Alicent Hightower was a beloved character in the popular fantasy television series, ‘Game of Thrones.’ Her sudden and shocking death in the final season left fans with many unanswered questions and theories. In this article, we will explore how Alicent Hightower perished and discuss some of the possible reasons behind her demise.
Who is Alicent Hightower?
Alicent Hightower was a powerful and influential character throughout the beloved fantasy series, Game of Thrones. She was the daughter of Lord Leyton Hightower, who was the head of House Hightower and the lord of Oldtown. Alicent was known as an intelligent and wise woman who frequently used her influence to advise other characters on their political decisions. As a member of the small council, she often offered valuable insight to the king and his advisors.
Foreshadowing of her eventual death
Throughout the series, there were several subtle foreshadowings of Alicent’s eventual death. Many fans have speculated that her final scene in the eighth season was a hint at her ultimate fate. In the episode “The Iron Throne”, she is seen standing alone in the Red Keep as it begins to crumble around her, symbolizing her own fall from grace. Additionally, earlier episodes also hinted at her death when she and Varys had a conversation about “the strings” that were pulling them both towards their fates.
The Dance of the Dragons
Brief history of the Targaryen civil war
The Dance of the Dragons was a civil war between two branches of House Targaryen that took place approximately 170 years before the events of Game of Thrones. The conflict began when King Viserys I died, leaving his daughter Rhaenyra and his son Aegon II to fight for the Iron Throne. This civil war lasted for three years and saw many battles and deaths on both sides.
Alicent’s involvement in the conflict as Queen Consort to King Viserys I Targaryen
Alicent Hightower was the Queen Consort to King Viserys I Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons, and played a pivotal role in the conflict. As Queen Consort, she used her influence to bring together allies from both sides of House Targaryen. She also served as a mediator between Aegon II and Rhaenyra, attempting to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The death of her son Aemond Targaryen and its impact on her character
The death of her son Aemond Targaryen had a profound impact on Alicent Hightower’s character. Aemond was the eldest son of King Viserys I and Queen Consort Alicent, and he was killed in battle during the Dance of the Dragons by his half-brother Aegon II. The loss of her beloved son affected Alicent deeply, and she was never the same after his death.
The Fall of King’s Landing
The final battle of the war and the siege of King’s Landing
The final battle of the Dance of the Dragons took place outside of King’s Landing. Both sides fought fiercely in an attempt to gain control of the city, and after days of fighting, Rhaenyra’s forces emerged victorious. The siege of King’s Landing was brutal; thousands perished as a result of the conflict. In an effort to protect her city, Queen Consort Alicent Hight ower bravely led her troops into battle and was killed in the process.
Alicent’s decision to surrender and her fate as a captive of the victorious Targaryen forces
Alicent’s decision to surrender was a difficult one, but ultimately she realized that it was the best way to prevent further bloodshed. After the siege of King’s Landing, Alicent decided to surrender to the victorious Targaryen forces in an attempt to spare her people from further suffering. Unfortunately, her actions did not save her life and she became a captive of the Targaryen forces. She was later executed by Prince Daemon Targaryen, effectively ending her life and legacy.
Trial and Execution
The aftermath of the war and the establishment of King Aegon III Targaryen as king
Following the conclusion of the Dance of the Dragons, Aegon III Targaryen was crowned king and a period of peace and prosperity ensued. However, Queen Consort Alicent Hightower had to face trial for her involvement in the civil war. She was charged with treason and sentenced to death by Prince Daemon Targaryen for her role in supporting Rhaenyra during the conflict.
Alicent’s trial for her role in the conflict
Alicent Hightower’s trial for her role in the Dance of the Dragons was swift and brutal. She was charged with treason and sentenced to death by Prince Daemon Targaryen. During the trial, Alicent attempted to defend herself by claiming that she had been acting in defense of House Targaryen, but her pleas fell on deaf ears. Throughout the proceedings, Alicent remained brave and dignified until her final moments.
The verdict and her eventual execution
The verdict of Alicent Hightower’s trial was swift and decisive. Prince Daemon Targaryen found her guilty of treason and sentenced her to death. On the day of her execution, Queen Consort Alicent was marched through King’s Landing in chains before she was eventually killed by beheading. Her death marked the end of a tumultuous period in Westeros’ history, as well as the end of Alicent Hightower’s life and legacy.
Conclusion
The implications of Alicent’s death for the Targaryen dynasty and the overall story
Alicent Hightower’s death had a long-lasting impact on the Targaryen dynasty and the overall story. Her death marked an end to a turbulent period in Westeros’ history, as well as the end of her own life and legacy. After her execution, King Aegon III Targaryen was crowned king, thus ushering in a new era of peace and prosperity. Although her life was cut short, Alicent Hightower will be remembered for her bravery and loyalty to House Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons.
Final thoughts on her character and legacy in the A Song of Ice and Fire series
Alicent Hightower’s death in the Dance of the Dragons marked an end to a turbulent period in Westeros’ history, as well as the end of her own life and legacy. In the A Song of Ice and Fire series, Alicent is remembered for her bravery and loyalty to House Targaryen during one of the most chaotic times in Westerosi history.