Blacks that she’s on their side. Her decision to join them in season 1 was enormous for Rhaenyra’s cause in both naval power and dragonriders. Among the many dragons in House of the Dragon, Meleys may not be the biggest, but she’s certainly one of the strongest.

Meleys is known as the fastest dragon alive during the war, which can be notable. More importantly, Rhaenys and Meleys have been bonded longer than any other rider and dragon, making her incredibly skilled and a terrifying force for the Blacks. She and Meleys have flown together since before the vast majority of House of the Dragon’s dragonriders were born. The only dragonrider who may be more skilled is Daemon, as his time with Caraxes has seen more battle.


Aemond Targaryen and Rhaenyra from House of the Dragon

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6 Aegon II Targaryen

Aegon II Controls The Iron Throne

Aegon II Targaryen controls the Iron Throne, meaning his word is law in the Seven Kingdoms. While that doesn’t make him the most powerful character, he does have a vast influence that can’t be denied. Not to mention, Aegon rides a large, strong dragon, Sunfyre, who still hasn’t been shown fully grown on the TV series. Aegon could be underestimated as he hasn’t shown any political or battle prowess, but he has undeniable factors working for him.


House of the Dragon’s season 2 premiere saw Aegon growing more comfortable in his position as king. While he still listens to Otto Hightower and relies on the strength of Aemond and Vhagar to defend him, it’s clear that high-ranking noblemen like Tyland Lannister acknowledge Aegon’s rank. He is the Targaryen monarch sitting on the Iron Throne, which grants him status beyond his personal capabilities.

5 Otto Hightower

The Hightowers Are One Of The Most Powerful Families In Westeros

Otto Hightower is a cunning, prominent figure with a significant influence on Westeros. He’s now ruled as Hand of the King for three monarchs, making his name one of the most revered on the continent, especially among the court in King’s Landing. Of course, Otto also has influence over the historic House Hightower, which controls one of the realm’s most powerful land armies and is quite wealthy.


House of the Dragon season 2 showed that Otto is slightly losing his grasp on Aegon and Aemond, whom he needs to maintain his status. Otto urges caution on the boys, who both seek blood, advising them to take a more tactical approach. It’s important to note that in Fire & Blood, Otto puts strategies in place that are crucial for the Greens, though they take time to culminate. In the meantime, Aemond and Criston Cole scheming behind the small council’s back isn’t a great sign for him.

4 Rhaenyra Targaryen

Rhaenyra Has Many Followers And A Powerful Dragon


Rhaenyra’s influence in season 1 was questionable at times, with many unsure whether they should follow her claim. In season 2, with the Black Council fully formed, Rhaenyra appears to be in a far better position. Given the fact that Rhaenyra is technically a rebel in the eyes of Westerosi law, joining her side is a risk for all involved, meaning that her followers must have a certain respect for her, or at least for the oath they swore for her.

Rhaenyra’s grasp on her followers isn’t perfect, with Daemon still being a massive wildcard for her side. In terms of Rhaenyra’s direct power, Syrax isn’t the biggest or strongest dragon, but being a dragonrider still brings her additional influence. If she can hold herself together following the grief for her son, she can continue to be a respectable leader for her side. This is an element Aegon lacks, as no one sees him as competent in his position.

3 Corlys Velaryon

Corlys Controls The Most Powerful Navy In Westeros


Corlys Velaryon was introduced in House of the Dragon season 1 as Viserys Targaryen’s Master of Ships and one of the biggest sources of influence in the Seven Kingdoms. Long before House of the Dragon, Corlys sailed the world gathering riches and experience, growing House Velaryon into a superpower in Westeros. His adventures are so legendary that they’ve even been discussed as a topic for one of the future Game of Thrones spinoffs.

Lord Corlys rules one of the continent’s wealthiest houses and also controls the most powerful navy, making him exceptionally important to his side. Corlys Velaryon also has deep-rooted respect throughout the realm for his achievements and has plenty of battle experience from the War in the Stepstones, as shown in season 1. He would be even more powerful if Laenor lived as his male heir, but he’s still got a lot going for him.


Corlys Velaryon in House of the Dragon

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2 Daemon Targaryen

Daemon Is The Most Skilled Dragonrider

Daemon Targaryen is a toss-up and could easily be perceived as the most powerful character in House of the Dragon. He’s the most skilled dragonrider and warrior in the Seven Kingdoms, and he and Caraxes have more combined battle experience than any other rider and dragon due to the War in the Stepstones. Not to mention, Daemon is Rhaenyra’s husband, giving him the second-highest rank among the Blacks.


In House of the Dragon season 2, different aspects of Daemon’s power are shown. On the one hand, he’s capable of doing terrible things like enacting Blood & Cheese, making him an enormous threat. On the other hand, he doesn’t have the control he wants, and Rhaenys directly ignores his orders. Daemon is undeniably an immense power single-handedly, but he doesn’t play with the team.

1 Aemond Targaryen

Aemond Rides The Largest Dragon In Westeros

Aemond Targaryen lacks Daemon’s experience, but he still rides the largest dragon in Westeros. Daemon even admits in the House of the Dragon season 2 premiere that he doesn’t want to risk fighting Vhagar alone and would need the help of Meleys to do so. Aemond is a perfect foil for Daemon, and the premiere also showed a willingness to work with his allies for his side, utilizing Criston Cole to expand his influence.


Otto Hightower declares Aemond as the “single greatest power in the realm,” which is enormous praise. Aemond has built himself into an incredibly powerful asset for the Greens, and being the bullied second son has made him more determined than almost anyone to prove himself. Aemond’s greatest limitation in House of the Dragon is his own maturity and stability, but he’s already the most powerful character in the series.



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