Race: Human (Men of the Reach)
Sex: Female
Faction: The Greens
Overall Rating: 4.3
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Arena Status: Active (S1)
Alicent Hightower is a figure who perhaps epitomizes the hidden power behind the thrones in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.
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| Alicent Hightower by melinoya, Deviant Art |
Alicent is the daughter of Ser Otto Hightower, who served as Hand of the King to both Viserys I and his grandfather, Jaehaerys I. Alicent's upbringing in a family closely tied to the royal court shaped her future in profound ways. Martin's narrative begins to paint her figure in the supplementary material, notably "Fire & Blood" and "The Princess and the Queen."
Alicent's ambition took flight when she became the second wife of King Viserys I Targaryen. This marriage led to the birth of several children, including King Aegon II. Her desire for power for her children, particularly Aegon, to inherit the Iron Throne becomes a driving force for the Targaryen civil war or the "Dance of the Dragons."
(Spoilers ahead) The Dance of the Dragons is a cataclysmic struggle for the Iron Throne between the Hightowers (Greens) and the supporters of Rhaenyra Targaryen (Blacks), Viserys I's eldest daughter from his first marriage.
Alicent's role in this war is subtle yet decisive. She organizes the infamous Green Council, named for the color she wore at a critical tourney, to ensure her son Aegon's ascension. Her manipulation and political maneuvering underscore the character's ability to wield influence without a sword.
"The greens had gathered around Queen Alicent and Ser Christon Cole, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard." - from "The Princess and the Queen."
Alicent's power lies not only in her political acumen but also in her role as a mother. Her relationship with her children, especially Aegon, is complex and driven by a blend of maternal love and political ambition. She manipulates them, but she also suffers for them, a duality that makes her character so fascinating.
The aftermath of the Dance of the Dragons sees Alicent's influence wane. Her legacy, however, endures in the form of a fractured kingdom and a lineage forever changed by war.
The character of Alicent Hightower is fascinating exploration of power, ambition, and manipulation within the complexities of Westeros. Her influence reaches far beyond her title by marriage, reflecting a theme that runs throughout the A Song of Ice and Fire series: that power is not always wielded by kings and warriors, but often by those operating behind the scenes.
Alicent Hightower demonstrates the multifaceted roles women can play in traditionally male-dominated worlds. Whether admired or reviled, her impact on the Targaryen dynasty and the entire realm of Westeros is undeniable. Her story is a testimony to the intricacy of George R.R. Martin's world, where power, politics, and personal ambition intertwine in an intricate "dance" that defines the fate of kingdoms, and dragons. Her cunning, ambition, and resilience serve as an example of the underlying themes that make the series so great.
Where does Alicent Hightower appear in the source material?
Alicent Hightower is featured in supplemental works to the A Song of Ice and Fire series, specifically in "Fire & Blood" and "The Princess and the Queen," where she plays a pivotal role in the Dance of the Dragons.
Who are Alicent Hightower's children?
Alicent Hightower had four children with King Viserys I Targaryen: King Aegon II Targaryen, Queen Helaena Targaryen, Aemond Targaryen, and Prince Daeron Targaryen.
Alicent Hightower's Raw Power
Alicent Hightower, a character from George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" universe, is known for her political influence rather than physical or magical prowess. When analyzing her raw power based on the given definitions—physical strength, magical abilities, or other innate powers—Alicent appears limited.
She doesn't possess any known magical abilities or exceptional physical strength, and there's no evidence to suggest she could cast spells, control the elements, or exert any supernatural force. In the context of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" universe, raw power often manifests through combat skills or magical potential, neither of which are attributed to Alicent.
Given this absence of specific information on Alicent's raw power, it may be tempting to overlook her in a broader fantasy context. Yet, it's essential to recognize her within her world's constraints, where power takes on different forms and isn't solely defined by physical might or magical talent.
Even so, when comparing Alicent to characters across all fantasy universes who might wield immense magical powers or have extraordinary physical capabilities, it's clear that Alicent's raw power doesn't rank high.
It appears the initial rating of 1 in this category was well-founded. Alicent's influence in the political arena is undeniable, but in terms of raw power, as defined, she falls short. There's no direct evidence in the source material to contradict this assessment, nor are there quotes that would illustrate Alicent demonstrating raw power as defined.
