'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 7: True meaning behind Alicent Hightower's lake scene explained
Contains spoilers and speculation for 'House of the Dragon'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: In 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, Episode 7, aired on HBO on Sunday, July 28, Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) grapples with her tumultuous position within the Red Keep.
Having been thrust into a position of immense responsibility as a child bride, Alicent's life has become a series of sacrifices and duties that have distanced her from those she once cherished.
Her strained relationship with Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) has been marked by jealousy and power struggles, culminating in her bold declaration of war symbolized by her green dress.
While this decision asserts her authority, it has left her feeling abandoned by those she aimed to protect.
In Episode 7, Alicent's quest to reclaim a sense of autonomy leads her on a reflective walk through Kingswood, culminating in a cathartic swim in the lake.
This scene is not just a moment of respite but a deep reflection of her internal struggle and her quest for control in a world that has constantly dictated her fate.
What does Alicent Hightower's cathartic lake scene in 'House of the Dragon' represent?
In 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, Episode 7, titled 'The Red Sowing,' Alicent Hightower’s lake scene holds profound symbolic meaning.
Alicent’s poignant moment of retreat to the lake represents a powerful act of cleansing and potential rebirth.
Before leaving King’s Landing, she reflects, 'Nothing is clean here,' setting the stage for the lake as a sanctuary for purification and renewal.
As she immerses herself in the water, Alicent seeks to wash away the anguish and burdens accumulated from her tumultuous time in the Red Keep.
As she floats, viewers can almost see the worry and pain dissolve from her face, symbolizing a release from her emotional torment.
On her walk to the lake, she sheds her iconic green cloak and dress, wearing only a simple white shift. This transformation is striking, marking the first time since Season 1, Episode 5 that Alicent is seen without the green attire that has come to define her.
The absence of her usual green garments and symbols of the Faith of the Seven, along with the lack of Kingsguard protection, presents Alicent in her most pure and vulnerable state.
The white dress she wears evokes the image of a blank canvas, suggesting a new beginning and a possible shift in her allegiances.
What does Alicent Hightower's leaving behind green means 'House of the Dragon'?
The loss of her green clothing is particularly significant within the show's context. By this episode, Alicent has been removed from the Small Council by Aemond Targaryen, stripping her of the power she had fought to retain.
Her sacrifices and steadfast duty seem in vain as she confides in Grand Maester Orwyle, "All my life I have endeavored to serve both my house and the realm, and somehow none of it matters. We are cast aside. Or hated."
Discarded by her son and disillusioned by the lies underpinning Aegon’s claim to the throne, Alicent’s abandonment of her green attire signifies a potential severance from her loyalty to Team Green.
The surrounding green forest contrasts sharply with the lake's clear water, underscoring her separation from the life she once knew.
As Alicent gazes at a solitary bird in the sky, mirroring its movements in the water, she experiences a fleeting sense of freedom, contemplating the possibility of escaping the oppressive power structures that have constrained her.
Her continued swim away from the shore suggests a desire to break free and start anew, though it remains uncertain whether she will return to King’s Landing.
How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 has been streaming on HBO since June 16, 2024, with new episodes dropping every Sunday till August 4, 2024.
The streaming platform typically offers three packages you can choose from depending on your budget.
The low-cost plan that supports advertising costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 annually.
Meanwhile, the third package, titled Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.
'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer