In a surprising twist for fans of the Game of Thrones universe, the cast of House of the Dragon has weighed in on one of the series’ most captivating theories: the maesters’ role in the downfall of House Targaryen. With the success of House of the Dragon taking flight since its debut, curiosity has reached an all-time high regarding the intricate motivations behind the show’s characters and their allegiances.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, several cast members, including Emma D’Arcy (who portrays Rhaenyra Targaryen), Olivia Cooke (Alicent Hightower), and Ewan Mitchell (Aemond Targaryen), expressed their support for the tantalizing theory suggesting that the maesters might have orchestrated not only the decline of the Targaryens but also the gradual disappearance of magic in Westeros. Their comments drew attention to the questionable medical practices employed by these scholarly figures when dealing with Targaryen bloodlines.
Mitchell: “That sticks. That holds up, right?”
D’Arcy: “Those bastards.”
Cooke: “They do over-prescribe milk of the poppy, so maybe there’s something in that.”
This engaging exchange points to the depth of the maester conspiracy theory, which speculates that these learned individuals may have even sought to weaken Targaryen dragons, as a way to stifle what they perceived as threats to the natural orderâ€â€magic and the reign of dragons themselves. Actor Steve Toussaint, who plays Corlys Velaryon, dismissed the dragon aspect of the theory, stating simply, “That’s nonsense.“
Unpacking the Maester Theory for the Future
The show’s cast recognizes the significant influence that the maesters wield over Westerosi politics, a subject that resonates deeply with fans. Their actions often reflect a blend of outdated medieval wisdom and hidden agendas, suggesting that their impact is as potent as it is subtle. The maesters bring a wave of intrigue, making it crucial to keep an eye on their decisions, not only in House of the Dragon but also in potential future spinoffs from the Game of Thrones franchise.
Despite being a tool of institution, the maesters are not above suspicion. Their questionable practices and biases give rise to a compelling examination of power dynamics in Westeros. The subject keeps fans engaged, as the cast’s endorsement of the theory promises to intensify discussions surrounding the intricate lore of the series.
The Cast Fuels the Debate on Maesters
The allure of such theories might not lead to a definitive confirmation from the series. House of the Dragon could maintain ambiguity, preserving the tension and intrigue that keep viewers captivated. In many ways, an explicit denial or confirmation would diminish the fan engagement that has become a hallmark of the franchise. Yet, the enthusiastic responses from the cast elevate the excitement around the maesters’ actions, which can serve as a pivotal plot device, hinting at unseen motives and the consequences of their actions.
In the realm of Westeros, where power shifts rapidly and allegiances can crumble in an instant, the maesters remain a wild card. Their credibility as trusted advisors juxtaposes their potential for manipulation and betrayal. Whether or not the theory holds water, its mere existence adds another layer of complexity to an already rich narrative. Fans eagerly await each episode, ready to scrutinize every move made by these enigmatic figures as we venture deeper into the saga of House of the Dragon and the ever-expanding universe of Game of Thrones.
Game of Thrones | House of the Dragon | TV Show