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Introduction

Harrold Westerling is one of the characters in the HBO series “House of the Dragon,” which is a prequel to the “Game of Thrones.” The character is played by Graham McTavish, and he is portrayed as a noble knight who has a major part to play in the civil war of the Targaryen dynasty known as the Dance of the Dragons. This article focuses on the character and his position in the series, as well as the portrayal of this character by McTavish.

Background of Harrold Westerling

Early Life and Rise to Power

Harrold Westerling belongs to the noble house Westerling from the Crag region in the northwest of the Westerland. There is not much information about his early life in the source material but it is certain that he was a talented and experienced knight. Due to his great military skills and his loyalty to the Targaryen family, he was accepted into the Kingsguard under King Viserys I Targaryen.

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Appointment as Lord Commander

In Westeros, Westerling has risen to the position of the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard thanks to his connection with Queen Alicent Hightower. Alicent, who must have appreciated his skills and commitment, probably had a significant say in his appointment. This position gave Westerling a lot of power and respect, making him one of the persons closest to the king.

Role in the Dance of the Dragons

Support for the Greens

Harrold Westerling was a fervent ally of Queen Alicent Hightower and her party, called the Greens. After the death of the King Viserys I Targaryen, there was a conflict over the rightful heir: the daughter of the first marriage, Rhaenyra, and the son of Alicent, Aegon II. Westerling supported Alicent and played a key role in the ascension of Aegon II to the throne while denying the right of succession to Rhaenyra.

Military Leadership

During the Targaryen civil war, Westerling stayed with the greens, and was a strong and reliable force. He took the Kingsguard into many fights against Rhaenyra and her supporters, the Blacks. It is evident that his strategic thinking and his skills as a fighter contributed to the dynamics of these battles which had a profound impact on the development of the war.

Political Influence

Westerling did not only serve as a fighter but also had other responsibilities. He also participated a lot in the political strategies and decisions of the Green council. He was a trusted advisor and his advice was highly sought by Alicent and her supporters, which placed him in a strategic position to help the Greens formulate their plans and countermeasures against the actions of the Blacks.

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Relationship with Queen Alicent Hightower

Harrold Westerling was completely loyal and trustworthy to the queen Alicent Hightower and had a good friendship with her. Being the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Westerling was not only Alicent’s bodyguard but also her friend and a person she could trust and turn to for advice. This made their relationship stronger since both of them wanted Alicent’s son, Aegon II, to become the king of the seven kingdoms, and the ruler of the Iron Throne.

Portrayal by Graham McTavish

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Characterization

It is for the same reason that Graham McTavish has done a fairly good job in portraying the character of Harrold Westerling in the series “House of the Dragon”. In the story, McTavish portrays Westerling as a protagonist with moral compass, a man of principles in the sea of treachery. These aspects of his performance build upon Westerling as a character, making him an interesting figure in the series.

Some of the differences that can be observed in the adaptation include

In George R. R. Martin’s book “Fire & Blood,” Harrold Westerling plays a small part, being killed before the events of the Dance of the Dragons. But in the HBO series the character is developed much deeper and the audience gets to know him not only as the person who wants to avenge his father’s death but also as a brother, a friend, a son. This creative freedom is beneficial for the show because it offers an enhanced storyline and allows McTavish to prove his talent as an actor.

Key Battles and Confrontations

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The Coronation of Aegon II

Of all the events in the Seven Kingdoms that can be attributed to Westerling, the most important was the ascension of Aegon II Targaryen to the throne. Westerling was an active part of this decision making and helped to counter the claims of Rhaenyra and set the Green faction for the further war.

The Battle of Rook's Rest

Westerling commanded the Kingsguard in the attack on Roque’s Roost where supporters of Rhaenyra lived. This fight was one of the first that the Greens won and it showed that Westerling was quite a capable general.

The Battle of the Gullet

The sea battle that took place between the Greens and the Blacks fleets was a pivotal moment in the conflict. It is possible that Westerling was involved in the planning and coordination of this battle, which ended in a clear victory of the Greens.

Ultimate Fate

As for the post-war destiny of Harrold Westerling, the primary source does not contain a specific record of it. However, given the circumstances and the events that took place in the aftermath of the conflict, it can be inferred that Westerling met his demise. The Greens faced a series of disastrous setbacks, and Aegon II died, while Rhaenyra’s army seized King’s Landing.

Conclusion

Harrold Westerling, played by Graham McTavish in “House of the Dragon,” is not a simple character and has a lot more to him. His devotion to the Targaryen cause, experience as a soldier and politician, and cunning make him one of the most influential characters in the Targaryen civil war. McTavish’s portrayal of this character is very effective in enriching the show and offering the audience a complex example of the concept of honor amidst the turmoil and chaos of war.

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