What Happens to Harwin Strong: Fate, Fire, and Legacy in House of the Dragon
Ser Harwin Strong, also known as ‘Breakbones’, quickly became a fan favorite in HBO’s House of the Dragon. His strength, quiet nobility, and obvious affection for Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen made him a compelling character. But what happens to Harwin Strong? This article delves into the tragic fate of Harwin Strong, his role in the Dance of the Dragons, and the lasting impact of his character on the Targaryen dynasty. We’ll examine the events leading to his death, the circumstances surrounding it, and the consequences that ripple through the rest of the series.
The Rise of Harwin Strong
Harwin Strong was the eldest son of Lord Lyonel Strong, the Master of Laws and later Hand of the King to Viserys I Targaryen. He distinguished himself as a capable knight and a man of honor. His physical prowess earned him the moniker ‘Breakbones’, a testament to his strength in tournaments and battles. However, it was his relationship with Princess Rhaenyra that truly defined his character arc.
Harwin and Rhaenyra: A Forbidden Connection
The connection between Harwin and Rhaenyra was more than just loyalty; it was marked by a deep, unspoken affection. As Rhaenyra struggled with the pressures of being heir to the Iron Throne, Harwin offered her understanding and support. Their relationship blossomed during a time when Rhaenyra felt increasingly isolated and constrained by her royal duties. The rumors surrounding the paternity of Rhaenyra’s first three sons, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon, heavily implicated Harwin. Their dark hair and features were a stark contrast to the silver-gold hair of the Targaryens and Velaryons, fueling speculation throughout the court. The whispers of what happens to Harwin Strong and his potential involvement with the royal children became a dangerous undercurrent in the Red Keep.
The Tragic End of Ser Harwin Strong
What happens to Harwin Strong is a pivotal moment in the escalating tensions within the Targaryen dynasty. His death is not a heroic battlefield sacrifice, but a cold, calculated act of violence. The circumstances surrounding his demise are shrouded in suspicion, pointing to the machinations of those seeking to undermine Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne. His death serves as a catalyst, accelerating the descent into the Dance of the Dragons.
The Fire at Harrenhal
Harwin and his father, Lord Lyonel Strong, meet their end in a mysterious fire at Harrenhal. Lord Lyonel had resigned as Hand of the King and returned to Harrenhal with Harwin, ostensibly to manage the Strong family’s affairs. However, the timing of their departure, coinciding with the growing rumors surrounding Rhaenyra’s children, suggests a strategic retreat to avoid further scrutiny. A fire breaks out at Harrenhal, consuming the castle and claiming the lives of both Lyonel and Harwin Strong. The cause of the fire remains officially undetermined, but suspicion immediately falls on Larys Strong, Harwin’s younger brother, who had remained in King’s Landing and quickly rose in influence within the court. Larys, known for his cunning and ruthlessness, is widely believed to have orchestrated the fire to eliminate his father and brother, clearing his path to power and furthering the ambitions of the Greens, the faction supporting Aegon II Targaryen’s claim to the throne.
The Motives Behind the Murder
Larys Strong’s potential motive for killing his father and brother stemmed from his ambition and his allegiance to the Greens. By removing Lyonel, he could position himself as a key advisor to Queen Alicent Hightower and her son, Aegon. Eliminating Harwin served multiple purposes. First, it removed a potential rival within the Strong family. Second, and more importantly, it struck a blow against Rhaenyra and her supporters. Harwin’s death deprived Rhaenyra of a loyal protector and further fueled the rumors surrounding her children’s paternity, weakening her claim to the Iron Throne. The question of what happens to Harwin Strong is intrinsically linked to the political maneuvering and power struggles that define the Dance of the Dragons.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The death of Harwin Strong has significant consequences for Rhaenyra, her children, and the overall political landscape of Westeros. It marks a turning point, pushing the realm closer to the brink of civil war. The loss of Harwin deeply impacts Rhaenyra emotionally and strategically. She loses a trusted confidant, a capable protector, and the father of her three eldest sons. This tragedy hardens her resolve and fuels her determination to secure the Iron Throne for her children. She understands that the stakes are higher than ever, and she must be prepared to fight for her birthright. [See also: Rhaenyra Targaryen’s Claim to the Throne]
The Impact on Rhaenyra’s Children
The circumstances surrounding Harwin’s death further complicate the already precarious situation of Rhaenyra’s children. The rumors of their illegitimacy intensify, and their claim to the Iron Throne is increasingly challenged. The loss of their biological father, even though his true identity remains a secret within the court, undoubtedly affects them. They grow up knowing that their parentage is a source of controversy and danger, shaping their personalities and their approach to the unfolding conflict. The knowledge of what happens to Harwin Strong and the reasons behind his demise becomes a burden they carry with them throughout the Dance of the Dragons.
