Who Should Really Rule Westeros? Let’s Rethink the Throne’s Toxic Allure
When it comes to the brutal chess game of thrones, who truly deserves to sit on Westeros’ most coveted seat? The answer, according to House of the Dragon showrunner Ryan Condal, might surprise you: Alicent Hightower. A woman often painted as a scheming antagonist, now framed as a potential savior. But here’s the twist—Condal’s choice isn’t just about who’s ‘best.’ It’s a scathing commentary on power’s corrupting influence, the futility of ‘rightful’ rule, and why Westeros’ obsession with dragons and bloodlines is the root of its downfall. Let’s unpack this.
Alicent Hightower: The Unlikely Realist in a World of Fantasy
Condal argues Alicent’s strength lies in her duality—she’s tasted power, lost it, and clawed her way back. Unlike Rhaenyra or Aegon, she’s never had the luxury of ideological purity. Her survival demanded constant adaptation: playing the dutiful daughter, the manipulated wife, the vengeful mother. Personally, I think this makes her Westeros’ most relatable leader. She’s a pragmatist in a realm where idealism gets you stabbed in the back (often literally). Her lack of a dragon? A weirdly compelling plus. Let’s face it—dragons are overrated. They’re basically flying nuclear weapons that make accountability impossible. Alicent’s grounded perspective might actually prioritize people over pyrrhic victories.
But here’s what many overlook: her capacity for self-awareness. Condal hints she’s capable of letting go of grudges when it matters. In a world where characters like Rhaenyra double down on tyranny to ‘preserve order,’ Alicent’s restraint feels revolutionary. Could she be the only one who understands the throne’s dirty secret? That ruling isn’t about winning—it’s about damage control.
Corlys Velaryon: The Pragmatic Outsider
Condal’s second pick, Lord Corlys ‘Sea Snake’ Velaryon, is a fascinating dark horse. A man who built an empire through trade, not conquest, his resume screams ‘competent bureaucrat.’ In my opinion, he’d be the only ruler capable of modernizing Westeros. Imagine prioritizing ports over petty noble feuds, or dragons over dynastic drama. His ambition, though ruthless, was outward-focused—expanding wealth, not just power. But let’s be real: the show’s obsession with Targaryen ‘purity’ makes his ascension unlikely. Which raises a deeper question: Why does Westeros keep circling the drain of inbreeding when its most capable leaders are outsiders like Corlys or Ned Stark?
Rhaenyra’s Descent: How Power Poisons the ‘Rightful’ Heir
Condal’s analysis of Rhaenyra’s unraveling is where things get juicy. She starts with the moral high ground—wronged by her family, fighting for her birthright—but becomes a tyrant. Why? Because the throne doesn’t care about ‘righteousness.’ It demands moral compromises. What many fans miss is that her downfall isn’t about weakness; it’s about the system’s impossibility. She tried to play the game by her father’s rules—only to realize the board was rigged. Meanwhile, Aegon’s redemption arc? A masterstroke of irony. The man who wanted the throne least might be the only one worthy of it. Sound familiar? It’s the same paradox that doomed Jon Snow.
The Throne Itself: Westeros’ Eternal Villain
Here’s the elephant in the room: The Iron Throne isn’t a prize. It’s a curse. Condal’s commentary hints at a broader theme—the institution of monarchy is the real antagonist. Even ‘good’ rulers like Alicent would inherit a broken system. This mirrors our own world’s blind faith in ‘strong leaders’ to fix systemic rot. Let’s face it: If Westeros had a functional democracy, half these characters would still be alive. But where’s the drama in that?
Final Thoughts: Why This Debate Matters Beyond Westeros
So, who should rule? Honestly, the wrong question. The real takeaway is that no one deserves that throne. Westeros needs a revolution, not a new king or queen. Condal’s picks highlight the show’s genius—it’s not about dragons; it’s about power’s toxic allure. And if the finale teaches us anything, it should be this: The moment you think you’ve ‘won’ the game, you’ve already lost your soul. Now, pass me that Valyrian steel dagger—I’ve got a system to dismantle.
