Who is Larys Strong in House of the Dragon?

In the world of House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel series based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, few characters are as mysterious and calculating as Larys Strong. Known as the Clubfoot due to his physical deformity, Larys proves that true power lies not in brute strength but in cunning and manipulation.

Who was Larys Strong?

Credit: HBO

Larys Strong was the second son of Lord Lyonel Strong of Harrenhal. Born with a clubfoot, he used his keen intellect and talent to gather information and rise through the ranks of the royal court. Larys became a key player in the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, serving as Master of Whisperers and proving that knowledge is indeed power in the game of thrones.

Quick Facts about Larys Strong

• Nicknamed “the Clubfoot” due to his physical deformity
• Rose to become Lord Confessor and Master of Whisperers on the Small Council
• Played a crucial role in the Dance of the Dragons, supporting the Greens
• Known for his cunning and ability to manipulate events from the shadows
• Last lord of House Strong

Larys Strong in House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Introduction of Larys

In HBO’s House of the Dragon, Matthew Needham portrays Larys Strong. The series introduces Larys as a seemingly unassuming figure at court, often overlooked due to his physical disability. However, his sharp mind and talent for gathering secrets quickly become apparent.

Alliance with Alicent Hightower

Larys forms a close alliance with Queen Alicent Hightower, becoming her confidant and spy. He provides her with valuable information, including the news of Princess Rhaenyra receiving moon tea, which strains the relationship between the two women.

The Fire at Harrenhal

In a shocking turn of events, Larys orchestrates the deaths of his father, Lord Lyonel Strong, and his brother, Ser Harwin Strong, in a fire at Harrenhal. This calculated move eliminates potential rivals and secures his position as Lord of Harrenhal.

Master Manipulator

Throughout the first season, Larys proves to be a master manipulator, always working behind the scenes to further his own agenda. His actions play a significant role in escalating the tensions that lead to the Dance of the Dragons.

Consolidating Power in the Red Keep

Following a Green Council meeting, Larys informs Dowager Queen Alicent that he has interrogated the Red Keep’s servants, eliminating any spies not working for him. He also reveals that he has personally selected Alicent’s new ladies-in-waiting, which unsettles the queen. This demonstrates Larys’s growing influence and control over information within the castle.

Manipulating Court Politics

Larys observes tensions between King Aegon and Otto Hightower during a court session for the smallfolk. Seizing the opportunity, he approaches Aegon afterward, flattering him by drawing comparisons to his father and great-grandfather. Larys subtly suggests that Aegon might benefit from a stronger Hand than Otto, planting seeds of doubt about Otto’s influence over the king.

Handling the Murder of Prince Jaehaerys

When Prince Jaehaerys is murdered, Larys interrupts a Small Council meeting to report the capture of one of the killers. Despite King Aegon’s desire for immediate execution, Otto instructs Larys to interrogate the prisoner. Larys’s interrogation quickly yields a confession: the assassins were hired by Prince Daemon Targaryen. This revelation has significant implications for the ongoing conflict.

Appointment as Master of Whisperers

After King Aegon announces his intention to join the war effort, Larys informs him of rumors suggesting the king’s mother and brother manipulated this decision to rule in his absence. Recognizing Larys’s value, Aegon appoints him as Master of Whisperers, a position Aegon believes is more necessary than his father did.

The Fall of Harrenhal

In Larys’s absence, Prince Daemon Targaryen and his dragon Caraxes capture Harrenhal. Larys’s great-uncle and castellan, Ser Simon Strong, quickly pledges allegiance to Rhaenyra. Simon’s actions reveal the deep resentment towards Larys within his own family, as he openly accuses Larys of being a kinslayer responsible for the deaths of his father and brother.

Strategic Maneuvering in the Small Council

During his first Small Council meeting as Master of Whisperers, Larys faces criticism from King Aegon for failing to prevent the loss of Harrenhal. Unfazed, Larys argues that Harrenhal is a worthless ruin, as he controls all its wealth. He suggests that allowing Daemon to occupy the castle will tie up resources in the Riverlands, benefiting their overall strategy.

Continued Influence over Alicent

After the council meeting, Larys visits Alicent, who had been absent. He notes the presence of moon tea, suggesting his awareness of Alicent’s personal matters. Their conversation covers various topics, including the capture of Harrenhal, which Larys frames as a strategic sacrifice. This interaction highlights Larys’s ongoing role as Alicent’s confidant and advisor.

Advising During King Aegon’s Incapacitation

Following King Aegon’s severe injury at the Battle of Rook’s Rest, Larys discusses appointing a regent. He supports Prince Aemond’s candidacy, arguing against a female regent to maintain consistency with their opposition to Rhaenyra’s claim. This showcases Larys’s political acumen and ability to navigate complex power dynamics.

Read More: Larys’ deleted scenes from House of the Dragon Season 1 would explain his world view, says actor Matthew Needham

Larys Strong in Fire and Blood

Credit: Douglas Wheatley

Rise to Power

In George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, Larys Strong’s rise to power is more gradual. He is brought to court by his father, Lord Lyonel Strong, in 105 AC. Over time, he joins the confessors of King Viserys I Targaryen and eventually becomes Master of Whisperers on the Small Council.

Role in the Dance of the Dragons

During the Targaryen civil war, Larys plays a crucial role in supporting the Greens. He helps orchestrate the coronation of Aegon II and uses his network of spies to gather intelligence for the faction.

Escape from King’s Landing

Fire and Blood details Larys’s cunning escape from King’s Landing when it falls to Rhaenyra Targaryen. He manages to smuggle out King Aegon II and his remaining children through secret passages, showcasing his resourcefulness and loyalty to the Green cause.

Final Fate

The book describes Larys’s ultimate fate during the Hour of the Wolf. He is arrested by Lord Cregan Stark and found guilty of treason. Choosing death over taking the black, Larys is beheaded, marking the end of House Strong.

Read More: Who is King Aegon II in House of the Dragon?

Quotes

“When one is never invited to speak, one learns instead to… observe.” – Larys Strong to Alicent Hightower

“What are children, but a weakness? A folly? A futility? Through them, you imagine you cheat the great darkness of its victory. You will persist forever, in some form or another. As if they will keep you from the dust. But for them, you surrender what you should not. You may know what is the right thing to be done, but love stays the hand. Love is a downfall. Best to make your way through life unencumbered, if you ask me.” – Larys Strong

“Your mind is all that remains to you.” – Larys Strong to Aegon II

Quick Answers

Why was Larys Strong called the Clubfoot?

Larys Strong was born with a clubfoot, a birth defect that caused his right foot to be severely curved inward and downward. This physical deformity led to his nickname “the Clubfoot” and influenced his approach to power, relying on cunning rather than physical prowess.

What role did Larys Strong play in the Dance of the Dragons?

Larys Strong played a significant role in the Dance of the Dragons as a key supporter of the Greens. He served as Master of Whisperers, using his network of spies to gather crucial intelligence. Larys also helped orchestrate key events, such as the coronation of Aegon II and the escape from King’s Landing when it fell to Rhaenyra’s forces.

How did Larys Strong die?

According to Fire and Blood, Larys Strong met his end during the Hour of the Wolf. Lord Cregan Stark arrested him, found him guilty of treason, and given the choice between death and taking the black. Larys chose death and was beheaded with Lord Stark’s Valyrian steel greatsword, Ice.

Read More: Kit Harington felt painful when some fans reacted strongly to Game of Thrones finale

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