The first season of House of the Dragon has come to an end, but discussions about the series are still going full steam ahead. Book readers already know the inevitable dragon dance it will happen. And as such they are trying to figure out what could have been done differently to prevent it. One of the popular opinions is to just put Aegon II as heir instead of Rhaenyra. But there are 3 things Viserys Targaryen could have done even with Rhaenyra as heiress that could have prevented the Dance.
Understanding the actions of Viserys Targaryen
The funeral of Queen Aemma and Baelon Targaryen in the House of the Dragon
Viserys Targaryen was a kind king. But what kept him from being great was his inability to make tough decisions in life. It’s easily discernible that he was racked with guilt over Aemma’s death. It was because he wanted a male heir so badly that when given the choice of saving the baby or his wife, he chose the former.
This guilt never leaves Viserys Targaryen throughout his life. After all, on his deathbed, his last words were “My love” (and it’s theorized he was referring to Aemma). And prompted by this, as well as the fact that he can probably see Aemma in Rhaenyra, he decides to keep Rhaenyra as his heir.
Viserys declares Rhaenyra as heir
And he even dismisses her faults and her follies to defend her until her last breath. He even calls her an only child. So, telling us all that he does not care about his children with Alicent High tower. So while naming Aegon II as heir would have kept the kingdom stable, Viserys’ decisions are understandable as father and husband.
However, what is not understandable are the bad decisions he makes after having Rhaenyra the heir. We think there are mainly three things he could have done to ensure that Rhaenyra’s claim remains strong. And therefore, the Dance of the Dragons could also have been prevented.
3 things the king could have done differently
Rhaenyra Targaryen
One of the first things Viserys Targaryen should have done was install Rhaenyra as part of the small council. She was a cupbearer at first, but her contribution was not appreciated by the other council members. So once Rhaenyra was a bit older, he should have installed her as either Main or council member. This would have ensured that she remained politically aware. And overtime, she would have been taken seriously by the other board members.
The second thing he should have done is marry Rhaenyra to Aegon II. It may seem odd to us, but for the Targaryens inter-family marriage was a normal custom. This would have secured the lineage since his firstborn and firstborn son could have ruled together. Besides, Alicent wouldn’t have to fear for the life of Aegon or her other children.
But if that’s not something he could do, then he could have gone ahead with Rhaenyra’s proposal. In episode 6, she proposed to marry Jacaerys and Helaena. It would have united the two warring parties and he could have brought down the grunts of Alicent as he was the King.
Alicent Hightower and Rhaenyra Targaryen
The third thing he should have done is abdicate the throne when he felt too weak to sit on the throne or handle the daily routine of the kingdom. This would have prevented Otto and Alicent Hightower from taking over administrative duties in her final days and further alienate Rhaenyra from the council.
Even though in GRR Martin’s books there is no instance of a Targaryen king abdicating the throne, but it is not a custom that is absent. For example, Jeor Mormont abdicated his seat for Jorah and then joined the Night’s Watch.
So if Viserys Targaryen would have ruled with an iron fist, especially when it came to securing Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne, then he could have prevented the civil war that ended their dragons.
What do you think? Let us know.
