What Is On Viserys Targaryen’s Back in House of the Dragon?

Foreshadowing is an excellent tool in storytelling that can hint to the reader where the story is going. George R. R. Martin himself is skilled in the art of foreshadowing, but also red herrings (a fake hint). Game of Thrones frequently hinted at the plot; House of Dragon continues the tradition. In the case of the king, we ask this: what is on Viserys Targaryen’s back in House of the Dragon? Is it foreshadowing a big plot point?

What’s On Viserys Targaryen’s Back in House of the Dragon?

Simply put: Viserys Targaryen has an infected wound on his back in House of the Dragon. It’s a pretty gnarly one, too. The wound is oozing pus (a very clear sign of an infection) and is having a hard time healing. What Viserys Targaryen needs is for the wound to be cleaned and a good antibacterial cream applied. Not even Khal Drogo could battle infections.

There’s a superstition that whomever cuts themselves on the Iron Throne is unfit to rule the Seven Kingdoms. Daenerys Targaryen’s father, the Mad King, had another fun nickname: King Scab, due to the frequency in which he cut himself on the throne.

According to Aegon the Conqueror, “A king should never sit easy.” The Iron Throne was designed to be uncomfortable. Should you fly off the handle and lose your cool, then you cut yourself. After all, you’re only sitting on the most famous and powerful seat across the Seven Kingdoms. It’s a power that too many feel they can control, and a likely indication that Viserys Targaryen is unfit to rule.

Superstition aside, that’s what is on Viserys Targaryen’s back in House of the Dragon—a scab that isn’t healing because it’s infected. Whether or not it’s a judgment against his character is up for interpretation. What more House of the Dragon tidbits? Look behind the scenes on who’s running the show, then brush up on your Targaryen lore.

Featured Image Source: HBO Max