King Viserys
King Viserys I is the fifth Targaryen King who sat on the Iron Throne and rules the Seven Kingdoms. According to the book, his ruling ruled from 103AC to 129AC. He was the successor of his grandfather, the old king Jaehaerys Targaryen. King Viserys I was the son of Baelon Targaryen.
The deceased Baelon Targaryen was chosen as the rightful heir of Jaehaerys I Targaryen to take over the estate. But he died before the Old King, who again questioned the succession to the throne. Rhaenys Targaryen and Viserys Targaryen were the candidates for succession to the throne.
Rhaenys’ suitor was based on her father, Aemon Targaryen, who was the third son of old King Jaehaerys I. But since there was a rule back then that no woman could sit on the Iron Throne, King Viserys I became the old king’s successor.
After Rhaenyra was chosen as King Viserys’ heir, and later we saw Cersei and Daenerys sit on the Iron Throne, we already know things are about to change soon.
The character of King Viserys I
In 2 hours and 2 episodes of House of the Dragon, we saw how King Viserys I always tries to avoid war as much as possible. He does not want anyone to rebel against the throne or his rule.
He banished his brother Daemon Targaryen from office without giving him any strict punishment. This is because he did not want violence to be the only recourse for all problems.
Later in the second episode, when Lord Corlys broke the news about crab feeders, the destruction of Targaryen ships, and the deaths of sailors, King was very peaceful about handling this issue. He said he didn’t want to go to war with the free states. Lord Corlys insisted that this was the wrong solution as slowly and steadily the crab feeders are gaining strength and see the Targaryens as weak.
But the king was firm in his decision not to go to war and was prepared to compensate Lord Corlys for the loss of his ships and his people. Even though Rhaenyra suggested riding dragons and ending these merciless killings, King Viserys I cast her out to select the newest member of the King’s Guard.
Rhaenyra has proven her quality as a legitimate heiress and to make the right decision according to the needs of the situation. But King Viserys I was observed to retreat from all situations. The only decision he has made so far in the series is to marry Alicent Hightower, instead of following political pressure to marry Lord Corlys’ daughter.
Even with King Viserys’ nobility and efforts to keep the peace, the throne will shatter this empire and end the Targaryen dynasty.
The Targaryen dynasty on the brink of collapse
King Jaehaerys ruled the Seven Kingdoms peacefully for 60 years. But, in the situation where his succession was at stake, he predicted that the Targaryen dynasty would fall in the event of a conflict to win the Iron Throne.
Even with thoughtful decisions, the Targaryen dynasty is now experiencing corruption from within with dirty politics. All sorts of politics are about refusing Rhaenyra’s acceptance as King Viserys’ successor. Rhaenyra is the eldest child of King Viserys, and she was chosen as heir to the Iron Throne, after Daemon was exiled for her arrogant behaviors. Even council members suggested that the traditions only exist because no one ever intended to change them.
Rhaenyra is the heiress and always will be. But after the birth of Aegon II, dirty politics will be at its peak and Rhaenyra will have to fight her way to the Iron Throne. And this will supposedly make war on the kingdom.
King Viserys’ love for Rhaenyra is inevitable
Alicent and Rhaenyra’s relationship was cut short after Aegon’s birth. Alicent gave birth to two male sons or heirs, which made her feel and live proud. She tried to convince King Viserys to name her son as the rightful successor and heir to the Iron Throne.
But, King Viserys I was adamant about his decision and did nothing to change his order of succession. That’s because he’s pretty sure he’s already settled the matter by naming Rhaenyra, his firstborn, in his will.
As a result, Otto Hightower, father of Alicent Hightower, attempted to bend King Viserys with his words and induce him to make Aegon his successor. King Viserys was still rigid in his decision and sent Otto Hightower back to Oldtown and stripped him of his duty as Hand of the King.
After that, Lyonel Strong takes over as Hand of the King, who was Lord of Harrenhal. Later in the books, Rhaenyra and her followers were given the label of “blacks”, while Alicent and her followers were given the label of “greens”. This is because once during a court argument, Alicent wore a green dress to celebrate her fifth wedding anniversary with Viserys, while Rhaenyra wore a red-black outfit.
Therefore, the titles needed to address future conflicts between them. Viserys was not in favor of any type of conflict for which he made many attempts to end hostilities between the two. There were many fights and many false excuses on both sides, but the feeling deep down was still the same.
Viserys loved his daughter as much as his wife and didn’t want to find himself in a situation where he would have to choose between them.
So if it comes down to whether King Viserys I fears war or loves peace, then obviously he loves peace and wants to cherish it at all times.
