The little council of King Viserys I Targaryen in HOTD

As seen in both series – GOT (Game Of Thrones) and HOTD (House Of The Dragon), the King’s Little Council in Red Keep plays a very important role in the politics of the Seven Kingdoms. The small council is essentially a kind of “government cabinet”. Additionally, each of its members is anointed to a different position to manage the reign of their king. The members are appointed at the request of the King himself and can even be revoked at his discretion. However, only the king has the power to convert his council’s decision into a law/decree. The Little Council meets at the capital city of King’s Landing in the Red Keep, in the same building as the Iron Throne Audience Chamber. Here we take a look at the members of the small council of King Viserys I Targaryenduring his reign as shown in the series – HOTD.

1. Hand of the King – Otto Hightower

Otto High Tower

Perhaps the most important seat of the council, the Hand of Council is the king’s most trusted adviser to the throne. The Hand is the King’s closest advisor, appointed and authorized to make decisions on his behalf. The Hand is the highest official of the small council table and can even lead their meetings in the absence of the king. In both series, Hands of the King wears a hand-shaped office insignia.

In HOTD, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifan), a Knight of House Hightower is revealed to be the Hand. He has two children Gwayne and Alicent Hightower. Additionally, Otto looks to royal blood and intends for his daughter Alicent to marry King Viserys, after his wife’s death. In the book fire and bloodwhich HOTD is based on, Otto served as Hand of the King under Jaehaerys I and Viserys I, but was not a permanent Hand.

2. Grand Maester – Mellos

Mellos

A Grand Maester at the small council table is considered the most learned person of all. He may be a master in a particular field, such as medicine, history, and science, or could be wise enough for all of them. In the show, a Grand Maester wears a long necklace made of iron rings. The Mestres get their knowledge from the Citadel. The number and shape of these rings are respectively representative of Maester’s experience and know-how. He is next in rank among the members after the Main.

In HOTD, Master Mellos (David Horovitch) turns out to be the Grand Maester of King Viserys I. He is a member of the Order of Maesters. In the book Fire & Blood, there were actually two Grand Maesters for most of Viserys I’s reign: Runciter so what Mellos. The TV series has seemingly condensed the two into one character. Mellos also proves to be politically neutral and his only objective is to ensure the stability of the kingdom.

3. Master of the Mint – Lyman Beesbury

Lord Lyman Beesbury

A Master of Coin handles all financial matters for the king and is in charge of the royal treasury. He sees to all of King’s expenses, including – those related to his personal affairs, tours, battles, tournaments, weddings, etc.

In HOTD, Lyman Beesbury (Bill Paterson), the Lord of House Honeybolt is revealed to be the Mint Master of King Viserys I Targaryen’s Small Council. In the book – Fire & BloodLord Lyman was Master of the Mint during Jaehaerys’ reign as Conciliator and also under Viserys I.

4. Master of Laws – Lyonel Strong

Lyonel Strong

Another member of the small council, the master of laws is responsible for advising the king on all his legal affairs.

During the reign of Viserys I Targaryen, as depicted in HOTD, initially Demon Targaryen was the master of the coins. However, after a suggestion from Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King, Viserys appointed Lyonel Strong, the Lord of Harrenhal, as master of the laws. He is the father of Ser Harwin Strong and Larys Strong. Lyonel is played by Gavin has spoken in HOTD.

5. Master of Ships – Corlys Velaryon

Corlys Velaryon

In the small council, the master of ships is in charge of the king’s royal fleet of ships. His duties include organizing the construction and maintenance of warships, obtaining crews for warships, and commanding naval operations.

In HOTD, Corlys Velaryon, aka “Sea Snake” of House Velaryon is shown to be King Viserys I Targaryen’s master of ships. He is also called the Master of Driftmark. He is the husband of Rhaenys Targaryen, the cousin sister of King Viserys, and the father of two children – Leana and Leanor Taragaryen.

6. Lord Commander of Kigsguard – Ser Criston Cole

Ser Criston Cole

Founded, along with the Kingsguard itself, by Aegon the Conqueror, Lord Commander oversees all of the king’s safety and security. Given that at a time, there are only seven Kingsguard members at a time. He is good at combat and combat skills. They are usually denoted by a prefix – Ser.

In the first episode of HOTD, Ser Ryam Redwyn (Gary Cooper), a knight of House Redwyn, is revealed to be King Viserys’ Lord Commander. Ryam also served the previous king – Jaehaerys I. However, five months after the events of the first episode of HOTD, Ryam dies in his sleep due to a long illness. He is then replaced by Ser Harold Westerling (Graham McTavish) as Lord Commander. The Kingsguard is granted to Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Franck).

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