Rhaenyra Targaryen finally claims the Iron Throne in the second episode of House of the Dragon Season 3. It is a moment she and her supporters have long awaited. But sitting the Iron Throne is never just a victory – it is also a burden. The episode’s closing scene, featuring the execution of Otto Hightower, makes that painfully clear.
The brutal execution scene
During the latter half of the episode, Daemon Targaryen and Rhaenyra Targaryen arrive in King’s Landing. Keeping the promise she made to her childhood friend, Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower ensures that Rhaenyra enters the Red Keep without resistance. It is a major victory for the Blacks. Yet Rhaenyra’s conquest remains incomplete. To secure her claim, she must eliminate Aegon II Targaryen. She soon learns, however, that her rival has already fled the capital.
Larys Strong does, however, leave Daemon a parting gift hidden in the Black Cells beneath the Red Keep. It is none other than Otto Hightower, the former Hand of the King and one of the principal architects of the conflict between the Blacks and the Greens.
Daemon quickly urges Rhaenyra to execute Otto Hightower for his treason. In a shocking and pivotal moment, she personally beheads him. In doing so, she becomes the queen Daemon has always believed she needed to be.
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For viewers who have watched Rhaenyra grow from the ‘Realm’s Delight’ into a claimant for the Iron Throne, Otto Hightower’s execution marks one of the biggest turning points in her story.
In the Inside the Episode featurette released after the episode, writer Sara Hess explained:
“I think especially because she’s a woman he is acknowledging that like in order to assume this position you have to show that you’re willing to do whatever it takes… we did want to honor the fact that Rhaenyra had never been trained with a sword before, she missed us the first time.”
Does this change Rhaenyra forever?
Rhaenyra wears two hats throughout the episode. She is both a grieving mother mourning the loss of her son and a victorious queen finally claiming her birthright. But her coronation also marks a profound transformation. The woman once known as the ‘Realm’s Delight’ now appears willing to put her enemies to the sword to strengthen her rule. This is evident from the scene where she executes Otto Hightower.
In the Inside the Episode featurette, showrunner Ryan Condal reflected on this defining moment, saying:
“The Rhaenyra character that we knew is now a very different person from the point that Otto’s head rolls away from his body… possibly more than the loss of Jace that’s the moment when it comes home to her that this is what it means to sit in that chair.”
Whether this moment permanently reshapes Rhaenyra’s character remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the Queen who now sits the Iron Throne understands the cost of power – and appears prepared to do whatever is necessary to eliminate those who stand in her way.
What did you think of Otto Hightower’s execution? Let us know in the comments.
