The Strategic Mistake of Aemond Targaryen Eliminating Alicent Hightower From The Small Council
Viewers see a major power change in the Green faction in the sixth episode of House of the Dragon: Prince Aemond Targaryen orders his mother, Queen Alicent Hightower, off the Small Council. But this apparently instinctive behavior reveals Aemond's ruthlessness and foreshadows the negative effects that lie ahead in the realm.
Removal From The Small Council Alicent Hightower
Aemond's want to exercise his power as the Prince Regent drives him to decide to exclude Alicent from the Small Council. One of the few council members courageous enough to question Aemond's policies and actions, Alicent stood always in opposition to his unbridled power. Her membership on the council acted as a reminder of his weaknesses, past wrongs, and possible for error. Eliminating Alicent's voice, Aemond hopes to silence any possible dissenters and establish a council that would mindlessly follow his directives.
Targeting Targaryen's Tyrannical Rule
Aemond's drive to eradicate any resistance and unite his authority reflects the despotic government sometimes observed in history. This action sets King's Landing on a perilous road, much as Daemon Targaryen's rule at Harrenhal does. His actions hint to a rule free of reason, strategic planning, and conflict resolution—all of which are indispensable for the stability and development of the realm.
The Part Alicent Hightower Played as a Voice of Reason
Alicent offers the Green council a much-needed voice of reason even if she might not be totally innocent in the developing conflict. Her background in government, acquired during King Viserys's rule, provides insightful analysis and viewpoint. Her membership on the council acted as a moderating agent, pushing for restraint and caution during a period of growing strife. Eliminating her weakens the council and opens the path for ill-considered actions with maybe disastrous results.
Targeting Aemond Targaryen for Retaliation
One could also consider Aemond's strongly ingrained need for revenge as the reason he decided to kick Alicent from the Small Council. His want to pay old debts has been stoked by his bitterness toward his brother Aegon, his conviction of his own superiority, and the continuous strife with Rhaenyra Targaryen's sons. Alicent becomes a target for his wrath since he is always seeing his past mistreatment and reminds of his weaknesses. Her absence marks his will to eradicate anyone reminding him of his past suffering and helps him to reach his ideal power level.
How Aemond's actions affect the Realm?
Aemond's taking Alicent off the Small Council marks a major turning point in the Dance of the Dragons. This legislation drives the area closer to a terrible conflict, so further polarizing it. Under Aemond's unbridled ambition and driven for vengeance at the forefront, the Green faction confronts a future marked by anarchy, instability, and maybe a long, bloody war.
The Significance of Eliminating Alicent
A major turning point in the Dance of the Dragons is Aemond's choice to have Alicent taken off the Small Council. The act eliminates one of the few voices of reason and moderation among the Green faction, so opening the path for a more merciless and aspirational Aemond to rule the council and the domain. It reminds us of the perils of unbridled authority and the terrible results that follow from ambition and retaliation substituting for reason and compassion.
