WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5!
Summary
Criston Cole lies to the smallfolk about Aegon’s battle victory and to Alicent about Aemond’s suspected role in his injuries, highlighting how powerless he has become inHouse of the Dragon’s war. As Cole says inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 5, they have now given this war to the dragons after the Battle at Rook’s Rest, with the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard being traumatized by the burned bodies and wreckage. Upon his return to King’s Landing,the confusion and treachery in the battle leads Cole to make two huge mistakesregarding what he reveals about really happened at Rook’s Rest.
The Battle at Rook’s Rest leftAegon Targaryen near-dead inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4’s ending, as the King barely clings to life in “Regent.” To celebrate their “victory,” Cole parades Meleys’ head through King’s Landing, though what he thought would be met with cheers is instead received with fear and skepticism of ill omens. He alsolies by saying Aegon defeated the dragon, whereas it was truthfully Aemond whokilled Rhaenys and Meleys. To make matters worse, Criston refuses to tell Alicent the truth about what he saw and suspected of Aemond’s role in Aegon’s attack.
Criston Lies About Aegon’s Battle At Rook’s Rest Role To Enhance His Legitimacy & Support In King’s Landing
Criston Tries To Falsely Uplift Aegon’s Image In The Eyes Of The Smallfolk & Other Houses
ConsideringAemond is Aegon’s heir to the Iron Throne, it would still be logical for Criston to celebrate his exploits at Rook’s Rest, especially to reiterate the strength and power of Vhagar to defend the city. However, Criston chooses to sell Aemond’s “victorious” actions at Rook’s Rest as Aegon’s, as it’smore important in this war for the people to rally around Aegon and support his strength and claim over Rhaenyra. With Aegon in a state of near-death inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 5, Criston lies about him killing Meleys in hopes of enhancing his image in the eyes of the smallfolk.
If Aegon is seen as weak and unfit, not to mention generally unable, to rule, then he risks losing the support of the people and various houses to Rhaenyra.
Furthermore, Criston lying about Aegon gives a positive false perception of the King’s pursuits in the war while the Greens hide his true fate from the realm. It isn’t just the smallfolk that Criston must lie to, but all the other noble houses, lords, knights, and powerful figures who have joined Aegon’s cause. If Aegon is seen as weak and unfit, not to mention generally unable, to rule, then he risks losing the support of the people and various houses to Rhaenyra. As Viserys tells Rhaenyra inHouse of the Dragonseason 1, “The truth does not matter… Only perception.”
The Real Reason Alicent Is So Angry At Criston Cole Using Her Name
Queen Alicent Hightower corrects Criston for addressing her by her name in House of the Dragon season 2, highlighting her intense feeling of betrayal.
Criston Lies To Alicent About Aegon & Aemond Out Of Fear & Duty
Criston Can’t Admit That He Lost Control Of His Plan & Couldn’t Protect His King
While he doesn’t tell Alicent forthright that Aemond had no involvement in what happened to Aegon,Criston still withholds his suspicions about the Prince. Alicent has clearly implied to Criston that she believes Aemond was partially responsible, and fears putting him in charge for that reason. However, rather than telling Alicent that he sawAemond steal the Valyrian steel daggerand hold out his sword while walking up to Aegon’s body afterHouse of the Dragon’s battle, Criston simply averts his eyes and replies that he can’t say whether Aemond was involved.
6
7
8
August 4
Telling Alicent that he knows for certain Aemond tried to kill Aegon would be a lie, but failing to voice his suspicions is an act of cowardice. Criston revealing this risks Aemond’s wrath – and everyone knows how dangerous that is. Furthermore, itlooks poorly on Criston to admit his plan went awry, he lost control over Aemond, and couldn’t protect his King, similar towhy Aemond previously lied about Luke’s death. Criston also helped raise and train Aegon and Aemond, so how is he supposed to contend with the reality that they would now kill one another for the throne?
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
