Why Is Otto Hightower Back As Hand Of The King In House Of The Dragon?

House of the Dragon episode 6 saw the death of 3 important characters Laena Velaryon, Lyonel Strong and Ser Harwin Strong. Lyonel Strong had replaced

By Chandraboli Majumdar
October 5,2022
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House of the Dragon episode 6 saw the death of 3 important characters Laena Velaryon, Lyonel Strong and Ser Harwin Strong. Lyonel Strong had replaced Ser Otto Hightower as the Hand of the King. King Viserys had to let go of Otto Hightower when he was forced to see reason by Princess Rhaenyra. However, in episode 6, Lord Larys Strong hatched a plan to murder both his father and brother. This created a vacancy for Hand of the King. The vacancy was filled by Ser Otto Hightower in episode 7 of House of the Dragon.

Why did King Viserys bring back Otto Hightower as Hand of the King?

Otto Hightower is back as Hand of the King in House of the Dragon
Otto Hightower is back as Hand of the King in House of the Dragon

We see Otto Hightower wearing the gold brooch or pin of Hand of the King once again in House of the Dragon episode 7. But fans are confused as to why Viserys chose to bring him back. After all, he knew Otto had an agenda against Rhaenyra. Otto was bound to challenge her claim to the throne. Viserys also knew that Otto and Alicent would want Aegon on the throne and this would incite a Targaryen Civil War. So it is surprising that Viserys brought back Otto despite all of that. Nonetheless, here are a few reasons explaining his decision.

Alicent Hightower’s influence 

Lord Larys Strong and Queen Alicent Hightower
Lord Larys Strong and Queen Alicent Hightower

Queen Alicent Hightower is no more a child. She is a grown woman who is strong, bold and confident. So when Larys Strong opened up the position for Hand of the King it is natural that Alicent would want her father back. When Otto was first fired, Alicent was still quiet and relenting. But she has matured a lot. It makes sense that Viserys could not deny her demands or resist her pressurization. He probably gave in just to please her and avoid conflict.

King Viserys has grown old and tired

King Viserys grows old and weary
King Viserys grows old and weary

As mentioned before, Viserys is kind of a people pleaser. Especially after the time jump, Viserys has become old and weary. His illness has worsened over time and he has become tired. He probably appointed Otto Hightower as The Hand because it was a convenient and easy decision. Otto would be a familiar face for Viserys and someone he once trusted.

Moreover, when King Viserys first fired Otto Hightower, it was mainly because Rhaenyra pushed for it. In fact, he and Rhaenyra made a deal of sorts by which she would marry Laenor and he would fire Otto. Now that reason was no more, so it made his decision even easier. It is fair to say that the King became complacent with age. He knew Otto from before. Plus he probably thought that Otto Hightower had repented for his actions and turned over a new leaf. Keeping him away from the Red Keep for 10 years was probably punishment enough. Only if he knew how wrong he was!

Otto Hightower’s influence on the small council

The King's small council in House of the Dragon
The King’s small council in House of the Dragon

This is something that a lot of people undermine. Although Viserys is King and the seven kingdoms are governed by a monarchy, the small council still holds a good deal of influence over matters such as this. And with Viserys rapidly aging and ailing, the small council is likely even more involved in such decisions that before. Otto Hightower has been a trusted advisor for years, every since King Jaehaerys’ reign. So it is natural that he has several allies in court. These Lords would have preferred Otto to return as Hand of the King. After all, despite his manipulative cunning ways, he is rightly considered to be a wise, intelligent and experienced man.

What happens now that he is Hand of the King once again?

Otto Hightower temporarily sits on the throne in House of the Dragon episode 8 preview
Otto Hightower temporarily sits on the throne in House of the Dragon episode 8 preview

If House of the Dragon episode 8 preview has shown us anything, its that King Viserys’ decision will bring the entire realm to its knees. With Otto Hightower back as the Hand of the King, he will also take over the duties and responsibilities of Viserys as he becomes bedridden and unable to perform what is required of him. We see him sitting on the Iron Throne. This is the beginning of the Dance of the Dragons. Rhaenyra and Daemon too will return to King’s Landing and pose as opposition to the Hightowers.