What Happens to Harwin Strong: Unraveling the Fate of House Strong’s Heir in House of the Dragon

Ser Harwin Strong, also known as Breakbones, was a character who quickly became a fan favorite in HBO’s House of the Dragon. His strength, both physical and moral, coupled with his undeniable connection to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, made his storyline compelling viewing. But what happens to Harwin Strong, and why did his presence in the series come to an abrupt end? This article delves into the details of his character arc and the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.

The Rise of Breakbones: Harwin Strong’s Role in the King’s Landing Court

Harwin Strong was the eldest son and heir to Lord Lyonel Strong, the Master of Laws and later Hand to King Viserys I Targaryen. His position within the court was significant, granting him access to the inner circles of power. Initially, he served as a city watchman, showcasing his commitment to maintaining order within King’s Landing. However, his role expanded dramatically when he was appointed as a sworn shield to Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. This appointment marked the beginning of a profound and ultimately tragic relationship.

Harwin’s nickname, Breakbones, wasn’t merely a title of endearment. It reflected his formidable strength and prowess in battle. He was a skilled warrior, respected and feared in equal measure. This physical capability was a vital asset to Rhaenyra, especially given the growing political tensions within the realm.

A Forbidden Love: Harwin Strong and Rhaenyra Targaryen

The core of what happens to Harwin Strong revolves around his passionate and illicit affair with Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen. As Rhaenyra’s sworn shield, Harwin was constantly by her side, a proximity that fostered a deep connection. Their relationship blossomed into a forbidden love, fueled by mutual respect, admiration, and undeniable attraction. This affair became a closely guarded secret, though whispers and rumors inevitably spread throughout the court, adding fuel to the fire of political intrigue. [See also: The Targaryen Dynasty: A History of Fire and Blood]

The consequences of their affair were far-reaching. Rhaenyra’s three sons, Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey Velaryon, were widely believed to be Harwin’s biological children, a fact that cast a long shadow over their legitimacy as heirs to the Iron Throne. This sparked animosity and suspicion from various factions within the court, most notably the greens, led by Queen Alicent Hightower, who saw Rhaenyra’s actions as a threat to their own claim to the throne.

The Seeds of Destruction: Accusations and Political Intrigue

The rumors surrounding the paternity of Rhaenyra’s children created a volatile atmosphere in King’s Landing. Ser Criston Cole, once Rhaenyra’s sworn shield and paramour before being rejected, harbored deep resentment and openly questioned the children’s parentage. His accusations, coupled with the growing animosity between Rhaenyra and Alicent, intensified the political tensions and set the stage for future conflict.

King Viserys I, though aware of the rumors, desperately tried to maintain peace and unity within his family and the realm. He turned a blind eye to the whispers and refused to publicly acknowledge the illegitimacy of Rhaenyra’s sons. However, his inaction only served to embolden those who sought to challenge Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne. The question of what happens to Harwin Strong becomes intertwined with the larger question of succession and the impending Dance of the Dragons.

The Tragic End: The Fire at Harrenhal

What happens to Harwin Strong is a brutal and devastating event orchestrated to eliminate a key player in the unfolding drama. Harwin, along with his father, Lord Lyonel Strong, met a fiery end at Harrenhal. The official explanation was a tragic accident, a fire that swept through the castle, claiming the lives of both men. However, the circumstances surrounding the fire pointed to foul play. [See also: The History of Harrenhal: A Cursed Castle]

The most likely culprit behind the fire was Larys Strong, Harwin’s younger brother, also known as Clubfoot. Larys, a master manipulator and schemer, acted on behalf of Queen Alicent Hightower. He sought to remove Harwin from the equation, eliminating a potential threat to Aegon’s claim to the throne. Larys understood that Harwin’s presence in Rhaenyra’s life complicated the succession and fueled the rumors surrounding her children’s legitimacy. By orchestrating his death, Larys aimed to weaken Rhaenyra’s position and strengthen the greens’ claim.

The death of Lord Lyonel Strong also served a strategic purpose. As Hand to the King, Lyonel was a voice of reason and stability in the court. His removal paved the way for Otto Hightower, Alicent’s father, to return to the position, further solidifying the greens’ control over the King’s council.

The Aftermath: Rhaenyra’s Grief and the Shifting Political Landscape

The death of Harwin Strong had a profound impact on Rhaenyra Targaryen. She was devastated by the loss of her lover and the father of her children. Harwin’s death served as a catalyst for her growing resentment towards Alicent and the greens. It reinforced her determination to secure the Iron Throne for herself and her sons, regardless of the cost. [See also: Rhaenyra Targaryen: Queen or Usurper?]

The political landscape of Westeros shifted dramatically in the wake of Harwin and Lyonel Strong’s deaths. With Otto Hightower back as Hand to the King, the greens gained considerable influence over Viserys I. The stage was set for the inevitable conflict that would become known as the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal and devastating civil war that would tear the Targaryen dynasty apart.

Harwin Strong’s Legacy: A Character of Honor and Loyalty

Despite his relatively short time on screen, Harwin Strong left a lasting impression on viewers. He was portrayed as a man of honor, loyalty, and genuine affection for Rhaenyra and her children. His willingness to risk everything for love and duty made him a compelling and sympathetic character. While his actions were controversial, his motivations were rooted in a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to protect those he cared about.

What happens to Harwin Strong underscores the ruthless nature of Westerosian politics and the devastating consequences of forbidden love. His death serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of power and the human cost of the Game of Thrones. Harwin’s legacy lives on through Rhaenyra’s children, who carry his blood and his spirit into the upcoming conflict. He was a strong and honorable man, and his absence is deeply felt throughout the realm.

In conclusion, what happens to Harwin Strong is a tragic tale of love, loss, and political intrigue. His death at Harrenhal, orchestrated by Larys Strong on behalf of the greens, marked a significant turning point in the lead-up to the Dance of the Dragons. Harwin’s legacy as a man of honor and loyalty remains, forever intertwined with the fate of Rhaenyra Targaryen and her children.