Alicent Hightower
Early Life and Background
Alicent Hightower is a prominent character from the fictional universe of A Song of Ice and Fire, created by author George R.R. Martin. She is a member of the influential Hightower family, one of the oldest and most powerful noble houses in the realm of Westeros. The Hightowers are based in the city of Oldtown, which is known for its towering lighthouse, the Hightower, and the Citadel, the headquarters of the order of the Maesters.
Alicent was born into a life of privilege and power, being the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower, the Hand of the King to King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. Her upbringing in the court of the Targaryens exposed her to the intricacies of political maneuvering from a young age, shaping her into a skilled and astute player in the game of thrones.
Rise to Power
Alicent's rise to prominence began when she became a lady-in-waiting to Queen Aemma Arryn, the wife of King Viserys I Targaryen. Her beauty, charm, and intelligence quickly caught the attention of the court, and she became a trusted confidante of the king. After the death of Queen Aemma, Alicent married King Viserys, becoming the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms.
Her marriage to Viserys I marked a significant shift in the balance of power within the Targaryen court. Alicent bore Viserys several children, including Aegon II Targaryen, who would later play a pivotal role in the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war that erupted over the succession to the Iron Throne.
The Dance of the Dragons
The Dance of the Dragons was a brutal and devastating civil war that divided the Targaryen dynasty and the realm. Alicent Hightower played a crucial role in the conflict, as she was a key figure in the faction known as the "Greens," which supported the claim of her son, Aegon II, to the Iron Throne. This faction stood in opposition to the "Blacks," who supported the claim of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, the daughter of King Viserys I from his first marriage.
Alicent's involvement in the Dance of the Dragons was marked by her political acumen and determination to secure her son's position as king. Her efforts included forming alliances with powerful lords and leveraging her family's influence to rally support for Aegon's claim. The conflict ultimately led to widespread destruction and loss of life, with dragons battling in the skies and armies clashing on the ground.
Legacy and Impact
Alicent Hightower's legacy is intertwined with the tumultuous events of the Dance of the Dragons. Her actions and decisions during the civil war had far-reaching consequences for the Targaryen dynasty and the realm of Westeros. The conflict weakened the Targaryens, leading to a decline in their power and influence, and set the stage for future struggles over the Iron Throne.
Alicent's life and legacy are a testament to the complexities of power and politics in the world of Westeros. Her story is a reminder of the intricate web of alliances, betrayals, and ambitions that shape the fate of kingdoms and dynasties.