As war spreads throughout Westeros, Season 2 of House of the Dragon chooses to show the differences between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower by traditional expectations of women, as mothers.

Alicent as a Mother

This season starts as tragically as the last one ended, with both sides having experienced the great loss and tragedy of losing a child. However, in the events following Blood and Cheese, a reference to the two characters who brutally beheaded Aegon II’s heir and Helaena Targaryen’s son, we see that Alicent’s nurture for her children’s heartbreak had its limits. She fails to go to her son Aegon II when she walks in on him visibly upset and in tears over losing his son, even after deliberation, she abandons him to self soothe his pain.

This seems to be a recurring trait of Alicent throughout the two seasons of House of The Dragon. As a new mother in season 1, there are many instances of her struggling with the role of a mother. Even as babies Alicent seemed uncomfortable and uninterested with the task of taking care of her children. Like it was a chore or something forced upon her. We see this with how readily hands over her newborn and children to her wet nurse or lady’s maid. As they grew up, her lack of awareness of her son’s antics, and bullying further exemplified her disengagement. Rather than being involved enough to have taught them better, we see Alicent’s lack of parenting has led to constant messes that she now has to clean up.

Rhaenyra as a Mother

We see a very different approach by Rhaenyra with her sons and even to Daemon’s daughters Baela and Rhaeyna. We see in season 1 how involved she is with her children even as newborns. As her sons Jaceyrs and Lucerys get older, they are always by her side and she is very aware of their whereabouts. There are countless instances of Rhaenyra advising them on how to be better, not to do something, or just be nice, while always making sure to listen to them when they need her. She makes sure to take a very active role and interest in her son’s upbringing and more importantly to be a mom to them first.

Her decision to go to war after the loss of her son Lucerys speaks exactly to her innate motherly nature and can ascertain the extent of how broken this has left her. Even so, this just further sets up the parallel to Alicent and their differences. We see that when met with her grieving son Jacerys, fighting back the tears from the news of losing his younger brother, Rhaenyra even as his Queen at the moment, goes to embrace him immediately because he’s her son not subject.

Their Fathers Before Them

The influence of their fathers has a major role to play with both characters and the generation after them. We have always seen Otto Hightower, put his ambition first through his daughter all while disregarding her.  While King Viserys though also father to Aegon II, Helaena and Aemond as well always prioritized Rhaenyra and showed up for her at any time she needed it.

We see this with his unwavering declaration of Rhaenyra being his heir to the thrown, and the constant guidance he gave her to prepare her for rule. In one of the most touching and emotional moments of season 1, we see the extent of Viserys’s support for Rhaenyra and her family claim when he comes to support Lucerys right to Drift Mark. Even at death’s door, struggling to get to the throne, all while refusing help. This in itself fostered strength and attachment for their three generations.

A Child from Love or Duty

The most important distinction that should be made between these two is however the circumstances in which they became mothers. This would be the most significant contributor to their capability of affection towards their children. Therefore how they treat their kids and view their roles as mothers.

Even though Rhaenyra’s first marriage to her husband Laenor Velaryon was not conventionally successful it was based on mutual respect and granted autonomy to her, preventing any bitterness to the role of wife. Which allowed her to have her first three sons out of love with Harwin Strong. Allowing Rhaenyra to have a connection to motherhood rooted in affection. This continued by her marriage to Daemon and their sons, and took after his daughters.

Unfortunately, this was not the circumstance for Alicent. Her marriage to Viserys was all her father’s doing not only not by her choice but also unaware of its intended future. So therefore, for Alicent marriage and motherhood have always been an obligation and the duty of a woman.

The Feud It Fuels

We can see that House of the Dragon has made a point to differentiate these two characters to either side of this war. However, these differences are more likely the cause of the divide and feud between these women. Not only for the need to protect their own families but having very different intentions as they do.

Rhaenyra’s nature is to protect and rule, it is something that has grown in her only to be cultivated to come to her effortlessly. She does not get caught up in the semantics of duty and what the men expect of her. Yet consequently still thrives in the role of wife and motherhood.  A stark contrast to Alicent and her nature and beliefs of holding on to sacred expectations. A possible source of bitterness to see Rhaenyra effortlessly do what she struggles with within her own family, but a greater indication of Alicent’s life and character as a consequence of what made them so different.

House of The Dragon airs Sunday 9ET/PT on HBO and episodes 1 through 3 are available to stream on Max.

@mariawatcheseverything

I find alcent to be a complex character but its her choices that will forver infuriate me #hotd #alicenthightower #rhaenyratargaryen #got #houseofthedragon #fyp #teamgreen #teamblack #mothers #gameofthrones #foryoupage

♬ Rhaenyra Returns (from “House of the Dragon”) – Diego Mitre