Alicent Hightower

Lore & Background

Alicent Hightower is the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower, who serves as Hand of the King. She marries Viserys I against the Small Council's recommendation that he wed Lady Laena Velaryon to secure ties with House Velaryon. Instead, she bears him four children: Aegon II, Helaena, Aemond, and Daeron. Her role expands as opposing political factions form under her and Rhaenyra, a division Viserys is unable to stop from spiraling out of control despite his efforts to maintain ties with House Velaryon through Rhaenyra's marriage to Laenor Velaryon. The source notes that Alicent mistakenly believes Viserys intended for their son Aegon to take the throne when he rambled about the "Prince That Was Promised" in his final moments.

In Their Own Story

Following the death of King Viserys I, who died from an infection originating in a cut on the Iron Throne that worsened over time into leprosy, Alicent plays a pivotal role in the succession crisis. While Rhaenyra remains the chosen heir, Alicent and the Small Council enact a long-held plan to crown her son Aegon as King Aegon II Targaryen. This action reignites the feud between the factions of Rhaenyra (the Blacks) and Alicent's sons (the Greens), escalating into civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. In season 2, the narrative shifts focus to the aftermath of Prince Lucerys Velaryon's death and the murder of Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen by Daemon's agents, events that deepen the rift between Alicent's son Aegon II and his aunt Rhaenyra.

Reader's Guide

Alicent Hightower's character arc is defined by her transition from a loyal companion to Princess Rhaenyra to the matriarch of the Greens. Her influence over King Viserys I allows her to shape the court, even as he struggles with illness and delirium, often taking milk of the poppy to continue his duties. A key turning point occurs when she misinterprets Viserys's dying words regarding the "Prince That Was Promised," believing he designated Aegon as king rather than Rhaenyra. This misunderstanding directly leads to Aegon II's coronation, bypassing Rhaenyra and triggering the devastating war between the Blacks and Greens that consumes the realm.

Did You Know?

• Alicent's marriage to King Viserys I defied the Small Council's recommendation that he marry Lady Laena Velaryon.
• She is the mother of King Aegon II, Queen Helaena, Prince Aemond, and Prince Daeron.
• The conflict between her faction (the Greens) and Rhaenyra's faction (the Blacks) stems from a misinterpretation of Viserys I's dying words about the 'Prince That Was Promised'.
• Her father, Ser Otto Hightower, serves as Hand of the King during much of the reign leading up to the civil war.