Discussing Season 1 Episode 9 of the House of the Dragon
Wow, this episode was so far off the reservation I am not even sure how to write about it. I am pretty flabbergasted, as of today, they are taking some pretty serious liberties with the text (which may be fine, but should be noted).
As always, spoilers ahead, if you have not watched this episode, you probably should stop now.
“The word of my house is not fickle” — Rhaenys Velaryon
To my recollection, Rhaenys was not in King’s Landing during the palace coup by the Greens.
Here is what the book said about the coronation:
“Meanwhile hurried preparations were made for the coronation. The Dragonpit was chosen as the site. Under its mighty dome were some benches sufficient to seat eighty thousand, and the pit’s thick walls, strong roof, and towering bronze doors made it defensible, should traitors attempt to disrupt the ceremony. On the appointed day Ser Criston Cole placed the iron-and-ruby crown of Aegon the Conqueror upon the eldest son of King Viserys and Queen Allicent, proclaiming him Aegon of House Targaryen, Second of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm. His mother, Queen Allicent, beloved of the smallfolk, placed her own crown upon the head of her beloved daughter Helaena, Aegon’s wife and sister. After kissing her cheeks, the mother knelt before the daughter, bowed her head, and said, “My Queen.” How many came to see the crowning remains a matter of dispute. Grand Maester Munkun, drawing upon Orwyle, tells us that more than a hundred thousand smallfolk jammed into the Dragonpit, their cheers so loud they shook the very walls, whilst Mushroom says the stone benches were half-filled. With the High Septon in Oldtown, too old and frail to journey to King’s Landing, it fell to Septon Eustace to anoint King Aegon’s brow with holy oils, and bless him in the seven names of god (p.400–401).”
They seem to have neglected to mention Rhaenys and Meleys (Rhaenys’ dragon) attacking the Dragonpit entirely in…
