Excellent analysis! I hated that the other show never explored/revealed Varys’s true motivations. But it looks like HOTD is going to have us book readers salivating for next few seasons. I’m just here for the higher mysteries!
When they ignored the Aegon and Illyrio plotline, they made Varys's actions irrelevant and his motivation weaker. ,,Ran out of material" ugh when I see people commenting that... As an ,,argument" 🙄 They ignored two books almost completely and lot of the rest. My poor Varys 😢
the book states Varys' motivations quite openly. Even in the show he constantly says he "serves the realm"and never wanted to be king or anything higher than his post as Master of Whispers.
This dude singlehandedly pulled the wool out of the eyes of Alicent Hightower and poured gas in that seedling of hatred she has for Rhaenyra with just a few choice words. Homie instigated the war by simply giving out information, true information at that lmao
Yeah and him mentioning what Alicent’s green dress meant could be more than just convenient exposition for non book readers. Could be him patting himself on the back in a most underhanded way
Not only because the actor is obscure, but also because of his great skill as an actor. If you rewatch HoTD, pay attention to Larys's odd expressions when talking to Alicent for example; like an odd smile appearing only for one moment where there shouldn't have been any, then his expression immediately returning to a more serious one - the facade. I first noticed that on the scene where he's on the boat with Alicent and I was blown away by the actor's skill. He absolutely has played the character down to a T.
He may not have a big reputation, but he went to one of the finest acting schools in England and he’s been perfecting his craft as a character actor on the stage for at least a decade.
But did you notice that Jon Snow is actually the John Doe of GoT? A nobody, a bastard, an average guy without identity, a child without a strong name as backing. That is Jon Snow.
The showrunners have portrayed Larys brilliantly so far. As you mentioned, I particularly like the awkward bite when the conversation is at its most tense. You can see his eyes subtly glancing and forth to gauge the reactions of everyone in the room, while looking occupied to not arouse suspicion. He also seems to be looking into space a lot of the time rather than at anyone, which you can literally see as him turning off his vision to focus solely on listening and thinking at the same time.
This makes a lot of sense. It would explain how he knew about the moon tea given to Rhaenyra which very few knew about. If he can look through the eyes of mice and ravens he’d be able to spy on anybody, anywhere
The Strongs are the most interesting characters in this show to me so far. I really like how the father has concealed his intentions, enough to make me think he's not after something and just doing his duty on the council. Episode 5 introduces us more to Larys and Harwin as we see Larys pull the queens strings and Harwin fight through the crowd, demolishing everyone in his path, to grab the princess and get her away from the fighting at his fathers command, now we start to realize that Lyonel has been in the background scheming all along and might be the biggest player in the game of thrones so far, thanks to his 2 sons.
Lyonel already manipulated Viserys for the wedding of Rhaenyra and Laenor without giving a hint about his intentions to Viserys. Otto is a mediocre player near him. In the story, Harwin becomes the sworn sword of Rhaenyra, but after each birth with brown hair, whisperings begin and finally Viserys sends him to Harrenhal and Rhaenyra to Dragonstone. A terrible fire happens that night in Harrenhal, nobody knows why, maybe because of the curse, maybe Daemon for the marriage of Rhaenyra and Laenor or maybe the plot of Larys, but in the end Larys receives the house and titles of his father and becomes a member of the small council thereafter. After the death of Viserys, he urges everyone to swear a blood oath to the kingship of Aegon II. He's an observant person, knows many secrets only by just observation and listening speeches and seeing small details, has a natural talent for seeing through people and their intentions. Even in his first scene of the show, he just sat with those ladies listening them all. I don't know if he's a greenseer or not, but surely he's strange, acts strange and his face doesn't give a hint. He tried many times and asked strange questions to Queen Alicent just to recieve answers or as if he's trying to make Alicent see something. About that greenseer theory, Brandon Stark said, Night King tried many times in the past to kill the three eyed raven, never managed to do it.
I see your point. I now see how Lyonel was pulling strings. Otto is blatantly advising to his houses benefit. His two sons are both supporting queen and princess. Lyonel on the surface is doing everything for duty and the realm. What he did not count on was Larys playing the game better than he, and fully serving Alicent.
Makes a lot of sense. The Cristan saving Rhaenyra from the boar brought them closer. The Rhaenyra seeing the white stag inspires her to fight for her place as heir. And with his little nudge to Alicent, he single-handedly causes the Dance of Dragons
The rats, indeed. I was suspicious the first time I saw one in a scene... but by the time Alicent sees one over the kings bed.. I was convinced there was more to them.
Its a hint to "blood and cheese" an event in the book that must happen season 2 of hot d at least .. so wouldnt worry about it for now ✌ or read fire and blood and skip ahead 😉😁
He need not be a greenseer like Bran, but a warg and greendreamer like Jojen Reed who would get prophetic dreams that are heavily symbolic. I cannot imagine a greenseer or even a warg would tamely submit to his executioner's sword.
