House of the Dragon
Warning : This list contains spoiler from Fire & Blood , potentially for House of the Dragon time of year 2.Ser Criston Cole appears in nine out of ten installment inHouse of the Dragon ’s first season , a noteworthy exploit considering the show sweep multiple X , characters , and actors . However , Ser Criston is one of the most important characters in the narrative and a crucial trope in the Dance of the Dragons .
make for by Fabien Frankel , Ser Criston is a complicated type . And while the show does a neat job translate him to the projection screen , it ca n’t help but impart out several key point about him that will be well - known by book readers and fans ofFire & Blood .
Ser Criston Was The Son Of A Steward
Like many characters inA Song of Ice and Fire , Ser Criston Cole rise above his station . However , not much is known about his past or former spirit . devotee do know he was bear in 82 AC ; his male parent was a steward at Blackhaven , the seat of House Dondarrion in the Dornish Marches .
Cole ’s founder is unnamed in the books , and little is revealed about his family . He clear obtain preparation since childhood , but it ’s unclear who his teachers were . Cole had a natural gift for sword fight , count he gain ground the Maidenpool melee at 22 .
Ser Criston Is House Cole’s Most Famous Member
Ser Criston mentions in instalment three of the show how his knighting and eventual ascension to the Kingsguard was the most crucial thing to ever happen to put up Cole , and he was n’t jolly . The small - clip house was manifestly a vassal of House Dondarrion in the Dornish Marches , itself sworn to House Baratheon .
Neither the Coles nor the Dondarrions are amongthe most crucial houses inHouse of the Dragon , which explains the former ’s deficiency of relevance in Westeros . Still , Cole ’s actions would ’ve been enough to make him a famous , or rather infamous , fellow member of any house in the kingdom , especially considering he eventually becomes Hand of the Kind in the books .
House Cole Is Near-Extinct By The Time GOT Begins
House Cole disappear from the story books after Ser Criston Cole ’s essential and prolonged treatment in the Dance of the Dragons . It ’s unclear if they stayed in the Dornish Marches , but they faded into oblivion and became dear - extinct throughout the years .
However , die - hardGame of Thronesfans will knowtwo members of House Cole intervene in the event ofA Song of Ice and Fire . Brothers Dick and Will Cole are two exiles serving the Golden Company , although it ’s indecipherable if they are actual member of House Cole or runaways who adopted the last name .
Ser Criston & Rhaenyra
House of the Dragonleaves absolutely no doubtfulness about the nature of Cole and Rhaenyra Targaryen ’s relationship . The show confirm they had an affaire that go away on for a considerable time and badly ended when he asked her to elope with him , and she rejected him .
The books take a less direct advance to their kinship . Mushroom claims it was Rhaenyra who unsuccessfully seduced Cole , while Septon Eustace maintains Cole followed his telly opposite number ’s step . The effect is the same , however , as Cole desolate her and became a staunch supporter of Alicent Hightower and the Green .
Ser Criston Had A Nickname
In its history , Game of Throneshad several democratic theatrical role with nicknames , from the world-beater of Thorns to the Knight of the Flowers . House of the Dragonalso features several figure with nicknames that define them , include Ser Criston . In the playscript , he becomes known as the " Kingmaker " after he site Aegon the Conqueror ’s crown on Aegon II and declares him King of the Seven Kingdoms .
" Kingmaker " is a rather pleasant nickname , especially considering Cole ’s actions before and during the Dance of the Dragons . His reputation became soiled with the years , but he was a feared , if not respected , figure throughout his biography .
The Kingmaker & Breakbones
Ultimlately , House of the Dragonleaves out many detail about Ser Harwin Strong , including his nickname , Breakbones . The horse shared a years - long involvement with the married Rhaenyra Targaryen , fathering three children with her . Ser Criston and Ser Harwin came nous - to - chief during the tournament to celebrate Rhaenyra and Ser Laenor Velaryon ’s wedding . During their peer , Cole bust Strong ’s clavicle and shattered his elbow , lead Mushroom to call him " Brokenbones . "
The scene did n’t make it to the show , but their animosity was loud and clear . The book make it seem like the incident was all part of the melee , but considering their connection to Rhaenyra , Cole ’s natural action seem aimed at wound and perhaps kill Ser Harwin .
Ser Criston Played An Active Role In The Green Council
Although the show makes Cole a inactive participant in the green council , the books have him playing a more decisive role . Cole and Alicent are the ones who call the council and declare Aegon king , with Cole staunchly oppose Rhaenyra and Daemon and calling her eldest sons bastards . Cole also vote out Lyman Beesbury , Rhaenyra ’s sole assistant in the Small Council , and arrests every assistant of the Black person in King ’s Landing .
House of the Dragonmakes Criston more a servant than a plotter , obey Alicent without doubt and enact her wishes . However , the book paint a more tricky and active role in the state of war , making him a more dangerous menace and a lead member of the ruthless green .
Ser Criston Becomes Hand Of The King
Over time , A Song of Ice and Firehas many powerful Hands of the King , but Ser Criston is n’t one of them . He assumes the position after Aegon II , baffle with Otto Hightower ’s decisions , dismisses him .
Cole proves to be an ineffective hired hand . His warrior mentality leads him to assume an unnecessarily aggressive approach , abandoning all sense of diplomacy and realism in favour of open showdown . Rhaenyra and Daemon outfox him a few times , leading to the gloam of King ’s Landing . However , Cole remains in the position , mainly thanks to his strong relationship with Aemond Targaryen , who represent as the green ’s de - facto loss leader .
Ser Criston & Queen Alicent
Ser Criston and Queen Alicent Hightower have one of the most important relationships inHouse of the Dragon . They are allies in the show and the record , but the nature of their kinship remain ambiguous in both . They seem to have a strictly platonic moral force , but there are hints that their connecter might be more unfathomed .
Still , nothing is certain . The books impersonate them as staunch ally who bond due to their deal ambitions and intense dislike for Rhaenyra . The show bring out a slightly more complicated relationship , blurring their touch for one another and allowing for speculation ; however , it ’s unlikely anything will ever happen between them .
Ser Criston’s Divisive Legacy
Like many other chassis in Westerosi story , Ser Criston Cole has a factious legacy . Many consider him a loyal supporter of tradition and bequest and defend his actions during the Dance of the Dragons . Others conceive of him as a double-dealer , a scorned lover who risked the region out of a personal grudge against Rhaenyra .
Cole is a controversial character , regard to embody the best and worst parts of the Kingsguard . However , he is also fascinating and a essential player in the Dance of the Dragons ; his depiction inHouse of the Dragonconfirms his opprobrium .
NEXT:10 Alicent Hightower Mannerisms From The Books Olivia Cooke Nails In House Of The Dragon
