A Battle of a Different Kind on House of the Dragon

‘House of the Dragon’s most recent offering, episode 5, delivered a decidedly less frenetic pace than the tumultuous ride viewers were on in episode 4; still, in its quieter way, it managed to churn up a tempest of its own. Following the tragic demise of the eminent Rhaenys and the drastic decline of the green’s monarchy, the narrative shifted to the social battlefront, examining the world of Westeros through the lenses of gender and societal expectations.

A Queen’s Struggle to Be Taken Seriously

First up in our parade of complex characters is Rhaenyra, who, despite being queen, struggles for authority in her own council. There’s a persistent tussle with the old guard, culminating in an unfiltered expression of sexism from Ser Alfred, who dismisses Rhaenyra’s strategic competence based simply on her gender. Always the clever retorter, Rhaenyra reminds him that neither of them has seen more battles than the other.

Yet, in a candid confession, Rhaenyra acknowledges the gaping holes in her training. While her father, King Viserys, ensured she knew her courtly pleasantries, he provided no guidance on leading wars. This leaves us pondering whether this oversight was due to her being a female, Viserys’s disinterest in wars, or Rhaenyra’s lack of interest. Her past rebellious years don’t particularly help her situation.

A Case of Male Bias in Leadership

The medical troubles of King Aegon II throw another wrench in the machinery, necessitating a regent. Alas, even with her extensive ruling experience, Rhaenyra is passed over. The old men at the council table prefer a warrior king, ignoring the technical heir, Helaena – further evidence of the deeply entrenched gender bias.

Is Helaena fit to rule? Perhaps not, but the fact that she’s not even considered shows just how deeply the bias runs. Alicent Hightower, her own mother, allows this systemic injustice – proving privilege can indeed blind one to sexism.

The Not-So-Glamorous Sides of War

Then there’s whatever it is that Daemon advises Lord Blackwood to do to win the Brackens over – a list that includes pillaging, raping, and burning. It’s a grim reminder that war spares no one, not even women and the weak. The episode might superficially center around sexism, but the underlying theme is the trials of the underprivileged. It’s a stark look at how power-driven individuals in Westeros – male or female – exploit the vulnerable in their relentless pursuit of power.

The Real Culprits of Gender Wars

While Alicent and Rhaenyra are presented as ‘gender war’ victims in the series, let’s not forget the scores of men and women suffering from a war of their own making. Their privileged positions and often misguided decisions have more sway on events than most characters in the series. Narratives that fail to scrutinize them for their privilege appear superficial at best. Hopefully, the show will follow through with their ‘book fates’ – a promising serving of justice for all, irrespective of gender.

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