@@williamhermann6635 Why claim the animal *_when you can claim the man that is about to execute you???_* That's what Varamyr Six Skins tried when he realized he was about to die. Varamyr might have failed but a more powerful skinchanger might have succeeded. *Bran certainly did* And before you say Hodor was simple-minded answer what came first the chicken or the egg? _Was Bran able to skinchange Hodor because he was simple-minded or did Hodor become simple-minded after Bran skinchanged into him?_ The show gave us the answer. Hodor/Walder/Wilis was fine one day then broken after Bran skinchanged him
@@gerardjagroo You said it yourself. Veramyr tried and failed. We have know way of knowing for sure, but I get the feeling Six Skins was a far more powerful warg than Larys so if Veramyr couldnt do it, its doubtful Larys could pull it off.
@@williamhermann6635 Still it is a good way to get revenge though. Imagine they are getting ready to execute you then they start screaming ripping out their eyeballs and going batshit crazy.
@@gerardjagroo Lol youve just given me an epiphany. When Robb stark died, he tried merging his spirit with one of his executioners but ended up warging Catelyn instead which led to her gauging her own face with her nails
Having obsessively loved and desired Larys ever since I watched House of the Dragon, Season 1, I appreciate this video (and the "Three-Eyed Rat" video) very, very much. It's great to see real discussion of this character who seems to have become a mere joke in some fandom spaces. Thank you for your work.
9:50 I wonder if Larys chooses Alicent as his target/candidate exactly at this moment - Rhaenyra shows herself impulsive and difficult to control, Alicent seems like a better politician.
I can't help but wonder if Larys is at least partially inspired by Talleyrand. Talleyrand was a French noble afflicted with a club foot and was not the eldest son. As a noble who could not serve in the military, he was sent to the church, but his leanings were less religious. He even visited Voltaire repeatedly. When the French Revolution arose, he left the church, stepped away from the nobility, and rose in the French Republic. His political maneuvering allowed him to survive the terror. He was involved in Napoleon's rise to power. Before others in the French government, he stepped away to England before Napolean's fall and managed to play a prominent role in the restoration of the French royalty. He was a master manipulator who always managed to be on the winning side. Not bad for a lesser son with a club foot
I was just thinking about HotD needing a character like Varys/Little finger in the mix to make things feel like a true Game of Thrones show after watching episode 2 or 3 or something. And behold, they deliver with this beauty. This excites me.
Wait.. homie from "stutterer" is in house of dragon...? Okay now I think I have to give this show a chance. I dont think I've seen him in anything other than that short film so thats hype af that he got a role in such a major production
Thank you, I love Larys 🖤 All my HotD-fan friends are all about Daemon and Ser Crispy and here I am like "perfect because I won't share him with anyone anyways" 😍
I also never thought I would need to share Larys with anyone, given all of the disgust and laughter people have directed at me for loving and desiring him.
"If there's a character that is physically weak or somehow disabled, it is almost a sure bet that their mental abilities are greatly enhanced, often escalating into the supernatural." The exception to this rule appears to be Euron Greyjoy. There are hints in the books that he may have similar abilities to Bran and has received a visit from Bloodraven. Although Euron isn't as strong as his brother Victarion, he is still a badass fighter and pirate, as ruthless and savage as Ramsay and as cunning (in his own way) as Varys and Tywin. It makes sense that the only character in the story who has it all (looks, intelligence, fighting ability, charisma and political clout) is a psychopath.
So I would say that not every highly intelligent or magically minded character has some kind of physical disability, but the vast majority of those who have disabilities end up being being intelligent or magical.
Melisandre also has no physical limitationes and is a very powerful being. Not only the people with a weak body get these powers. Also: look at Arya, Jon or Robb. All have the ability to skinchange or even greenseeing
The show has framed certain scenes as if from an unseen observers pov, like someone is eavesdropping from behind the walls that we don't get to see. They definitely showed Daemon doing this so it made sense to me that in those scenes it might of been Larys since he knows all about the secret tunnels & passageways as well. I took the scenes of the rats as symbolism for Viserys reign being infiltrated by rat like people who will eat away at his legacy & cause discord. Similar to his declining physical condition being metaphorical for his declining influence/power. But the rats being skin-changed spies is an interesting interpretation that I like too 👍
I have seen that as well. I feel lile this series relies on unreliable POV's like the GOT books do. Makes much interesting debates on how different viewers took different scenes.
This would be an excellent way for HotD to make up for the, let's just say lackluster endings to Littlefinger's and Varys' stories in GoT. Having greenseer magic play a part in Larys' abilities as a de facto spy Master would be an awesome twist that I bet few would see coming!
Larys IS the Master of Whispers and Lord Confessor. I doubt, as a Faith of the Seven follower he would be a greenseer. Like every Master of Whispers he is simply very perceptive and intellectual. He is the youngest son and not a knight or lord so he has an uncertain future ,motivating him to use what he has.
Great stuff, as usual, Matt. This is SO good, I so badly want Larys to be skinchanging those rats! You're right about George loving the strong/weak parallel; another example you made me think of was Caramon/Raistlin, from the Dragonlance saga, where Raistlin is first introduced as this feeble, prematurely aging character, but ultimately rises to the highest heights in power.
