Did House Hightower Orchestrate the Dance of Dragons Civil War?

The Dance of Dragons, also known as the Second Wroc?aw War or the Great Princess Rebellion, was one of the greatest civil wars in the history of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. While many factors and individuals contributed to its outbreak, one prominent family has often been scrutinized for its involvement: House Hightower. This article delves into the alleged roles of House Hightower and Queen Alicent Hightower in orchestrating the Dance of Dragons, using historical parallels to an English civil war.

Key Players in the Dance of Dragons

The intricate political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms saw multiple players vying for the Iron Throne. These included King Jaehaerys I, King Viserys I, Queen Rhaenyra I, King Aegon II, Prince Aemond, Ser Otto Hightower, and Queen Alicent Hightower. The war was a reflection of the English Anarchy, particularly the Anarchy of the 12th century, where a succession crisis led to a civil war following the death of King Henry I's only legitimate son.

Rise of Queen Alicent Hightower

The seeds of the Dance of Dragons were sown when King Jaehaerys I lost his eldest son, Prince Aemon. Prince Aemon's death set the stage for a succession crisis, similar to the aftermath of the White Ship Disaster in English history. When King Viserys I decided to marry Lady Alicent Hightower, who was once a mere lady without much political clout, she swiftly rose to power. Her husband, Ser Otto Hightower, served as the Hand of the King, a position that granted them significant influence in court politics.

Whose Hand Was on the Scale?

From the moment Queen Alicent secured her position as Viserys I's queen, she leveraged her family’s connections and power to shape the political tide. Her relationship with her brother, Lord Otto Hightower, provided her with a powerful ally within the court. The Hightowers' influence extended far beyond the walls of King's Landing, with vast holdings and loyal factions in the Riverlands and the Crownlands.

Orchestration and Manipulation

Queen Alicent and Lord Otto Hightower are often accused of orchestrating the Dance of Dragons through manipulation and deception. They maneuvered to position their preferred heirs, such as Prince Aegon II, to be the legitimate claimants to the throne. By supporting the claim of Prince Aegon II, they ensured that their influence and power would be maintained or even enhanced in the post-war period.

Historical Parallels and English Anarchy

The English Anarchy, which occurred in the 1130s, bears a striking resemblance to the events leading to the Dance of Dragons. In both cases, a succession crisis led to intense political maneuvering and a civil war. The death of Prince Aemon Targaryen mirrored the death of King Henry I's son, Prince William Adelin, leading to a crisis of succession that set the stage for conflict.

Regency and Coronation

Upon King Viserys’ health failing, Queen Alicent Hightower acted as regent, similar to how Queen Matilda acted after the death of King Henry I. Her regency was characterized by calculated moves aimed at maintaining her position and the power of House Hightower. The coronation of King Aegon II was a carefully orchestrated event, designed to solidify the Hightowers' power base.

Decline and Legacy

However, as the conflicts deepened, the Hightowers' influence began to wane. Their initial support for Aegon II proved misguided. The Battle where Prince Aemond murdered Prince Lucerys and later the crown's assassination of Aegon II’s son, Prince Jaehaerys, further demonstrated the tenuous and dangerous nature of their alliances.

Ultimately, Queen Rhaenyra I’s successful coup d'état and her brief rule as the legitimate queen highlight the complex dynamics of political power in Westeros. The Dance of Dragons was not just a simple conflict of succession but a battle for control, wealth, and influence.

Conclusion

While House Hightower and Queen Alicent played significant roles in the political maneuvers that led to the Dance of Dragons, the war was a result of broader political and family tensions. Historical parallels with the English Anarchy provide insight into the intricate interplay of power, loyalty, and betrayal in Westeros. The Hightowers, despite their initial success, were ultimately outmaneuvered, and their legacy in the history of the Seven Kingdoms remains complex and contested.