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Alicent Hightower has been widowed with the death of King Viserys I, which fuels much conjecture regarding her future marriage prospects. Alicent has confirmed her status as a multifarious villain in House Of The Dragon season 2, particularly following her son Aemond's removal of her seat on the Small Council. The superb performance by Olivia Cooke gives Alicent a mesmerizing depth that guarantees her story stays interesting among the fanciful aspects of the show.
Unlike some would assume, Alicent Hightower does not remarry in House Of The Dragon. This material straight comes from "Fire And Blood," the book the show bases on. Alicent stays strong at her children's side through the violent Dance Of The Dragons, bearing bloodshed and finally outliving the conflict. Under the rule of Aegon III, the unfortunate winner of the Targaryen civil war, she is finally limited to her rooms inside the Red Keep.
Alicent never remarries and bears no more children following Aegon, Aemond, Helaena, and Daeron. Her life following King Viserys I is distinguished by her love to her children and secret relationship with Criston Cole. Alicent dies finally from the Winter Fever soon after the Dance Of The Dragons ends.
In Westeros, marriage is sometimes a calculated move toward political dominance. Married pacts create alliances, thus Alicent's remarriage could be a wise step for the Greens in their fight for the throne against Rhaenyra and the Blacks. House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 looked at this prospect when the Small Council proposed a marriage between Alicent and Dalton Greyjoy, the Red Kraken, to get his approval against Rhaenyra. Alicent firmly objects to this suggestion, though, which piques interest about her intentions.
Alicent might not feel the need to remarry for several different reasons. First of all, one respects the memory of King Viserys. Remarrying might be seen as dishonesty to his legacy as his widow and the most recent queen before Aegon. Second, Alicent's position as dowager queen/queen mother gives her great authority, more than that of the influence of a high lord's wife. She is in a strong position without need of a second marriage.
At last, the Greens have other more suited marriage prospects. A marriage contract would benefit Jaehaera, Aegon and Helaena's surviving daughter, more than Alicent. Jaehaera is a more strategically valuable asset since her young guarantees a longer possible marriage and the chance of having several children.
Comparisons between Alicent Hightower and Cersei Lannister from Game Of Thrones have been made ever since House of the Dragon season one. Both were wives to the King of the Seven Kingdoms, then became queen mothers or dowagers for their offspring. Like Alicent, Cersei was a major enemy in the story especially for those who backed Rhaenyra and the Blacks.
The two characters' rejection to remarry following the deaths of their ruling husbands is one obvious resemblance. Cersei never remarried even under pressure to wed Loras Tyrell following the death of Robert Baratheon. After the death of her last son, Tommen Baratheon, she became Queen and freely had incestuous relationships with Jaime without looking for another husband.
Cersei and Alicent have illicit relationships with Kingsguard members Jaime and Criston respectively. Alicent's relationship with Criston is a complicated and sad affair; Cersei's incestuous relationship with Jaime, her twin brother, is a far more moral transgression.
Alicent is a far more complicated villain than Cersei even though they both refuse to remarry. Driven by ambition and a merciless thirst for power, Cersei frequently acts out of personal retribution. Conversely, Alicent is driven by a complicated mix of ambition, love for her children, and a sense of betrayal by Rhaenyra. Often motivated by a sense of obligation and a need to shield her family, her behavior is Although there are some valid parallels between Alicent and Cersei, they are ultimately different people with own motives and complexity.
Season 2 of House of the Dragon is set to delve even more into the complexity of Alicent's character. As they did with Cersei in Game Of Thrones, it is yet unknown whether the Small Council will try to pressure Alicent into remarrying. These incidents might confirm Alicent's character development and draw attention to her particular place in the political scene of Westeros.
Set 172 years before the events of Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon chronicles the ascent of the Targaryen dynasty—the only dragonlord family to withstand the cataclysmic Doom of Valyria. With its complex political scheming, gripping narratives, and amazing visuals, the show has enthralled viewers. Before Emma D'Arcy and Olivia Cooke took front stage in their older roles, the series stars Milly Alcock and Emily Carey as the younger versions of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower respectively. Along with Paddy Considine as Rhaenyra's father, King Viserys Targaryen, and Matt Smith (Prince Daemon Targaryen), other prominent cast members include