Alicent Hightower

The queen whose interpretation of a dying king's words ignited a civil war.

Alicent Hightower is a central figure in the political turmoil that fractures House Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons. She becomes Queen Consort by marrying King Viserys I, succeeding Aemma Arryn as his second wife. Her union with Viserys produces King Aegon II, Queen Helaena, Prince Aemond, and Prince Daeron. While initially a companion to Princess Rhaenyra, her position shifts dramatically after the death of Viserys's first son, Prince Baelon, leading her to oppose Rhaenyra's claim to the Iron Throne in favor of her own sons.

Quick Facts

Affiliation

The Greens

Key relationships

Viserys I Targaryen
Rhaenyra Targaryen
Otto 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. 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.

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.