House of the Dragon spent no time establishing the many conflicts that are roiling over the Seven Kingdoms. However, one of the greatest threats to King Viserys Targaryens' rule is still playing out in the background.
The following excerpts from my Ed. note include spoilers for House of the Dragon and Fire & Blood.
Viserys is aficionados of the Iron Throne, and as the maesters tending to him notice, the wound mysteriously refuses to heal. It's even spreading. In the same episode, Viserys receives a second cut from the throne, which similarly becomes infected, leading to the amputation of two of his fingers.
The reason Viserys' wounds will not heal is more symbolic than anything as mundane as bacterial infection. The significance of being cut by the Iron Throne has deep roots in Targaryen history and Game of Thrones legend, dating back to the thrones' creation.
What does it mean to be cut off from the Iron Throne?
Aegon I Targaryen, the Viserys' ancestor, created the Iron Throne out of a thousand broken blades he had taken from his foes in Game of Thrones. The ironwork monstrosity, as George R.R. Martin referred to it in Game of Thrones, was constructed with the intention of causing severe discomfort.
Aenys, the son of Aegons, grew up as a child, but was eventually murdered by his brother, Maegor, who was infamously cruel. Maegor's nephew Jaehaerys Targaryen raised banners against him six years after his father's infamously cruel reign. The following morning, one of Maegor's wives discovered him dead in the seat with one of the thrones blades punctured through his neck and his forearms
Maegor's death is alleged by many to be related to his own death, or that Elinor murdered him. Many others believe that the Iron Throne itself is what killed Maegor. This is what motivated popular belief that the throne chooses who is worthy or not of ruling Westeros, and that those who are considered unworthy suffer injury by its blades.
Does everyone who gets cut on the Iron Throne die?
As a direct result of their wounds, yes.
The Mad King was not discovered dead on the throne nor of an infection as a result of one of his many cuts. Rather, Jaime Lannisters sword ended.
So, while being cut by the Iron Throne might imply unworthyness of a king or queen, the Iron Throne isnt a supernatural judge, jury, or executioner that decides the ruler itself. That being said, anyone who sits on the throne is already at a higher than average probability of death. If theyre on the throne and not a fit ruler, those odds will increase exponentially.
What does Viserys' being cut by the Iron Throne mean?
Viserys' defeat in the Iron Throne makes it clear he isn't a great king. Such as his refusal to name Rhaenyra as his successor or his decision to wed Alicent Hightower's decision, these actions only stoke more outrage against him.
Visery's first injury to the Iron Throne occurred at an unknown time, but the timing of his second injury is of particular significance, as it follows his decision to remove Daemon from the line of succession. This decision is one of the key decisions that ultimately leads to the first Targaryen civil war. It could also serve as a signal that Viserys is a weak king who is not capable of securing his own power.
Viserys is less concerned about his health than with political maneuvers and the devolving stability of Westeros. However, Viserys has already lost two fingers as a result of his iron thrones cuts. Only time will tell the truth about his true cost hell payback.