Olivia Cooke has revealed that one of Alicent Hightower’s most important personal journeys in House of the Dragon Season 3 revolves around her complicated relationship with her daughter, Helaena Targaryen.
In one of her recent press junkets, Cooke explained how Alicent’s approach to Helaena evolves significantly throughout the season.
Quick read:
- Alicent and Helaena’s relationship will deepen in Season 3
- The mother will stop looking at her daughter as weak and fragile and more of intelligent and someone who can see right through
- Alicent will spend more time understanding her daughter
Credit: HBO
From smothering to understanding
Cooke described Alicent’s initial attitude toward Helaena as protective but ultimately misguided:
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“She learns to understand her a lot better. She starts off by trying to protect and smother and baby this person who she doesn’t understand how her brain works, or what she’s capable of.”
This protective instinct, which often came across as controlling in previous seasons, begins to shift as Alicent is forced to confront the reality of who Helaena truly is.
“Over the season, she realises that she can’t continue to hide or smooth over the truth or take shortcuts with Helaena because she literally sees through it.”
Helaena’s unique way of perceiving the world; her prophetic dreams and unconventional thinking, makes it impossible for Alicent to continue treating her like a fragile child who needs constant shielding.
A major mother-daughter evolution
This development marks a key emotional arc for Alicent in Season 3. Instead of trying to manage or hide Helaena’s differences, Alicent is pushed to truly see and respect her daughter’s capabilities and insight. The change appears to stem from the dangers of the war, forcing Alicent to rely on Helaena in new and more honest ways.
Cooke’s comments suggest this growing understanding will play a meaningful role in Alicent’s broader storyline, especially as she focuses on survival and protecting her remaining family.
Viewers can look forward to many scenes between Alicent and Helaena this season. Their relationship, long marked by misunderstanding and emotional distance, is set to deepen as Alicent learns that her daughter is far stronger and more perceptive than she had previously realized.