That would be so funny if they panned the camera around to the back of the Weirwood tree in the courtyard and there was a little wooden door that Laras walks out of. He goes in there and looks out of the face in the tree through its eyes like a spooky painting in a haunted house.
The Strongs easily have one of the most intriguing dynamics that haven't been fully explored yet. Lyonel has done nothing but offer good political advice and be honest with Viserys. As a result, he has fully gained Viserys' trust and has become hand of the king. He leaves the dirty work to his sons, with Harwin as the enforcer and Larys as the spy. As the face of his house, Lyonel does everything he can to make the Strongs seem trustworthy, slowly gaining power and influence over the first 5 episodes. Lyonel may just be a genuinely good guy, but I can also see that he's set everything up for the long-game, and when the moment is right, Lyonel and his 2 sons could make a massive difference on the political landscape. Very interested to see what route they take with the Strongs
@@juanpablosotorojas7319 Yup, that take fell flat on its face after the latest episode lmao. But the fact I can theorize and be so incredibly wrong is why the show has been great so far lol. Lyonel didn't deserve this. Justice for Lyonel. Fuck Larys and lowkey fuck Harwin for ruining perhaps the only genuinely good person in the show.
Im buying it 100%. Just makes so much sense. This shit right here is why i love asoiaf. The lore, the gems hidden in plain sight, the prophecies and magic behind it all.
Great video, as per usual. It's awesome to see you putting out content again, and really digging deep into F&B/HOTD. I watch all the ASOIAF/GOT channels, and they're all amazing in their own way, but you've got a great understanding of the human heart in conflict with itself and demonstrate your empathetic nature in every analysis. Your video on episode 3 wasn't the first breakdown of the episode I'd seen, though you were bringing up such great points and had unique insights that no one else had touched on yet. I'm excited for your analysis of episode 4! P.S. Gods, those lemon cakes look good.
The Clubfoot was probably my most anticipated character to see adapted, along w/ Daemon. I think your theory could be right - Larys' second big scene, when he begins to 'council' Alicent, happens by the werewood tree. I really like your theory that he's using the rats - I was thinking they were simply symbolic of the corruption present in Viserys' rule and the coming conflict it will incite, but they could easily be both symbolic and tools of Larys. So far, I really like how the show has portrayed him. My only slight criticism is having Larys reveal to Alicent his part in the situation at Harrenhal. It seemed to me that he was tipping his hand a little too far. Maybe this is part of a 'corrupting Alicent' storyline, but it seems a bit dangerous, for such an enigmatic fellow who has no friends. Having the audience know he was involved seems like it would have been enough, but Idk - maybe I'm thinking about it too much
this is awesome, great analysis! I've been watching HotD, thinking it was okay, but this video has made me 10x more excited for the upcoming episodes! Thanks for that!
Lary Strong is to ambitious, and that ambition would bring down the death of his House, because he is capable of murdering his own father and brother, to get power (in the source material is ambiguous and a mystery, but Lary is the only one that benefit from their deaths), if he wanted Harrenhall he should have stayed in Castle, being in the Council is only a treat to lose your head.
Remember how the warlocks lost their power until they suddenly gained it once dannys dragon's hatched. I think there will be a lot more magic as well in in hotd
31k subs? My main you deserve way more as you can see by the hundreds of thousands of views you get. First vid I’ve seen from you and it was excellent, happy it came across my feed and you got my sub.
This is an absolutely great analysis! You HAVE to fix the volume on these videos though my friend, it sounds like the mic is in your mouth. Watching it on the TV sounds like I’m inside the mic 😅
Ol Sticks never struck me as being as sociopathic as Larys came off. That could just be tied to not spending much time exploring the motives for his actions so who knows?
Larys lowkey is the goat. I like how the whole time the Strong family was the real threat to the throne. Don’t get me wrong Otto Hightower wasn’t perfect but he had the kings best intention the whole time. The fact that he considered marrying Aegon II and Rhaenyra together tells me he understood the mess the king made and was logically trying to settle the claim with a marriage. Viserys absolutely was a weak king and his problem was he doubted himself way too much, he cared too much what people would think. That why he couldn’t identify a true ally and a fake ally. Viserys should have done the right thing after he choose Alicent. He should have married Daemon to Rhaenyra and forced them to procreate. He should have then taken their first born and married them of to either his son or daughter depending on what gender their first born was. Then he should have disinherited 80% of the claimants on the spot and then step down from the throne day to day and name Rhaenyra the Queen regent until his eventual death. This would have solidified the whole realm and forced the lords to get use to a woman ruling while he still was the rightful king. Then he should have told daemon to unleash a war onto The free cities. This would keep daemon engaged and away from the throne day to day so Rhaenyra could rule the realm while daemon expanded the realm. The problem was they got stagnant and they started fighting each instead of growing the empire. I love this show, real like old GOT season 1 to 4 but with the budget of season 7 to 8.
