House of the Dragon season 2 returns in Summer of 2024. These are the most powerful characters in Westeros heading into the new season.
HBO’s House of the Dragon established the battle lines in season 1, creating a hierarchy of powerful characters leading into its sophomore season. The Game of Thrones prequel takes place hundreds of years before the original show and is centered around the events of the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war that pitted two Targaryens against each other in contention for the Iron Throne. The ruling family of Westeros has been split into two parties, the blacks and the greens, represented by Rhaenyra Targaryen and Aegon II, respectively.
Despite their claims to the throne, Rhaenyra and Aegon aren’t necessarily the most powerful individuals in Westeros. Other Targaryens, lords, and people in positions of influence have power in the war to come. Dragons are a ginormous factor, but they don’t win wars alone. Characters who can raise large armies are still of great importance in the Dance of the Dragons, as are those with wealth and significant political positions.
10. Criston Cole
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and a trusted supporter of the greens.
A rare exception to powerful characters in House of the Dragon is Criston Cole, a low-born knight who’s risen to a position of influence in the Red Keep. Cole is one of the blacks’ most trusted supporters, having been closely loyal to Alicent for many years and taking part in Aemond’s combat training. His killing of Lyman Beesbury clearly demonstrates where his loyalties lie, and his position of Lord Commander of the Kingsguard makes him a powerful asset to the greens.
9. Alicent Hightower
Has influence over Aegon and Aemond.
Much of Alicent Hightower’s power comes from her ability to influence her sons. After Viserys’ death, Helaena Targaryen became the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, but Alicent still holds influence in the court as a leader of her party. Alicent’s control over Aegon may falter as he grows accustomed to his kingly powers, but she’s demonstrated that she knows how to discipline him when necessary. Alicent is also willing to do unpleasant things to win, giving her the support of Larys Strong.
8. Rhaenys Targaryen
Rides a fast and formidable dragon.
Eve Best as Rhaenys Targaryen in House Of The Dragon episode 9
House of the Dragon season 1 showed Rhaenys to be one of the more unpredictable characters, with her making a last-minute decision on which side she’d be supporting. As a firm supporter of the blacks, Rhaenys’ most valuable contribution is her dragon, Meleys, one of the biggest and most deadly on either side. Rhaenys’ close ties to the Seasnake make her a valuable ally. Her Targaryen last name and relation to the late King Viserys also grant her political influence and favor.
7. Cregan Stark
Commands the armies of the North.
Cregan Stark has yet to be seen, but he’s one of the most important House of the Dragon season 2 cast members. Jacaerys Velaryon was sent to Winterfell in the season 1 finale to bring Cregan over to the blacks, and the young Stark lord is worth the cold trip up North. In Fire & Blood, he’s described as a formidable lord and someone who can bring sizeable armed forces to his side.
6. Aegon II Targaryen
Rules Westeros from King’s Landing.
Aegon II Targaryen currently resides on the Iron Throne. However, during Joffrey’s rule, Game of Thrones made it clear that the Iron Throne doesn’t necessarily make someone the most powerful person in the Seven Kingdoms. Aegon still brings a lot to the table, but his indifference to politics and leadership heavily weighs him down. His most notable contributions to the greenss include his dragon, Sunfyre, and his namesake. Aside from being the male heir to Viserys, he carries the name of Aegon the Conqueror, granting him extra sway over the people of Westeros.
5. Rhaenyra Targaryen
The rightful heir to the Iron Throne.
Similarly to Aegon, Rhaenyra doesn’t have personal battle experience or military experience, so most of her power comes from her name. Many in Westeros still believe that Rhaenyra was Viserys’ intended heir and respect his wishes for the Targaryen lineage. Rhaenyra is also a proficient rider of Syrax, a decently large and formidable dragon. Rhaenyra’s political position grants her influence over several vital allies, such as her husband Daemon, Corlys Velaryon, and other notable houses of Westeros.
4. Corlys Velaryon
Has the largest navy and is exceptionally wealthy.
Also known as the Seasnake, Corlys Velaryon is a mighty lord heading into House of the Dragon season 2. While absent for some of the later episodes of season 1, Corlys has traveled the world, acquiring riches and hardening his navy. Controlling the most powerful fleet in Westeros is vital to the war, as King’s Landing is a port city best taken by sea. Not to mention, Corlys’ decision to support the blacks grants his party access to significant wealth and multiple dragon riders.
3. Otto Hightower
Has massive influence in Westeros and can summon armies.
While Corlys Velaryon grants the blacks vital naval power, Otto Hightower brings the greens a sizable land army from the Reach. His political influence in Westeros is also essential to securing his party allies like House Lannister. Otto has been a powerful political force throughout House of the Dragon, with influence over important characters in King’s Landing. His tenure as Hand of the King has made him an authoritative figure in the Seven Kingdoms who represents the stability of the old rule, having sat the throne himself when Kings Jaehaerys and Viserys were too old to do so.
2. Aemond Targaryen
Rides the largest dragon alive.
Aemond is the second son of Viserys Targaryen, and while that means he isn’t on the Iron Throne, the young man has found other ways to make himself useful to the greens. Aemond is a deadly swordfighter who can rival the likes of Criston Cole. Not to mention, Vhagar is the most enormous dragon alive, which alone gives Aemond a massive boost over most characters. However, the House of the Dragon season 1 ending proved Aemond isn’t as capable as he’d like to be, losing control of Vhagar and accidentally starting the war.
1. Daemon Targaryen
Has a deadly dragon and significant war experience.
Viserys’ brother Daemon may not have the biggest dragon or the most outstanding political reputation, but he’s still the most powerful House of the Dragon character. Daemon’s Caraxes might be smaller than Vhagar, but its unusual shape and hefty battle experience nonetheless make it a viable threat. Daemon also has far more experience in war than the younger Aemond, having personally won battles for his side in the Stepstones. He’s seen more battle than almost anyone else alive and commands the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister, making him a serious military force for the blacks.
