The Epic Showdown: Unraveling the Fierce Rivalry Between Alicent and Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon

In the opening of the first episode of House of the Dragon, titled "The Heirs of the Dragon," viewers get a glimpse into the close bond between Princess Rhaenyra, the daughter of King Viserys, and Lady Alicent Hightower, the Hand's daughter. After dismounting her dragon, Syrax, Rhaenyra rushes over to her friend and offers her a ride on the dragon. However, Alicent politely declines, stating that she is content watching from the sidelines. A royal carriage then transports the princess and her friend to the Red Keep, where they walk together hand in hand through the courtyard and various halls, symbolizing their strong relationship.

During a visit to her pregnant mother, Aemma Arryn, Rhaenyra expresses her desire to be a knight and participate in battles, rather than conforming to the role of a traditional woman in the realm. Rhaenyra also feels unsatisfied with her current role of pouring wine for the men at her father's council, while they discuss matters of conflict and war. Meanwhile, King Viserys eagerly awaits the birth of his son and heir, becoming increasingly impatient.

Later, as Rhaenyra and Alicent relax in the Godswood of the Red Keep, Rhaenyra struggles to hide her distress over her father's anticipation of his son's birth. Alicent correctly discerns that Rhaenyra is worried about being overshadowed by the presence of a male heir. Rhaenyra dismisses her friend's observation, stating that all she wants is to fly on dragonback and explore the wonders across the Narrow Sea. Unbeknownst to her, at the end of the House of the Dragon pilot episode, Rhaenyra will unexpectedly assume the responsibility of ruling the realm.

Otto Hightower Sows Discord

In the House of the Dragon pilot episode, both The Heir's Tournament and Queen Aemma's labors coincide. A dilemma arises when the king learns that saving the heir might result in the queen's death due to excessive blood loss. Viserys gives the signal for Mellos to bring out the baby through incisions, ultimately allowing Aemma to bleed to her death. Unfortunately, fate intervenes and the baby, Baelon, dies shortly after. With his wife and heir gone, Viserys is summoned by the council to address the issue of his succession for the realm's stability. He is faced with choosing between his younger brother, Daemon, and his daughter, Rhaenyra. Breaking away from tradition, Viserys declares Rhaenyra as his heir, causing shockwaves throughout the realm. In the midst of this, the king's cunning Hand, Otto, plots a devious plan to secure his bloodline on the Iron Throne. He sows discord by having Alicent visit the king's chambers, aiming to worm her way into his heart. Meanwhile, all the lords of the Seven Kingdoms pledge their allegiance to Rhaenyra, while Alicent and the king grow closer.

In House of the Dragon season 1, episode 2, "The Rogue Prince," Rhaenyra unknowingly confides in Alicent about the despair she feels witnessing her father being used by men for political gain. She expresses her frustration at how quickly they have attempted to replace her as heir and marry off her father, only six months after her mother's death. However, Alicent dismisses her concerns, advising Rhaenyra not to worry about the political machinations of lords and kings. The truth of the betrayal becomes clear when Alicent, at her father's instruction, betrays her best friend's trust and seeks a relationship with the king. The night before Viserys announces his intention to marry Alicent Hightower, he sits down with Rhaenyra and explains the necessity of his decision. While he acknowledges that he can never replace her mother or her as heir, he expresses the need to ensure the survival of their royal line. This revelation shocks Rhaenyra and leaves her feeling betrayed, particularly as Otto stands to benefit from this political alliance.

House of the Dragon season 1, episode 3 "Second of His Name," unveils Alicent's ongoing effort to mend her strained relationship with Rhaenyra. Despite Alicent's continued support for Viserys' choice of heir, Rhaenyra still maintains her distance. At the festivity held in celebration of her firstborn, Aegon's second nameday, Alicent makes a futile plea, stating, "But it needn't be. None of it need be this way, in truth, Rhaenyra." Meanwhile, Viserys grapples with finding a suitable match for Rhaenyra, and the cunning Otto reveals his wish to betroth the princess to her half-brother and Alicent's firstborn, Aegon. Dismissing the notion, Viserys urges Rhaenyra to secure her own alliance to strengthen her claim and reassures her that she will not be displaced.

Rhaenyra Lies And Alicent Crumbles Under Duty, Honor, And Sacrifice

Alicent harbors deep resentment towards her former friend due to her ability to freely select her spouse. She believes that receiving numerous marriage proposals is a romantic notion, while Rhaenyra dismisses it, stating, "How romantic it must be to be confined within a castle and compelled to produce heirs." This remark leaves Alicent crestfallen, prompting Rhaenyra to swiftly apologize. Although their lifestyles share similarities, Rhaenyra's independence becomes the main source of Alicent's animosity towards her. Alicent gradually crumbles under the weight of her responsibilities as Queen, maintaining a public façade of morality and selflessness, while she perceives Rhaenyra to have the freedom to act as she pleases. The two women make several attempts to reconcile, but external factors prevent their reconciliation. Initially, it's the accusation that Rhaenyra (a virgin) was seen outside the confines of the Red Keep engaging in intimate activities with her uncle, Daemon, in a pleasure house. Alicent confronts Rhaenyra, who vehemently denies the allegations and reassures her that she remains chaste.

Later, Ser Criston Cole informs Alicent of Rhaenyra's improper conduct, leading to her increased animosity towards her. Meanwhile, Viserys arranges for Rhaenyra to marry Lord Corlys' son, Laenor Velaryon, and dismisses Otto from his position. These events, occurring midway through House of the Dragon, significantly impact the relationship between Alicent and Rhaenyra. Otto's influence causes Alicent's children to also harbor resentment. Before leaving, Otto warns Alicent that she must prepare her firstborn to rule or beg Rhaenyra for mercy in the upcoming battle for succession that is inevitable.

Throughout House of the Dragon, there are several time jumps that raise doubts about the paternity of Rhaenyra's children, with strong rumors suggesting that Ser Harwin Strong is their father. In an attempt to make peace, Rhaenyra proposes a betrothal between her eldest, Jacaerys, and Queen Alicent's daughter, Helaena. Unbeknownst to Rhaenyra, her former friend rejects the proposal and harbors bitterness, hoping for the king to name Aegon as the heir instead. Alicent finally takes action after Lucerys injures Aemond during a fight, which occurs in episode 7, "Driftmark" of House of the Dragon. She attacks Rhaenyra with a dagger, an action that Otto sees as the perfect catalyst to secure the throne. Alicent criticizes Rhaenyra for disregarding the kingdom and its laws. Following Rhaenyra's second marriage to Daemon, Alicent's deepening paranoia and Viserys' death spark the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. The factions in House of the Dragon fight for the throne, and Alicent's usurpation of Rhaenyra's rightful position highlights the challenges faced by women in power.