House of the Dragon, like its predecessor Game of Thrones, is fraught with violence and evil acts. While The Blacks and their supporters have done some terrible things, the Greens are hardly better. The Greens comprise the Hightower family of Aegon Targaryen and their allies.
With murderers such as Criston Cole and Larys Strong among The Greens’ ranks, there is no shortage of perpetrators. However, there are also more morally gray characters, such as Aemond Targaryen. Furthermore, not all bad things are acts of violence. The decision to put Aegon on the throne is a great example, given the disastrous consequences it would have. Here are a few more heinous acts and poor decisions on the side of the Greens.
5 The Two Murders Committed By Ser Criston Cole
Criston Cole Has Troubling, Unchecked Anger Issues
- Episodes: Season 1, Episodes 5 & 9
After first appearing to be an honorable knight and loyal to Rhaenyra, Ser Criston Cole showed his true colors after his unrealistic proposal was rejected. Rhaenyra’s rejection, and the betrayal he perceived, pushed him towards anger and resentment. The first casualty of his unchecked anger was Laenor Velaryon’s lover, Ser Joffrey Lonmouth. This brutal and unprovoked murder interrupted what was supposed to be a joyous pre-wedding feast, and set the tone for the upcoming Dance of the Dragons.
However, Ser Criston was not done. In episode 9, his inner beast surfaced again in the Small Council chamber. As the Greens discussed their plans to install Aegon on the throne, Lord Lyman Beesbury, a man of considerable age, stood up to speak the truth and declare that he would not be part of this treason. Criston, annoyed and sensing a slight towards his Queen, slammed Lord Beesbury down, impaling his head on the small balls in front of each councilor’s seat. Arguably, one of the worst things done by the Greens is allowing Ser Criston to get away with these acts of violence. There is no reason to suspect it won’t happen again.
4 Larys Strong Had His Own Father & Brother Killed
He Did This For His Own Gain & To Remove Enemies Of The Greens
- Episode: Season 1, Episode 6
Larys Strong is one of the most detestable and evil supporters of the Greens. With how self-serving he is, it would be unsurprising to see him betray his erstwhile allies. His standout crime in Season 1 of House of the Dragon was the murder of his father and brother, by releasing prisoners to set fire to Harrenhal.
This act of kinslaying not only saw Larys become Lord Strong and ruler of Harrenhal, but it also vacated the position of Hand of the King, for Otto Hightower of The Greens to return to. Perversely, Larys believed this act would win him favor with Queen Alicent, who was offended by Rhaenyra’s affair with Ser Harwin Strong. However, she was disgusted that he would commit such an act — and in her name, nonetheless.
3 The Greens Put Aegon On The Throne
Rhaenyra Was Viserys’ Rightful Heir & They Had Sworn Her Obedience
- Episode: Season 1, Episode 9
Many of the worst things done by The Greens in House of the Dragon are the acts of individuals, often not reflecting the faction as a whole. However, there is one thing that many of the Greens are responsible for. This is in reference to the decision to deny Rhaenyra her rightful crown and to instead install Prince Aegon Targaryen on the Iron Throne.
This was not only unlawful and injustice to Rhaenyra, but it was also a decision made with the knowledge that war would follow. Had the Greens such as Otto Hightower, Tyland Lannister, and Criston Cole instead decided to accept Rhaenyra as heir, as they knew King Viserys had wished, the realm would not come to bleed as it would in the Dance of the Dragons.
2 Aemond Rode After Lucerys & Caused His Death
Chasing Lucerys On A Dragon In A Storm Was Reckless
- Episode: Season 1, Episode 10
In the closing episode of Season 1, it was still possible that civil war could be avoided, as Rhaenyra was considering peace terms for the good of the realm. However, Aemond’s reckless decision to chase after the young prince, Lucerys, put an end to any chance of peace.
Aemond cannot be entirely blamed for the death of Lucerys, as Vhagar acted out of turn when agitated. Still, it was a terrible decision to take such a large dragon to stormy skies and chase Lucerys, who had come as a messenger. Aemond is still responsible, therefore, for the death of a boy and the start of a war.
1 Aegon Assaulted A Servant
Aegon Barely Acknowledged The Incident
- Episode: Season 1, Episode 8
Easily one of the worst things done by a member of The Greens, and their future king no less, was when it came out that Aegon had forced himself on a serving girl by the name of Dyana. When his mother Alicent confronted the prince about his crime, Aegon showed zero remorse, hardly even acknowledging his actions.
Up until this moment, Aegon had shown himself to be lazy and feckless; mean, but not cruel. However, after episode 8, it is hard for fans to see him in any other light, knowing what he did to this poor girl. If there is a path to redemption for him in Season 2 and beyond, it will be a long and arduous one.