Thus, maintaining the rating of 1 seems appropriate for Alicent Hightower. Her character serves as a poignant reminder that power in a fantasy context can be multifaceted, and characters like Alicent contribute to the complexity and depth of their worlds, even when they don't fit the typical mold of strength or sorcery. Her power lies elsewhere, making her a compelling figure in her right, but not in terms of raw power as defined here.
Alicent Hightower's Tactical Ability
Alicent Hightower's tactical ability in George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" universe, specifically within the prequel novellas, showcases her adeptness at strategizing and playing political games. Unlike her raw power, Alicent's tactical ability shines brightly.
Born into a powerful and influential family, Alicent's upbringing provided her with an intricate understanding of political maneuvering and courtly dynamics. Marrying King Viserys I furthered her influence, enabling her to play a central role in the politics of King's Landing.
The prime example of Alicent's tactical ability is the orchestration of her son's, Aegon II Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne, strategically positioning him over his half-sister Rhaenyra, the previously designated heir. Her planning and manipulation led to a bloody and complex war, demonstrating her willingness to engage in conflict situations with a planned and calculated approach.
However, comparing Alicent's tactical ability to characters across all fantasy universes presents a challenge. While her strategic thinking and planning capabilities are pronounced within her political context, they might not translate into broader arenas that involve physical combat, magic, or other diverse scenarios common to fantasy worlds.
This limitation could justify maintaining the previously given rating of 5.5. Alicent's tactical ability is pronounced in her context, but its lack of adaptability across various scenarios and worlds may prevent it from ranking higher. Her strategies are limited to political maneuvering and don't extend into magical or military realms, which many other characters across different universes might employ.
To quote George R.R. Martin's description of the Hightower influence, "In the annals of the Seven Kingdoms, there is no more historically significant seat than the Hightower," symbolizing Alicent's entrenched political and tactical background.
Therefore, a rating of 5.5 seems fitting for Alicent Hightower's tactical ability, representing her mastery over political tactics within her context but acknowledging that her skills might not extend to all conceivable scenarios across the wide spectrum of fantasy literature.
Alicent Hightower's Influence
Alicent Hightower possesses a substantial degree of influence, which extends beyond simple power plays. Her influence is displayed in her ability to lead, manipulate, and sway others, leveraging her personality and position in King's Landing.
Born into House Hightower and being the daughter of the Hand of the King, Alicent was groomed from an early age to navigate the political landscape of Westeros. As the second wife of King Viserys I Targaryen, her influence reached its peak, allowing her to play a pivotal role in determining the line of succession.
Her most significant exercise of influence was orchestrating her son Aegon II's claim to the throne over Rhaenyra, the designated heir. This act sparked a brutal civil war, demonstrating the profound impact of her persuasion and leadership on the events of the kingdom.
However, Alicent's influence also has its limitations. While she successfully manipulated the court and those close to her, her influence didn't reach the broader populace, nor did it translate into lasting control over the throne.
The duality of Alicent's influence – strong within her immediate sphere but limited beyond it – is a nuanced aspect of her character. Comparatively, in the vast landscape of fantasy characters across different universes, Alicent's influence is not extraordinary but remains substantial.
Considering these factors, the previous rating of 6 seems appropriate. While Alicent's influence is strong within her context, manipulating royal succession, it doesn't extend to broader, more universal aspects such as controlling magical forces or swaying entire nations.
To encapsulate Alicent's influence, George R.R. Martin once described the politics of the time, highlighting the importance of family connections and alliances: "The Dance of the Dragons [...] was the most devastating war in the history of the Seven Kingdoms." Alicent's influence was at the heart of this war, shaping the political landscape but remaining confined within the boundaries of Westerosi politics, supporting the given rating of 6.
Alicent Hightower's Resilience
Alicent Hightower's resilience, as characterized in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series by George R.R. Martin, is a multifaceted trait marked by her ability to navigate the treacherous political landscape of Westeros and endure significant personal and political setbacks.
Alicent's resilience is most prominently demonstrated during the Dance of the Dragons, a Targaryen civil war. Her strategic maneuvering and persistence in backing her son Aegon II for the throne, despite the challenges and opposition, shows a determined and unyielding spirit.
However, Alicent's resilience is not without its limits. After the war, she was imprisoned, and her influence waned significantly. Her failure to adapt and recover from these circumstances demonstrates a certain fragility in her resilience. Her life ended in confinement, and her political aspirations were largely crushed.
