So there we have it, the war between Green and Black, if it wasn't on before with the death of Lucerys, is certainly there now. For those of you who are new here, Self Help from the Seven Kingdoms takes quotes from the world of George R.R. Martin, and applies them to real life advice you can use to build your character.
Throughout Series 2 of House of the Dragon, we'll be responding after the UK episode airs on Monday at 9pm with our thoughts of the day.
And now we're finally into Season 2, let's just say what a way to start off!
As if in symmetry with the last episode of the first season, we saw a lot more of the Greens than the Blacks, and we had a fascinating build up to the true war to come.
Interestingly, until the last scene, all of the fighting was actually internal to the factions. Perhaps reflecting the chaotic nature of the scenes that have unfolded in that period.
I said symmetry was there in the contrasts between the end of season 1 showing more Black and the start of season 2 showing more Green, plus we have the new Green vs Black logo to pore over. But I'm actually going to reflect on the symmetry of some of the infighting for today's analysis.
We have both Alicent and Mysaria pointing out to Otto and Daemon respectively that perhaps their focus is misplaced in the present moment.
Alicent challenges Otto asking if 'they pursue the same end', and 'how would you [Otto] define victory?'
Mysaria states that 'you only blame me because your true enemy is out of reach'.
I see a lot of the above play out in organisational behaviour, whereby healthy competition between divisions of the organisation can turn into all out political wars. Without going uber political here, I feel that in both UK and US politics, the level of polarisation sees to serve only the power struggle and not the people. As a UK resident I see a lot in the government bureaucracies, especially the NHS. The NHS is often used in ideological battles, but here's my take on it.
We must protect it at all costs, we must fund it better, but we must be realistic that the NHS is a failing organisation, and funding is only a small part of a very complex system.
If you visit a hospital, you'll notice a very tired workforce, which I really hope resolves soon, and isn't for me to criticise. However, what's more striking to me is the amount of pen pushing behaviour, enforcing weird and arbitrary rules rather than focussing on patients. My favourite example was watching a nurse berate another when some gloves were taken from 'her' supply cupboard on the SAME corridor. I'm not so naive as to think that a budget or some rule won't have impacted this, but my take is that admin and rule adherence is taken above patient outcomes.
How does this relate to Daemon and Otto? Otto in particular seems to be the puppet master of a crumbling war effort that hasn't even begun, and Daemon is seemingly alienating his own allies and kin (see also my preview post).
If you look inwards too much, you fail to see the bigger picture, which can lead to missed opportunities at best, or stagnation and eventual decline at worst.
Interesting thread of the episode:
Sometimes a single quote doesn't quite capture what's going on and what I'm trying to say, and so I'm going to give this section a go.
This week, I wanted to pick up on some key character developments for Aegon.
Aegon's episode arc goes from scoldings with Otto in the Throne Room, to manipulative council from Larys, back to a drunken evening with his entourage in the same Throne Room.
Aegon is King in name only, and he knows it, at least for now.
Whereas Jon Snow not wanting 'it' was a sign of virtue, a somewhat double standard is applied to Aegon, given his grandfather's lust for power.
My prediction is Aegon actually knows he's unfit for power, but masks it in some of his behaviours. You see his excitable puppy nature in the small council, the throne room scoldings, and ultimately a depressed man on the throne. He doesn't know how to be king, and potentially holds his father and grandfather responsible for that. We'll see how that pans out over time, but we know from the book at least that Otto does not last as Hand of the King.
The lesson I take from Aegon, is that we always have a choice. Unless we're living a life related to our highest purpose, then we're going to engage in counterproductive behaviours, and the chickens will eventually come home to roost.
Not all of us have to quite give a throne up to make a change, and not all change needs be drastic. However, if you notice yourself engaging in destructive behaviours, think about how you might break the cycle. In many cases this needs at least the help of a friend, and in some cases a professional.
You deserve to live a life of purpose, and shouldn't need to medicate yourself to get through the day.
Seven blessings to you.
Conclusion
As we delve into the intricacies of power struggles and internal conflicts, it becomes evident that the dynamics portrayed in the narrative mirror the complexities of real-life organizational behavior and politics.
Aegon's journey serves as a poignant reminder that we always have the choice to break destructive cycles and pursue our highest purpose. The reflections on the characters' struggles serve as a thought-provoking parallel to the challenges individuals face in navigating their own paths.
Let me know what you think of this post and the episode. Please give us a like, a comment, and consider sharing to your socials. You can also subscribe to get a regular raven to your inbox!
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