Why did Rhaenyra not kill Alicent? Rhaenyra Targaryen has been a source of intrigue for people following Game of Thrones for years. Rhaenyra was the first daughter of King Aerys II Targaryen, who was eventually killed after he declared himself King on the Iron Throne and King Aegon III Targaryen.
Much speculation surrounds the death of Alicent Hightower, the eldest son of Lord Hightower, played by Richard Madden in Game of Thrones. In this blog post, we will explore the possible reasons why Rhaenyra Targaryen did not kill her nephew and heir. From character analysis to historical context, read on to learn everything you need to know about this enigmatic scene from Season 5 of Game of Thrones.
Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Relationship With Alicent Hightower
The relationship between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower is complex and full of intrigue and conflict. Though they have never been seen together in public, it is widely believed that the two are intimate friends. Some believe that Hightower was instrumental in convincing Rhaenyra not to kill her younger brother Aegon II Targaryen during the civil war known as the Dance of Dragons.
One reason for this speculation is that Hightower openly opposed Aegon’s rule. He was one of the few lords who refused to swear loyalty to him, instead pledging his allegiance to Rhaenyra’s father, King Viserys I Targaryen. This defiance likely led to Hightower’s execution by order of Aegon II, which may have strengthened Rhaenyra’s resolve not to kill her brother.
There is no concrete evidence linking the two; their relationship could be an invention of fiction writers and fans alike. In any case, their interactions remain a mystery, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding them.
The whole story of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower
Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower had a complicated relationship. They were friends from childhood, but their conflict became more public as they grew older. Rhaenyra was the eldest daughter of King Aerys II Targaryen and Queen Rhaella. Alicent was the younger daughter of Lord Paramount of the Westerlands, Lord Hightower. Shortly after taking the throne, King Aerys II began to favor his youngest daughter over Rhaenyra.
Alicent and Rhaenyra had very different political views. Alicent was a staunch supporter of House Tyrell, while Rhaenyra favored House Lannister. This led to tension between them; when they met, it often ended in an argument. In addition, Alicent was not happy that Rhaenyra had married Prince Maekar Targaryen instead of her brother Aegon IV Targaryen.
On the day of Aegon’s death, Alicent attended his funeral alongside her mother-in-law Lady Catelyn Stark and her sisters-in-law, Lysa Arryn and Sansa Stark. Afterward, she went to visit Aerys at Dragonstone with her husband, Ser Stafford Lannister. While there, she witnessed firsthand how King Aerys was mistreating both Rhaenyra and her younger sister Arianne Martell. Shortly after witnessing this behavior, Alicent decided it was time to leave the court and retire to her.
Does Rhaenyra Kill Alicent
There has long been speculation as to why Rhaenyra Targaryen did not kill Alicent Hightower, her uncle and the Lord of Highgarden. Many believe that it was because of a family connection, while others say that Rhaenyra was afraid of her uncle.
First, it is worth noting that both Rhaenyra and Alicent were members of House Targaryen. This made them second cousins once removed, which is a close enough relationship to warrant an alliance between the two houses. However, Alicent and Rhaenyra’s father, King Aerys II Targaryen, also had a familial connection.
Aerys had married Alicent’s sister Elia Martell. Therefore, they were first cousins once removed. This makes Alicent a powerful figure in Rhaenyra’s life, one she may have been wary of angering or betraying.
Second, it has been suggested that Rhaenyra was afraid of her uncle due to his power and influence within the court. As Lord of Highgarden, Alicent wielded a great deal of influence over the king and queen regnant and could have easily become a threat to Rhaenyra’s throne if he had wished to do so. Given his position within the kingdom, it is likely that Alicent would have been able to persuade either parent to remove their daughter from power.
The Accusations Made Against Rhaenyra Targaryen
Rhaenyra Targaryen is often accused of not killing her uncle, Alicent Hightower, out of mercy. But a closer look at the evidence suggests this may not have been the case. In fact, it seems possible that Rhaenyra deliberately withheld her killing blow because she knew that it would lead to her uncle’s downfall.
Alicent Hightower was one of the most powerful men in Westeros, and he wielded a great deal of influence. He had been close to Queen Rhaenyra and was also friendly with Prince Aemon Targaryen, Rhaenyra’s brother. When Alicent was accused of treason, Rhaenyra sided with him and tried to clear his name. However, the other lords in Westeros would not listen to her, and they voted to execute him.
Rhaenyra didn’t kill Alicent herself; she sent her brother Aemon to do it. But even after Aemon killed his uncle, the other lords continued to accuse Rhaenyra of treason. This made her very unpopular, and she soon lost control over her kingdom. Her following became increasingly small until Baelish forces finally assassinated her in 233 AC.
The Evidence Behind Rhaenyra Targaryen’s innocence
Why didn’t Rhaenyra kill Alicent? The innocence behind Rhaenyra Targaryen as discussed below.
- First and foremost, she was known to be devoutly religious and would never have killed someone in cold blood.
- Additionally, Rhaenyra was also likely at court at the time of Alicent’s death. As the eldest daughter of King Maekar I and Queen Visaera, she would have been expected to attend court and be present when Alicent was killed.
- Thirdly, there is no evidence linking Rhaenyra to any other possible suspects in the case. All other potential suspects – including her brother Aegon II, her father Maekar I, her stepmother Visenya or her half-brother Aemon – had the motive and opportunity to commit the murder.
- Finally, physical evidence does not support Rhaenyra’s culpability in the homicide. At the time of Alicent’s death, he and his wife wore fine clothing, indicating they had just left a high-status event.
However, there is no sign of forced entry into either their home or Alicent’s study, suggesting that they were killed while asleep or otherwise unaware.
Conclusion
It is clear that Rhaenyra Targaryen did not kill Alicent Hightower because she feared retribution from the High Sparrow. The scene in which the silver needle is mentioned likely played a significant role in her decision not to murder her rival.