In comparison to all fantasy characters across various universes, Alicent's resilience is somewhat average. While she demonstrates a capacity to endure political strife and personal losses, her inability to recover fully from defeats limits her resilience.
Considering the full scope of Alicent's life and the complexity of her character, maintaining the previous rating of 5 is appropriate. She exhibits resilience in specific circumstances but falls short in adapting to new challenges or recovering fully from defeats.
A quote that encapsulates Alicent's resilience might be drawn from her role in sparking the civil war: "Aegon the Second decreed that Alicent's youngest son, Prince Daeron, a boy of fourteen, should serve as his Hand in his mother's place." Her determination to secure power for her lineage, despite the enormous risks, illustrates her resilience.
Yet, her ultimate failure to maintain that influence and her decline into confinement highlight the limitations of her resilience, reinforcing the rating of 5. Her resilience is notable but confined within specific circumstances, lacking the broader adaptability or recovery that might mark a higher rating in comparison to a wider spectrum of fantasy characters.
Alicent Hightower's Versatility
Alicent Hightower, from George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, exhibits a unique set of skills that reflect a level of versatility, especially in the realm of politics. Let's delve into various aspects of her character to analyze her versatility.
Alicent's skills as a political operator are clear. She masterminded many schemes to ensure her children's ascension to power, particularly during the Dance of the Dragons. Her ability to navigate complex political landscapes demonstrates a certain versatility in dealing with varying situations and challenges.
Alicent's adaptation to different roles, from the queen mother to a leader of political factions, shows a range of abilities. However, her adaptation had its limitations, especially after the war when her influence diminished.
Her strategic thinking, as seen in her plotting and planning during the Targaryen civil war, is an example of her ability to adapt to complex situations. But, once again, this is specific to her political environment.
Alicent's ability to manage and manipulate personal relationships further illustrates her versatility. She used connections, persuasion, and influence to achieve her goals, reflecting a multifaceted approach to power.
Considering Alicent's overall profile, her versatility is certainly present but confined mostly to political intrigue and strategic thinking. She doesn't exhibit a wide array of diverse skills that span beyond this specific realm. Therefore, a rating of 4 for her versatility seems appropriate. She has shown a degree of adaptability and a variety of skills within her political sphere but doesn't display a broader range of talents or abilities that would warrant a higher rating compared to other fantasy characters across different universes.
A quote that might represent Alicent's versatility comes from the "Fire & Blood" volume, where her influence and strategic thinking are detailed: "The queen had proved herself a kinslayer, a turncloak, and a usurper." This quote reveals the multi-dimensional aspects of her character, both lauded and reviled, that reflect her versatile approach to power and influence, justifying the rating of 4 in the context of versatility.
Alicent Hightower's Alignment
Alicent Hightower, an influential character in George R.R. Martin's "Fire & Blood," plays a significant role in the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. As the second wife of King Viserys I Targaryen, she holds a prominent place at court and uses her influence to secure her children's position in line for the throne. Her political acumen and strategic mind are evident in her scheming and plotting, maneuvering to outsmart her enemies.
Alicent adheres to the structure of the court and leverages her position within the rules of the society she inhabits. Her manipulations, though morally questionable, are often within the bounds of legality. She works through established channels, using laws, traditions, and the influence of her position to accomplish her objectives. However, she is not averse to bending those rules to suit her needs, so her lawful alignment is not always rigidly upheld.
While Alicent's motives may stem from a desire to protect her children's inheritance, the lengths to which she is willing to go reveal a more self-serving and ruthless nature. Her willingness to engage in treachery, deceit, and manipulation for personal gain aligns her character more with the Evil category. Her actions during the Dance of the Dragons, leading to the deaths of many, further cement her position in this alignment.
Alicent's alignment as Lawful Evil paints a picture of a character driven by ambition, willing to operate within the bounds of the law but without a moral compass that would prevent her from engaging in ethically dubious behavior. Her character's depth and complexity contribute to her fascinating role in the lore of "A Song of Ice and Fire," where the line between right and wrong often blurs, and characters' true allegiances and morals can be hard to pin down. Pride and Prophecy keeps an updated character alignment matrix across all planes of existence.
Alicent's Trophy Case
PPET Rankings
| Season | Rank |
|---|---|
| 1 (2023-2024) | #100 (of 107) |
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