The reason why I say Daemon and Rhaenyra should have gotten married is Daemon wouldn’t have no one F his wife lol. That would have killed all the bastards talk because people would fear daemon and wouldn’t even dare regardless of what Rhaenyra would say to them.
Totally thought this too! The first time where Larys is in the gods wood with Alysant talking about a red flower that thrives where it shouldn't all the while showing a crying weirwood in the background so Larys definitely seems to be a greenseer and is warging through the gods wood. Not to mention all the super strange shots of rats in places while something important is being talked about that Larys somehow knows all about so i think he's using the rats in the castle like bloodraven used the murder of crows. Definitely think Larys is a greenseer and warging to get his info.
If he was your favorite, I'm guessing this may have changed given the previous episode. His motives are feet! What really urked me was re-watching the episode - Otto mentions how he's spent hours with the queen, and he replies without taking his eyes off of otto's feet "No reason you can't benefit in the end too" Creepy spy and foot pervert. Everrrrrrrr sick.
We do see Larys near a wierwood in the latest episode actually, which only lends more credit to him being related to them. Foreshadowing most definitely I reckon.
Rumor has it he has a third leg. Doctors said that third keg is the reason for his foot deformity. It needed all the extra protein and energy to grow so large that it consumed one of his feet to grow so large.
Excellent analysis! I hated that the other show never explored/revealed Varys’s true motivations. But it looks like HOTD is going to have us book readers salivating for next few seasons. I’m just here for the higher mysteries!
Let us never speak of the other show again. Abomination!
When they ignored the Aegon and Illyrio plotline, they made Varys's actions irrelevant and his motivation weaker. ,,Ran out of material" ugh when I see people commenting that... As an ,,argument" 🙄 They ignored two books almost completely and lot of the rest. My poor Varys 😢
@@untroubledwaters2137 what lmao?? S1-4 makes HotD look like HotGarbage 👍
I still have no idea what petyr baelish end goal was.
the book states Varys' motivations quite openly. Even in the show he constantly says he "serves the realm"and never wanted to be king or anything higher than his post as Master of Whispers.
This dude singlehandedly pulled the wool out of the eyes of Alicent Hightower and poured gas in that seedling of hatred she has for Rhaenyra with just a few choice words. Homie instigated the war by simply giving out information, true information at that lmao
Yeah and him mentioning what Alicent’s green dress meant could be more than just convenient exposition for non book readers. Could be him patting himself on the back in a most underhanded way
Didnt happen in the book though
Pouring gas on seedlings does not help them grow*
@@BillyTheKidder ya it should be fire of hatred lmaoooo or planting seedlings of hatred. My man overdid it lmao
Shiii after last night even more so lol
They cast this character perfectly. The use of an obscure actor was perfectly done because it makes him even more unassuming.
and mysterious
Not only because the actor is obscure, but also because of his great skill as an actor. If you rewatch HoTD, pay attention to Larys's odd expressions when talking to Alicent for example; like an odd smile appearing only for one moment where there shouldn't have been any, then his expression immediately returning to a more serious one - the facade. I first noticed that on the scene where he's on the boat with Alicent and I was blown away by the actor's skill.
He absolutely has played the character down to a T.
Matthew Needham, for anyone wondering. Excellent work from him
He may not have a big reputation, but he went to one of the finest acting schools in England and he’s been perfecting his craft as a character actor on the stage for at least a decade.
Omg. How did it never occur to me that Littlefinger + Varys = Larys? GRRM is hilarious lol
Brilliant!
wasn’t larys created before lil finger and varys?
God damnit, this is some genius naming of this manipulator-spy.
But did you notice that Jon Snow is actually the John Doe of GoT? A nobody, a bastard, an average guy without identity, a child without a strong name as backing. That is Jon Snow.
@@naurrrre How could he be created before? F&B was written many years after the main series has started publishing, same for the world book
Always, always pay attention to the cripples, bastards, and broken things in GRRMs stories.
Church. This is Martin’s thesis. Go House Smallfolk.
@@zarandrewstra7833 none of the characters considered to be those things are small folk lmao
Exactly 🤷🏾♀️
The showrunners have portrayed Larys brilliantly so far. As you mentioned, I particularly like the awkward bite when the conversation is at its most tense. You can see his eyes subtly glancing and forth to gauge the reactions of everyone in the room, while looking occupied to not arouse suspicion. He also seems to be looking into space a lot of the time rather than at anyone, which you can literally see as him turning off his vision to focus solely on listening and thinking at the same time.
Well, their names have a real life similarity since 'Stark' translates into Strong in basically all the scandinavian languages.
In German too.
Thank you 💕
It does but I doesn’t think it was intentional by GRRM
@@tyfoparalax8894 definitely was intentional, and that they are both first men houses
@Immortal Science of Hauntology definitely, it is a Germanic term
This makes a lot of sense. It would explain how he knew about the moon tea given to Rhaenyra which very few knew about. If he can look through the eyes of mice and ravens he’d be able to spy on anybody, anywhere
Especially how they like to show the animals around the castle...
