Rhaenyra Targaryen has spoken some questionable things in HOTD, like making fun of Jason Lannister and pressing Alicent. However, which are the best?
The fiery temper and disposition of Rhaenyra Targaryen rival those of the House’s dragons. She is eager to respond and refute any accusations made against her (like many Targaryens from the A Song of Ice and Fire series). The young princess has been pitted against some of the most formidable and cunning adversaries in the realm, and she consistently finds a way to verbally duel with them.
Rhaenyra has a sharp mind and isn’t shy about using it, much like her father. Rhaenyra hurls flames at everyone and anything for the duration of the first season. Her jokes can be shady at times and take a second to sink in, or they can be so brash that it’s amazing anyone would risk arguing with her in the first place.
“They Denied You, Princess Rhaenys.”
Rhaenyra To Rhaenys In Season 1, Episode 2
Rhaenys Velaryon and Rhaenyra are both princesses of House Targaryen, who have fought to be acknowledged politically in Westeros, therefore it stands to reason that they should get along. However, one of their first exchanges reveals that the aunt and niece do have some resentment for one another.
Rhaenys makes fun of Rhaenyra by saying that the Lords of Westeros have already determined that a woman would never be their king because Viserys was chosen over her. The Lords refused Rhaenys, not a woman, in response to Rhaenyra. It’s both a personal slur and a declaration of her own legitimacy.
“How Romantic It Must Be To Get Imprisoned In A Castle…”
Rhaenyra To Alicent In Season 1, Episode 4
“… and designed to squeeze out heirs. Rhaenyra Targaryen is known for being caustic, so even when she speaks honestly, her comments might come out as nasty. Rhaenyra and Alicent ultimately reconcile as friends after missing one other for several months, and although their initial reunion is uncomfortable at first, they soon warm up to one another.
That is, until Rhaenyra starts jokingly discussing marriage and the place of women. Unfortunately, the couple are both aware that what she says is exactly the position to which Alicent has been demoted. With Rhaenyra humiliated and Alicent upset, there is an uneasy pause.
“…Waggling His Sword And Winking At His Sailors.”
Sseason 1, Episode 6
Both Rhaenyra and her spouse Laenor agree to be married in front of others, but they are free to love anyone they choose in private. Both parties are happy with the arrangement, and neither spouse takes the other’s infidelity personally.
That doesn’t stop Rhaenyra from insulting Laenor when he irritates her enough, though. Laenor loves conflict and glory, but the princess’s one-line rebuke reduces his exploits to a toy and a chance to flirt.
“…How Have You Served The Realm Of Late…”
Rhaenyra To Lady Redwyne In Season 1, Episode 3
“…How have you served the realm of late Lady Redwyne, by eating cake?”
When Rhaenyra was a young girl, unafraid to duel with the oldest and wealthiest ladies of the kingdom, some of her finest words were said. Rhaenyra interacts with the most aristocratic women of House Hightower, Lannister, Redwyne, and other noble houses while on the hunt to commemorate the birth of Aegon II.
When Lady Redwyne teases Rhaenya about her Uncle’s involvement in the Stepstones War, Rhaeyra takes it in stride and mocks the Lady’s weight in public without missing a beat. It is swift and fiery, and it has the intended result of putting an older woman on the defensive who is attempting to make Rhaenyra feel unqualified for the throne.
“…Did You Think My Great-Grandmother As Beautiful…”
Rhaenyra To Lord Dondarrion In Season 1, Episode 4
In the fourth episode, Rhaenyra eventually consents to meet with potential suitors as long as she gets the ultimate say. Lord Dondarrion is one of the men who arrives. The old Lord describes how a past Targaryen Queen loved his lovely castle and surrounding territories.
When Rhaenyra clarifies that the woman he is referring to is actually her great-grandmother, the court laughs at the old man’s expense. Rhaenyra’s well-planned insult was not only clever, but it also made it clear to the other suitors that she is not someone to be trifled with.
When Rhaenyra clarifies that the woman he is referring to is really her great-grandmother, the court laughs at the old man’s expense. Rhaenyra’s well-planned insult was not only brilliant, but it also made it apparent to the other suitors that she is not someone to be trifled with.
“Beyond Capturing Poachers.”
Rhaenyra To Otto Hightower In Season 1, Episode 2
Rhaenyra receives tasks that are, at best, trivial after being proclaimed the heir apparent. She is given the responsibility of selecting the next King’s Guard, and she is utterly underwhelmed with the knights that arrive to compete for the position.
Otto Hightower wants someone from a wealthy family, but Rhaenyra questions if anyone here has genuinely participated in war, as opposed to just apprehending criminals. She claims that none of the current knights are genuinely acting like soldiers and implies that they are just glorified groundskeepers, which is a multi-person burn.