Harwin Strong’s Enduring Influence
Despite his relatively short time on screen, Harwin Strong leaves a lasting impression on the narrative of House of the Dragon. He represents a sense of decency and honor in a world increasingly consumed by ambition and treachery. His love for Rhaenyra, though forbidden, is portrayed as genuine and selfless. His death serves as a reminder of the human cost of political intrigue and the devastating consequences of unchecked power. The story of what happens to Harwin Strong becomes a cautionary tale, illustrating the dangers of secrets, lies, and the ruthless pursuit of the Iron Throne. His legacy lives on through Rhaenyra’s children, who carry his bloodline and his spirit into the Dance of the Dragons. They must navigate the treacherous landscape of Westeros, knowing that their very existence is a threat to those who seek to usurp their birthright.
In Conclusion: Remembering Harwin Strong
What happens to Harwin Strong is a tragic but crucial element in the unfolding drama of House of the Dragon. His death, orchestrated by the cunning Larys Strong, highlights the ruthless ambition and political maneuvering that define the Targaryen dynasty’s descent into civil war. Harwin’s relationship with Rhaenyra, though shrouded in secrecy, adds a layer of complexity and humanity to the story. His legacy endures through Rhaenyra’s children, who must bear the weight of their parentage and fight for their right to rule. As the Dance of the Dragons unfolds, the memory of Harwin Strong serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the devastating consequences of the conflict.
The question of what happens to Harwin Strong is not merely a plot point; it’s a symbol of the moral compromises and personal tragedies that permeate the world of Westeros. His story is a testament to the enduring power of love, loyalty, and the human cost of ambition. Even in death, Harwin Strong’s influence resonates throughout the narrative, shaping the destinies of those who survive him.
The tragic fate of what happens to Harwin Strong underscores the themes of power, betrayal, and sacrifice that are central to House of the Dragon. His character, though briefly present, leaves an indelible mark on the story, reminding us that even in a world of dragons and political intrigue, the human element remains the most compelling and heartbreaking aspect of the narrative. The consequences of what happens to Harwin Strong ripple outwards, impacting the lives of Rhaenyra and her children, shaping the course of the Dance of the Dragons, and solidifying his place as a memorable figure in the history of Westeros.
The story of what happens to Harwin Strong also serves as a reflection on the nature of truth and lies in a world where power reigns supreme. The rumors surrounding his relationship with Rhaenyra and the paternity of her children become weapons in the hands of those seeking to undermine her claim to the Iron Throne. The truth, obscured by political machinations and personal agendas, becomes a casualty of the conflict. What happens to Harwin Strong is a direct result of the lies and secrets that fester within the Red Keep, ultimately leading to the downfall of many.
Finally, what happens to Harwin Strong highlights the importance of loyalty and honor in a world where such qualities are often in short supply. Harwin’s unwavering devotion to Rhaenyra, even in the face of danger and scrutiny, stands in stark contrast to the treachery and self-serving ambition of characters like Larys Strong. His death serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, acts of courage and selflessness can have a profound impact. The memory of what happens to Harwin Strong and the values he represented continues to inspire those who fight for justice and truth in the face of overwhelming odds. The question of what happens to Harwin Strong is therefore not just a historical inquiry, but a reflection on the enduring human qualities that shape the course of history.