@@MaleusMaleficarum Especially the rats
Little fingers (cunning) + varys(sines) = larys strong
WOW!! Larys a possible greenseer, never occurred to me. Great analysis Joe thanks for the phenomenal content.
Cripple like Bran
The Strongs are the most interesting characters in this show to me so far. I really like how the father has concealed his intentions, enough to make me think he's not after something and just doing his duty on the council. Episode 5 introduces us more to Larys and Harwin as we see Larys pull the queens strings and Harwin fight through the crowd, demolishing everyone in his path, to grab the princess and get her away from the fighting at his fathers command, now we start to realize that Lyonel has been in the background scheming all along and might be the biggest player in the game of thrones so far, thanks to his 2 sons.
Lyonel already manipulated Viserys for the wedding of Rhaenyra and Laenor without giving a hint about his intentions to Viserys. Otto is a mediocre player near him. In the story, Harwin becomes the sworn sword of Rhaenyra, but after each birth with brown hair, whisperings begin and finally Viserys sends him to Harrenhal and Rhaenyra to Dragonstone. A terrible fire happens that night in Harrenhal, nobody knows why, maybe because of the curse, maybe Daemon for the marriage of Rhaenyra and Laenor or maybe the plot of Larys, but in the end Larys receives the house and titles of his father and becomes a member of the small council thereafter. After the death of Viserys, he urges everyone to swear a blood oath to the kingship of Aegon II. He's an observant person, knows many secrets only by just observation and listening speeches and seeing small details, has a natural talent for seeing through people and their intentions. Even in his first scene of the show, he just sat with those ladies listening them all. I don't know if he's a greenseer or not, but surely he's strange, acts strange and his face doesn't give a hint. He tried many times and asked strange questions to Queen Alicent just to recieve answers or as if he's trying to make Alicent see something. About that greenseer theory, Brandon Stark said, Night King tried many times in the past to kill the three eyed raven, never managed to do it.
Was the mountain renamed Sir Robert Strong
@@gregorymcqueen8949 weren't they just trying to pretend like he wasn't zombie Gregor Clegane?
@@kylesanders7926 They were, but he also had the colours and shield of House Strong, at least in the book.
I see your point. I now see how Lyonel was pulling strings. Otto is blatantly advising to his houses benefit. His two sons are both supporting queen and princess.
Lyonel on the surface is doing everything for duty and the realm. What he did not count on was Larys playing the game better than he, and fully serving Alicent.
Makes a lot of sense. The Cristan saving Rhaenyra from the boar brought them closer. The Rhaenyra seeing the white stag inspires her to fight for her place as heir. And with his little nudge to Alicent, he single-handedly causes the Dance of Dragons
Yep and after seeing things in the new season. He’s orchestrating this whole thing. He’s basically conducting it.
He uses the Emperor Claudius approach: appear weak and innocent to everyone while making moves to attain power.
The rats, indeed. I was suspicious the first time I saw one in a scene... but by the time Alicent sees one over the kings bed.. I was convinced there was more to them.
Its a hint to "blood and cheese" an event in the book that must happen season 2 of hot d at least .. so wouldnt worry about it for now ✌ or read fire and blood and skip ahead 😉😁
He need not be a greenseer like Bran, but a warg and greendreamer like Jojen Reed who would get prophetic dreams that are heavily symbolic.
I cannot imagine a greenseer or even a warg would tamely submit to his executioner's sword.
Unless his spirit went into an animal once his body died.
@@williamhermann6635 Why claim the animal *_when you can claim the man that is about to execute you???_*
That's what Varamyr Six Skins tried when he realized he was about to die.
Varamyr might have failed but a more powerful skinchanger might have succeeded. *Bran certainly did*
And before you say Hodor was simple-minded answer what came first the chicken or the egg?
_Was Bran able to skinchange Hodor because he was simple-minded or did Hodor become simple-minded after Bran skinchanged into him?_
The show gave us the answer. Hodor/Walder/Wilis was fine one day then broken after Bran skinchanged him
@@gerardjagroo You said it yourself. Veramyr tried and failed. We have know way of knowing for sure, but I get the feeling Six Skins was a far more powerful warg than Larys so if Veramyr couldnt do it, its doubtful Larys could pull it off.
@@williamhermann6635 Still it is a good way to get revenge though. Imagine they are getting ready to execute you then they start screaming ripping out their eyeballs and going batshit crazy.
@@gerardjagroo Lol youve just given me an epiphany. When Robb stark died, he tried merging his spirit with one of his executioners but ended up warging Catelyn instead which led to her gauging her own face with her nails
Having obsessively loved and desired Larys ever since I watched House of the Dragon, Season 1, I appreciate this video (and the "Three-Eyed Rat" video) very, very much. It's great to see real discussion of this character who seems to have become a mere joke in some fandom spaces. Thank you for your work.
I'm always a fan of GRRM's disabled but intelligent characters. Specifically I'll never get over Wyman Manderly not really being in the GOT series ;_;
I swear, I think because of this theory, everyone is now going to be watching them rats on the show VERY closely now. I certainly will be.
The world of theories is alive again! Fantastic Joe!
