Queen Alicent’s green dress was one of the most important teases shown in House of the Dragon Episode 5.
The latest installment in HBO’s popular series focused on a royal wedding where a particular dress played a pivotal role, in addition to the usual political plots audiences love to watch. Alicent’s choice will shape the future of the Seven Kingdoms for many years. How so? Let’s find out, but before you continue reading, be aware that there will be spoilers taken out of George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood.
What’s the Meaning of Alicent’s Green Dress?
The meaning of Queen Alicent’s green dress in House of the Dragon Episode 5 is an upcoming civil war. As explained by Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), House Hightower lights a green flame in the beacon of Oldtown when they call banners to war. Alicent’s garments caught everyone’s attention thanks to her dramatic entrance at Rhaenyra and Laenor’s wedding. In fact, the queen interrupted the speech of King Viserys (Paddy Considine) before he praised the union. By picking that peculiar color for her dress, Alicent wanted to warn everyone that House Hightower won’t accept Rhaenyra as their rightful successor without putting on a fight. Traditionally, the members of the Targaryen family wear black and red clothes.
Following Alicent’s action, the Seven Realms split into two factions, the Greens and the Blacks, fighting to take over the Iron Throne. The Greens will back up Viserys and Alicent’s firstborn, Aegon II Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Elder. Instead, the Blacks stayed loyal to Viserys’ decision to crown Rhaenyra as queen. The two factions started a long, convoluted, and sanguinary civil war known as “The Dance of the Dragons,” as both sides had Targaryen blood and could rely on dragons.
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In the books, the two factions were born at a tournament held for the fifth anniversary of Viserys’ marriage to Alicent rather than during Rhaenyra and Laenor’s wedding. The Greens could count on the support of many prominent Westeros families, including the super-rich Lannisters. Tyland Lannister, twin brother of Jason, served as the master of coin on Aegon II’s small council. Criston Cole also was a pivotal figure in the so-called Green Council. He officiated as Hand of the King and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. The Green Council included Grand Maester Orwyle, Jasper Wylde as master of laws, and Larys Strong as master of whisperers. As House of the Dragon Episode 5 showed, Strong was one of the first men to support Alicent’s cause.
