The sixth episode of house of the dragon introduced an element to the show that audiences had been waiting for: a major time warp. New actors have stepped in to play old roles, and a host of new characters have been introduced in the 10-year gap between episodes 5 and 6.
But the character whose role on the show has grown the most in this time jump was present (and played by the same actor) before that 10-year hiatus: Larys Strong (portrayed by Matthew Needham). Who is he, and what’s his whole business? We will help you, dear reader.
[Ed. note: Significant spoilers for House of the Dragon episode 6 lie ahead. Tread carefully.]
Who is Larys Strong?
Larys is the youngest of Lord Lyonel Strong of Harrenhal’s two sons. in the house of the dragon, Lord Lyonel was promoted to the position of Hand of the King to King Viserys Targaryen just before the timeskip. Lary’s older brother, Ser Harwin Strong, is a knight. Ser Harwin is also the current lover of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, which has led to rampant rumors in the Targaryen court that he is the illegitimate father of her three children, whom we first meet in episode 6.
What is Larys up to?
Larys has forged a connection with Queen Alicent Hightower, correctly identifying King Viserys’ wife as a key mover and shaker in the political machinations of the Targaryen Empire. This comes to a head in episode 6. The Queen is deeply concerned for Rhaenyra’s bastard children – ostensibly out of concern for the Targaryens’ inheritance, but it is no exaggeration to say that this is primarily out of self-interest in the hope that her eldest son Aegon will be named heir will.
Taking Alicent’s privately shared concerns to heart, Larys organizes a plan whereby a group of men working under his command burn down Harrenhal Castle, apparently killing Lord Lyonel and Ser Harwin in the process.
Why did Larys do this?
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24045226/gavin_spokes.jpg)
Image: Warner Media
It’s pretty callous to organize the deaths of your father and brother so recklessly, but it’s not Family home Good times
Forecasting a bit into the future, Larys sees the impending battle for the succession that will take place once King Viserys inevitably dies. He has identified Alicent as his key ally in this battle and has placed Aegon as the most likely winner. When Larys reveals to Alicent what he has done and she is horrified, he makes it very clear that she now owes him and he will collect it when the time comes. We’ll just have to wait and see if that happens sooner or later.