I'm so pumped for it 🌎!
You mentioned what I was thinking: you will never walk but you will fly.
9:50 I wonder if Larys chooses Alicent as his target/candidate exactly at this moment - Rhaenyra shows herself impulsive and difficult to control, Alicent seems like a better politician.
I can't help but wonder if Larys is at least partially inspired by Talleyrand. Talleyrand was a French noble afflicted with a club foot and was not the eldest son. As a noble who could not serve in the military, he was sent to the church, but his leanings were less religious. He even visited Voltaire repeatedly. When the French Revolution arose, he left the church, stepped away from the nobility, and rose in the French Republic. His political maneuvering allowed him to survive the terror. He was involved in Napoleon's rise to power. Before others in the French government, he stepped away to England before Napolean's fall and managed to play a prominent role in the restoration of the French royalty. He was a master manipulator who always managed to be on the winning side. Not bad for a lesser son with a club foot
I admit I didn't notice him either in the earlier episodes but after ep 5 I know I'll be on the lookout for him from now on.
I was just thinking about HotD needing a character like Varys/Little finger in the mix to make things feel like a true Game of Thrones show after watching episode 2 or 3 or something. And behold, they deliver with this beauty. This excites me.
Wait.. homie from "stutterer" is in house of dragon...? Okay now I think I have to give this show a chance.
I dont think I've seen him in anything other than that short film so thats hype af that he got a role in such a major production
Thank you, I love Larys 🖤 All my HotD-fan friends are all about Daemon and Ser Crispy and here I am like "perfect because I won't share him with anyone anyways" 😍
oh ho ho ho, you don't know but there is an army of us Larys lovers out there LOL
@@tracys169 Man he was so good in ep 5 and we barely saw him. I can’t wait to see more of him and his schemes.
I also never thought I would need to share Larys with anyone, given all of the disgust and laughter people have directed at me for loving and desiring him.
Thank you Joe, for these videos. They're a phenomenal resource for learning more about ASOIAF.
Hopefully we see a scene when Ser Addam of Hull confers with the Greenmen on the Isle of Faces after the First Battle of Tumbleton!
"If there's a character that is physically weak or somehow disabled, it is almost a sure bet that their mental abilities are greatly enhanced, often escalating into the supernatural."
The exception to this rule appears to be Euron Greyjoy. There are hints in the books that he may have similar abilities to Bran and has received a visit from Bloodraven. Although Euron isn't as strong as his brother Victarion, he is still a badass fighter and pirate, as ruthless and savage as Ramsay and as cunning (in his own way) as Varys and Tywin.
It makes sense that the only character in the story who has it all (looks, intelligence, fighting ability, charisma and political clout) is a psychopath.
So I would say that not every highly intelligent or magically minded character has some kind of physical disability, but the vast majority of those who have disabilities end up being being intelligent or magical.
Good reason not to pissed off a nerd.
Melisandre also has no physical limitationes and is a very powerful being. Not only the people with a weak body get these powers. Also: look at Arya, Jon or Robb. All have the ability to skinchange or even greenseeing
@@kingschulz1444 Yeah, it seems to be a gift for people that are from the first men
The show has framed certain scenes as if from an unseen observers pov, like someone is eavesdropping from behind the walls that we don't get to see. They definitely showed Daemon doing this so it made sense to me that in those scenes it might of been Larys since he knows all about the secret tunnels & passageways as well. I took the scenes of the rats as symbolism for Viserys reign being infiltrated by rat like people who will eat away at his legacy & cause discord. Similar to his declining physical condition being metaphorical for his declining influence/power. But the rats being skin-changed spies is an interesting interpretation that I like too 👍
I have seen that as well. I feel lile this series relies on unreliable POV's like the GOT books do. Makes much interesting debates on how different viewers took different scenes.
I love how Breakbones looks at Rheanyra when she come back covered in blood 😂
This would be an excellent way for HotD to make up for the, let's just say lackluster endings to Littlefinger's and Varys' stories in GoT. Having greenseer magic play a part in Larys' abilities as a de facto spy Master would be an awesome twist that I bet few would see coming!
Larys IS the Master of Whispers and Lord Confessor. I doubt, as a Faith of the Seven follower he would be a greenseer. Like every Master of Whispers he is simply very perceptive and intellectual. He is the youngest son and not a knight or lord so he has an uncertain future ,motivating him to use what he has.
Great stuff, as usual, Matt. This is SO good, I so badly want Larys to be skinchanging those rats!
You're right about George loving the strong/weak parallel; another example you made me think of was Caramon/Raistlin, from the Dragonlance saga, where Raistlin is first introduced as this feeble, prematurely aging character, but ultimately rises to the highest heights in power.
George RR Martin can give us a century of series and spin offs with all his material
It would make the inclusion of a Weirwood in the Red Keep make so much sense!
Oberyn and Doran Martell.
" The Grass that hides the Viper..."
Another great example
That would be so funny if they panned the camera around to the back of the Weirwood tree in the courtyard and there was a little wooden door that Laras walks out of. He goes in there and looks out of the face in the tree through its eyes like a spooky painting in a haunted house.
