House of the Dragon wasted no time in establishing the various conflicts that are raging in the Seven Kingdoms. However, one of the greatest threats to King Viserys Targaryens' rule is mostly playing out in the background.
The following paragraphs contain spoilers for House of the Dragon and Fire & Blood.
Viserys has a small wound on his back from sitting on the Iron Throne, which mysteriously refuses to heal. In fact, the wound is spreading. In the same episode, Viserys gets a second cut from the throne, which similarly becomes infected and results in the amputation of two of his fingers.
Viserys' wounds will not heal, which is more symbolic than anything as simple 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, 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 created with the intention of causing extreme discomfort.
Aenys son of Aegons succeeds his father, but is later murdered by his brother, