For viewers of the original Game of Thrones series, it was often difficult to parse exactly who was the bad guy at any given moment. Some characters, like Ramsay Bolton, who skinned his enemies while still alive, were clearly evil from the beginning of their story arcs until the end. However, most other individuals in Westeros had a more complicated set of morals. Family allegiances were often in conflict with doing right by the whole of the kingdom, and personal vendettas constantly made characters act in ways that would traditionally be associated with villainy. The game of thrones is not meant for those with a rigid set of values; just ask the decapitated corpse of the righteous Ned Stark.
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House of the Dragon seems poised to carry on the tradition of making most characters morally ambiguous. In a recent interview, book author George R.R. Martin explained that audiences would be hard-pressed to find a character in the new spinoff that is particularly likable. The series centers around a turbulent era in the reign of House Targaryen. As such, many of the characters that fans come to root for will likely be forced to compromise on their loyalties and ethics. Thus far, no clear antagonist has revealed themselves.
Daemon Targaryen, a Scorned Prince With a Nasty Streak
At the beginning of House of the Dragon, it appeared that the primary villain would be Daemon Targaryen. After his brother, King Viserys, overlooked him when choosing an heir, instead of selecting his daughter, Prince Rhaenyra, Daemon was furious. This was exacerbated when the King exiled him from King’s Landing. The second episode of the series saw Daemon attempting to steal a dragon egg from the capital, and he was only forced to return the egg when a squad of the King’s soldiers, along with his sister Rhaenyra riding on dragonback, arrived at the gates of his newfound castle home to demand it back.
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Later, Daemon would reclaim the Stepstones for Westeros and regain favor with the King. However, their relationship was once again tested when Daemon had a sultry dalliance with his niece, Princess Rhaenyra. If this incestuous relationship continues to grow, it’s possible that Daemon and Rhaenyra could get married, and they would be an almost unbeatable duo. As the collapse of House Targaryen progressed, Daemon could wind up reigning as a powerful and cruel king.
The Sea Snake and the Queen Who Never Was
Another potential pair of villains in the series could be one of the most powerful couples in Westeros. Princess Rhaenys Targaryen is the cousin of King Viserys. At one point, she was thought to be the next in line for the throne but was ultimately overlooked due to the fact that she is a woman. Many call her the “Queen Who Never Was.” Lord Corlys Velaryon is her husband. He is the highest ranking family member of the wildly wealthy House Velaryon, and his exploits on the high seas have earned him the nickname “Sea Snake.”
There is still an argument to be made that Princess Rhaenys should sit on the Iron Throne, and she certainly has no deep-rooted loyalties to House Targaryen, as she still feels slighted at being denied her rightful reign. Her marked abilities as a dragonrider, coupled with her husband’s naval expertise, could make the two of them a formidable team of antagonists.
Alicent Hightower and Her Newborn Heir, Aegon
The first few episodes of House of the Dragon established a deeply loving friendship between Princess Rhaenyra and Lady Alicent Hightower. However, this relationship was strained when King Viserys, following the death of his wife, chose to marry Lady Alicent. Since their marriage, she has given the King his first male son, Aegon, who could potentially threaten Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne.
As the series progresses, it is possible that Lady Alicent, persuaded by her father, the conniving Ser Otto Hightower (who was recently relieved of his duties as Hand of the King), could reject Princess Rhaenyra taking the Iron Throne and instead support the ascension of her newborn son. This will undoubtedly result in fierce conflict, which could turn Lady Alicent from a lovable Lady to a hated antagonist.
In all likelihood, there will not be a single villain to point to in House of the Dragon. Everyone will take their turn being the bad guy as House Targaryen begins to crumble, resulting in bloody betrayals abound. The Iron Throne was forged in flames, and the conflicts surrounding who will rule Westeros are equally fiery. It’s difficult to play the game of thrones without developing a few villainous traits.