The episodes ends with rats running around. Maybe that is Larys?
I'm back here after what he has done at episode 6, I love him already, gives me the little finger and varys vibes from earlier seasons
extremely well done sir, you're being shouted out on some big channels. well earned.
Thankful for Robert from In Deep Geek for recommending this channel.
Looking forward to catching up on your content!
This vid was a great first start!
Larys Strong makes me wonder if some of my old classmates could be secretly ruling the world 👀
By far the best char in HOTD so far. Especially S1. Lifts the show to a new level.
the actor has nailed the role
You know, I wonder if GRRM's love of the smart/strong brothers trope is somehow influenced by Raistlin and Caramon from the Dragonlance Chronicles.
The Strongs easily have one of the most intriguing dynamics that haven't been fully explored yet. Lyonel has done nothing but offer good political advice and be honest with Viserys. As a result, he has fully gained Viserys' trust and has become hand of the king. He leaves the dirty work to his sons, with Harwin as the enforcer and Larys as the spy. As the face of his house, Lyonel does everything he can to make the Strongs seem trustworthy, slowly gaining power and influence over the first 5 episodes. Lyonel may just be a genuinely good guy, but I can also see that he's set everything up for the long-game, and when the moment is right, Lyonel and his 2 sons could make a massive difference on the political landscape. Very interested to see what route they take with the Strongs
Lyonel doesn't seem to be in it for the long game tho 💀💀
@@juanpablosotorojas7319 Yup, that take fell flat on its face after the latest episode lmao. But the fact I can theorize and be so incredibly wrong is why the show has been great so far lol. Lyonel didn't deserve this. Justice for Lyonel. Fuck Larys and lowkey fuck Harwin for ruining perhaps the only genuinely good person in the show.
@@juanpablosotorojas7319 Lmao chillll
@@juanpablosotorojas7319 Yup, this comment didn't age well.
hes alot like blood raven where we wont hear his secrets until george says its time
Quality, high-effort content! More like this, particularly with Fire and Blood characters!
I'm here after newrockstars gave you a shout out.
Im buying it 100%. Just makes so much sense. This shit right here is why i love asoiaf. The lore, the gems hidden in plain sight, the prophecies and magic behind it all.
3:38 This quote aged well, having seen HOTD season 2
To be honest I started noticing him on episode 5 When he approached alicent..he gave a little -finger kind of vibe
Rhae, Daemon and Larys are my favorites!
Great video, as per usual. It's awesome to see you putting out content again, and really digging deep into F&B/HOTD. I watch all the ASOIAF/GOT channels, and they're all amazing in their own way, but you've got a great understanding of the human heart in conflict with itself and demonstrate your empathetic nature in every analysis. Your video on episode 3 wasn't the first breakdown of the episode I'd seen, though you were bringing up such great points and had unique insights that no one else had touched on yet. I'm excited for your analysis of episode 4!
P.S. Gods, those lemon cakes look good.
Sometimes it's just good to hear stuff like this. Thanks a bunch for that.
12:15 another words a VERY good actor
I'm loving how the show has handled Larys so far, I hope he gets more screentime soon.
The Clubfoot was probably my most anticipated character to see adapted, along w/ Daemon.
I think your theory could be right - Larys' second big scene, when he begins to 'council' Alicent, happens by the werewood tree. I really like your theory that he's using the rats - I was thinking they were simply symbolic of the corruption present in Viserys' rule and the coming conflict it will incite, but they could easily be both symbolic and tools of Larys.
So far, I really like how the show has portrayed him. My only slight criticism is having Larys reveal to Alicent his part in the situation at Harrenhal. It seemed to me that he was tipping his hand a little too far. Maybe this is part of a 'corrupting Alicent' storyline, but it seems a bit dangerous, for such an enigmatic fellow who has no friends. Having the audience know he was involved seems like it would have been enough, but Idk - maybe I'm thinking about it too much
Rats are quite an obvious bit of foreshadowing for " blood and cheese " later on in the story .✌
this is awesome, great analysis!
I've been watching HotD, thinking it was okay, but this video has made me 10x more excited for the upcoming episodes!
Thanks for that!
He's my #1 dude to watch in this thing. It's a good show all around and I'm enjoying it, but his short scene in E5 stole the episode for me.
your videos completely changed my view of the show. great stuff!
Lary Strong is to ambitious, and that ambition would bring down the death of his House, because he is capable of murdering his own father and brother, to get power (in the source material is ambiguous and a mystery, but Lary is the only one that benefit from their deaths), if he wanted Harrenhall he should have stayed in Castle, being in the Council is only a treat to lose your head.
Varys did it for the good of the realm.
Little finger did it for the good of himself.
Larys did it for feet.
Take this YT algorithm 🔥 Nice theory
Joe Magician does it again! Great video!
The actor's face gives me the same sort of uneasiness as littlefingers... can't wait to see him in action!
Remember how the warlocks lost their power until they suddenly gained it once dannys dragon's hatched. I think there will be a lot more magic as well in in hotd
Yooo this was super good. Please do more character analysis videos.
