House of the Dragon spoilers are included in this article until episode 3.
Nobody is claiming that absolute monarchy is perfect. Gods know that Westeros may benefit from some elections here and there, but for thousands of years in the continuity of Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, the Seven Kingdoms has gotten along very well with its succession of kings and noblemen.
The Targaryen dynasty (and the smaller petty kings across the seven kingdoms that predate Aegon's Conquest) have maintained things in line, as most Targaryens know they cant do it all on their own. Every Targaryen monarch since Aegon I himself has instituted a Small Council to assist them with daily tasks of governing a whole continent.
The King's Small Council functions like a presidential cabinet, helping the Lord-Ruler of the Realm make decisions for the benefit of Andals, First Men, Rhoynar, and Valyrians throughout Westeros. Through eight seasons of Game of Thrones and a handful of episodes of House of the Dragon, weve seen quite a few members of the hallowed group of advisors.
Let's take a look at the seats on the King's Small Council, recall some familiar faces from both Thrones and Dragon that make it up, and explore the whole thing's history.
Hand of the King
King Viserys I Targaryens Hand of the King: Ser Otto HightowerKing Robert I Baratheons Hand of the King: Lord Jon Arryn, Lord Eddard StarkKing Joffrey I Baratheons Hand of the King: Lord Tywin LannisterKing Brandon I Starks Hand of the King: Lord Tyrion Lannister
The best way to appreciate the role of the Hand of the Kings is to revisit an old Westerosi adage: The king eats and the hand takes the shit. The Hand of the King is, by far, the most significant political role in the Seven Kingdoms, aside from the king himself. More than an advisor, more than a confidante, more than even a vice president, the Hand of the King plays an enormous role in governing the kingdom.
Some Hands are special, others are more reserved, but all of them have a great deal of responsibility. In House of the Dragon, King Viserys has chosen to keep his previous hands, Ser Otto Hightower, in the same room.
Before King Jaehaerys I died, Otto was only the last hand of the King. Jaehaerys ran through Lord Rogar Baratheon, Lord Myles Smallwood, Septon Barth, Ser Ryam Redwyne, and Prince Baelon Targaryen, although noble blood is not a requirement of the job.
Grand Maester
Grand Maester: Samwell TarlyKing Robert I Baratheons Grand Maester: Samwell TarlyKing Joffrey I Baratheons Grand Maester: Samwell TarlyKing Brandon I Starks Grand Maester: Samwell Tarly
In the Game of Thrones universe, magic is very real (albeit in small quantities) but the governance of the Seven Kingdoms does include some science, or at least as much science as the primitive society can muster. Thats where the Grand Maester comes in. The Maesters are a guild of deep-thinkers, experimenters, and scholars who reside in Oldtown (home of House Hightower).
Every great house of Westeros may request a living-in Maester to assist their homestead with tasks such as medicine and raven-based communication. Thus, the Iron Throne itself has a Maester, which he has done since the Conqueror himself requested a maester to assist in the governance of the Seven Kingdoms.
Pycelle is a cowardly scheming man who served under six kings (Aegon V, Jaehaerys II, Aerys II, Robert I, Joffrey I, and Tommen I) but who really only served himself.
Master of Coin
Prince Daemon Targaryen, Lord Lyman Beesbury King Robert I Baratheons Master of Coin: Lord Petyr BaelishKing Brandon I Starks Master of Coin: Lord Bronn (lol)
The Master of Coin is supposed to manage and maintain the Seven Kingdoms' wealth. However, the Master of Coin does this more often than not to pay for extravagant banquets and tournaments.
In Game of Thrones, Lord Petyr Littlefinger Baelish was an irresponsible Master of Coin, although one might imagine that King Bran Starks appointment of Lord Bronn would worsen.
Master of Laws
King Viserys I Targaryens Master of Laws: Prince Daemon Targaryen, Lord Lyonel StrongKing Robert I Baratheons Master of Laws: Lord Renly BaratheonKing Joffrey I Baratheons Master of Laws: Ser Kevan LannisterKing Brandon I Starks Master of Laws: Unknown
In Westeros, there isn't necessarily a singular law book. The Seven Kingdoms' legal code is a tangled mess of Great Council precedents, royal decrees, and bad memories. The King's Master of Laws is charged with making sense of the whole thing.
Prince Daemon Targaryen took on the position of Master of Laws for his brother on House of the Dragon only after becoming bored of being Master of Coin. Viserys placed him in charge of the City Watch as their commander. That didnt go as well either.
Master of Ships
King Viserys I Targaryens Master of Ships: Lord Corlys Velaryon, Ser Tyland LannisterKing Robert I Baratheons Master of Ships: Lord Stannis BaratheonKing Joffrey I Baratheons Master of Ships: Lord Mace TyrellKing Brandon I Starks Master of Ships: Lord Davos Seaworth
The Iron Throne itself must maintain a fleet of ships to both keep those houses in check and protect the realm from foreign invaders. The Master of Ships is the one responsible for shepherding and commandeering the royal fleet.
The other Master of Ships are all superb choices, except for King Joffrey's purely political appointment. Though Ser Tyland Lannister is a jerk but a brilliant commander at the same time.
Master of Whisperers
King Viserys I Targaryens Master of Whisperers: Lord Larys StrongKing Robert I Baratheons Master of Whisperers: Lord VarysKing Joffrey I Baratheons Master of Whisperers: Lord VarysKing Brandon I Starks Master of Whisperers: Unknown
Ladies and gentlemen, here's how to get your CIA/SIS all rolled into one. The Master of Whisperers is charged with maintaining a worldwide network of spies and saboteurs. If a potential assassin picks up a dagger in a Lyseni pleasure house, the Master of Whisperers should know as soon as a raven can fly.
Lord Varys was the perfect covert dealer in secrets in Game of Thrones. He served as Master of Whisperers under King Aerys II, King Robert I, King Joffrey I, King Tommen I, and Queen Daenerys Targaryen. Everyone knew they shouldnt trust Varys (and certainly they shouldnt have because he was loyal to House Targaryen throughout everything), but they couldnt help but keep him in his position anyway.
House of the Dragon hasn't introduced King Viseryss Master of Whisperers yet, but its likely to follow Fire & Bloods precedent with Lord Larys Strong. Also, keep an eye on Lady Mysarias' espionage abilities when the Dance of Dragons civil war gets going.
Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
Ser Jaime Lannister is the King Viserys I Targaryens Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, according to Ser Joffrey Westerling.King Brandon I Starks Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, according to Ser Brienne of Tarth
The most senior member of the Kingsguard, the brotherhood of seven knights, holds the title of Lord Commander. It therefore makes sense that the individual responsible for the King's safety should be given a seat on the Small Council.
Latest TV reviews
Review of House of the Dragon Episode 3: Second of His Name
Review of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Episode 1 and 2
The People vs. Emil Blonsky in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Episode 3 Review
Though the Lord Commander's input is appreciated in governing matters, their duty to the King overrules all else. The Lord Commander should never be involved in any small political disputes. Surely, that precedent will hold up in the House of the Dragon!
Latest TV reviews
Second of His Name: Review of House of the Dragon Episode 3
Review of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Episode 1 and 2
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law Episode 3 Review The People vs. Emil Blonsky
House of the Dragonpremiere Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max in the United States and Sky Atlantic in the United Kingdom.