Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6 and major SPOILERS for Fire & Blood, the show’s source material.
Summary
Otto Hightower was already dismissed as Hand of the King earlier inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, and the show has now removed him from his most notable achievement from the book. TheGame of Thronesprequel series is based on the bookFire & Bloodby George R.R. Martin, which examinesthe Dance of the Dragonsfrom a zoomed-out, historical text perspective. While much of the series follows the timeline established in the text, there are many changes made to fit the television adaptation, including some pertaining to Otto.
WithAemond Targaryen declared Prince Regentamid King Aegon II’s injury, he’s begun adjusting the Greens' war strategy. Episode 6 saw him establish two crucial strategies that will lead to some of the Dance’s defining battles. Aemond demands that Criston Cole mobilize the Greens' forces from King’s Landing and march on Harrenhal immediately, hoping to get the jump before Daemon can assemble an army. He also announces hisintent to align with the Triarchy to clear Corlys Velaryon’s blockade of the Gullet.
Otto Hightower Planned An Alliance With The Triarchy Before He Was Fired In The Book, Not Aemond
Otto Is Left With No Impact On The Dance Of The Dragons Without This Act
Corlys Velaryon’sblockade of the Gulletis a major obstacle for the Greens, causing food shortages in King’s Landing. House Velaryon has the most powerful navy in Westeros, and though the Greens have ships from the Reach and the Westerlands to contend with them, it will take time for them to make it to Blackwater Bay. The Triarchy is far closer, and as Aemond mentions, they already have a grudge against Lord Corlys and Daemon due to the War in the Stepstones from season 1.
The Triarchy is an alliance of the Free Cities Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh, all in the southwest region of Essos.
InFire & Blood, Otto Hightower is the one who organizes this plot, and it’s an action he takes before Aegon II dismisses him as Hand of the King. It’s important in the book, asAegon misinterprets Otto’s patience for inaction when his decisions ultimately lead to one of the Greens' least costly victoriesin the war at the Battle of the Gullet. Now that it’s Aemond’s decision, Otto really doesn’t have any impact on the Dance of the Dragons inHouse of the Dragon’sversion.
Where Is Otto Hightower & Does He Become Aemond’s Hand?
Aemond summoned Otto Hightower to King’s Landing to be his hand in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6. Here’s how this differs from the book.
Aemond Organizing The Triarchy Alliance Makes His Childhood Revenge More Brutal
Aemond’s Decision Completes His Revenge Cycle With Jace’s Eventual Death
While the choice to give this strategy to Aemond detracts from Otto, it does add to the Prince Regent’s narrative. Much of his ambition is driven by revenge for the bullying he withstood as a child from Jace, Lucerys, and Aegon. He’s already killed Lucerys and nearly killed Aegon, andthe Gullet will see him indirectly killing Jace, who’s shot down off of his dragon during the naval conflict. It’ll be one of the most dramatic battles inHouse of the Dragon, fully completing Aemond’s desires for revenge.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