Yoo episode 5 supports a LOT of what is said in this video. Impressive.
I'm calling it, he's controlling the RATS🐀🐀!!! Just like Bran, he can see through the RATS
Wonderful analysis as always!
Wow what a great analysis! I def had kind of forgotten about him but wow oh wow you’ve made me more excited about the show ad where things can go.
A good man Larys honorable too.
Seems like Harwin would be the more unnoticed Strong
31k subs? My main you deserve way more as you can see by the hundreds of thousands of views you get. First vid I’ve seen from you and it was excellent, happy it came across my feed and you got my sub.
HOTD would become godlike if Larys ends up being a greenseer
This is an absolutely great analysis! You HAVE to fix the volume on these videos though my friend, it sounds like the mic is in your mouth. Watching it on the TV sounds like I’m inside the mic 😅
Really great video, I hope they lean into the supernatural with this character in a big way.
Been waiting for this!!
Excellent as always
A mix of Little finger and Varys . Even the name.
It'd be funny if someone was gonna get into a serious conversation, and one of them said, "whoa! Not in front of the tree!"
if bronn was in house of the dragon
Reminds me of Sand dan Glokta from Joe Abercrombie's First Law series. Now there's a terrifying individual.
Ol Sticks never struck me as being as sociopathic as Larys came off. That could just be tied to not spending much time exploring the motives for his actions so who knows?
Perhaps he is a skinchanger, that can use dragonflies...
Larys lowkey is the goat. I like how the whole time the Strong family was the real threat to the throne. Don’t get me wrong Otto Hightower wasn’t perfect but he had the kings best intention the whole time. The fact that he considered marrying Aegon II and Rhaenyra together tells me he understood the mess the king made and was logically trying to settle the claim with a marriage. Viserys absolutely was a weak king and his problem was he doubted himself way too much, he cared too much what people would think. That why he couldn’t identify a true ally and a fake ally.
Viserys should have done the right thing after he choose Alicent. He should have married Daemon to Rhaenyra and forced them to procreate. He should have then taken their first born and married them of to either his son or daughter depending on what gender their first born was. Then he should have disinherited 80% of the claimants on the spot and then step down from the throne day to day and name Rhaenyra the Queen regent until his eventual death. This would have solidified the whole realm and forced the lords to get use to a woman ruling while he still was the rightful king. Then he should have told daemon to unleash a war onto The free cities. This would keep daemon engaged and away from the throne day to day so Rhaenyra could rule the realm while daemon expanded the realm. The problem was they got stagnant and they started fighting each instead of growing the empire.
I love this show, real like old GOT season 1 to 4 but with the budget of season 7 to 8.
The reason why I say Daemon and Rhaenyra should have gotten married is Daemon wouldn’t have no one F his wife lol. That would have killed all the bastards talk because people would fear daemon and wouldn’t even dare regardless of what Rhaenyra would say to them.
Thank you for making video's that are just you speaking.... they've always been my favorite's! Love the Larys / Green 👀!
The Scariest character in House of the Dragon.
Totally thought this too! The first time where Larys is in the gods wood with Alysant talking about a red flower that thrives where it shouldn't all the while showing a crying weirwood in the background so Larys definitely seems to be a greenseer and is warging through the gods wood. Not to mention all the super strange shots of rats in places while something important is being talked about that Larys somehow knows all about so i think he's using the rats in the castle like bloodraven used the murder of crows. Definitely think Larys is a greenseer and warging to get his info.
Great video, great theory. Looking forward to seeing how it plays out.
Such a great breakdown!
I was so confused by the casting. The dad looks younger than the 2 sons imo!
If he was your favorite, I'm guessing this may have changed given the previous episode. His motives are feet! What really urked me was re-watching the episode - Otto mentions how he's spent hours with the queen, and he replies without taking his eyes off of otto's feet "No reason you can't benefit in the end too"
Creepy spy and foot pervert. Everrrrrrrr sick.
That's A motivation. And no, I've read Fire and Blood. I know who and what he is: a monster. But monsters in fiction are fun.
@@JoeMagician just found your channel and I really enjoy all the videos!
The dragons came with fire and blood, but the trees.. the trees had time to win the war.
You think there would be more Targaryen‘s in the Westeros part of small Council
2:08 there is an Arabic saying “ اهلا وسهلا " on the chair meaning welcome. Interesting
Larys might be communing with Bran,
A possible final twist in House of the Dragon.
Doing both good and bad to defeat the night king
We do see Larys near a wierwood in the latest episode actually, which only lends more credit to him being related to them. Foreshadowing most definitely I reckon.
10:25
Lord Larys, stop eating my sesame cake
STOP EATING MY SESAME CAKE!
Rumor has it he has a third leg. Doctors said that third keg is the reason for his foot deformity. It needed all the extra protein and energy to grow so large that it consumed one of his feet to grow so large.
@20:19 didn't expect to see Tasha
I wish they would of had there last battle with the others at the gods eye, isle! It would of been amazing!