Another week, another unmissable episode of HBO’s fantasy spin-off series. Yes, episode 8 takes us yet even further into the future of Westeros and brought with it a hefty offering of familial drama, a gruesome execution, and a few moments of potential harmony between the bickering houses. If you’ve arrived here, though, you’re likely wondering does King Viserys think that he’s speaking to Rhaenyra instead of Alicent before he dies in House of the Dragon?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty details, just a quick spoiler warning for those who haven’t yet caught up with episode 8 of House of the Dragon. Okay to continue? Let’s get started.
House of the Dragon – Does King Viserys Think That He’s Speaking to Rhaenyra Instead of Alicent Before He Dies?
In the final scene of episode 8, King Viserys is on his bed and mumbling to himself somewhat incoherently about a fateful prophecy that’s remained a through-line throughout season one of House of the Dragon: King Aegon’s dream.
This specific dream foretells a “terrible winter” that will be “the end of the world of men.” Of course, through a modern lens, we know this prophecy is referring to the events of the original Game of Thrones series, which culminates in the rise, and death, of the Night King and the White Walkers thanks to the Valyrian steel blade that serendipitously passes from King Viserys to Rhaenyra, and ultimately, to Arya Stark at the Battle of Winterfell in the distant future.
The only other person in the room is Queen Alicent, however, it’s clear that King Viserys is delirious and mistakes Alicent for his daughter, Rhaenyra. While Alicent tries to comfort Viserys, he tells Alicent (believing that she is in fact Rhaenyra) that he believes the dream and prophecy to be true and that the prince that was promised to protect the realm against the cold and the dark is her (Rhaenyra). “You are the one,” he utters during his final death throes.
Problem is, Alicent’s son is in fact called Aegon as well, which makes her believe that King Viserys is talking about their own son, Prince Aegon II. This leads her to believe that King Viserys has changed his mind, and sees Prince Aegon II (Alicent’s son) as the future king and heir to the Iron Throne.
Obviously, we know that King Viserys did not mean that, specifically. Instead, Viserys believed he was continuing his conversation with his daughter Rhaenyra from earlier in the episode who knows and understands what the prophecy is and what it means.
So, there you have it. Hopefully, this helped to explain does King Viserys think that he’s speaking to Rhaenyra instead of Alicent before he dies in House of the Dragon. For more on the popular fantasy series, here are guides explaining what tea did Alicent give to Dyana and who Aegon’s wife is. Alternatively, feel free to check out the relevant links down below.
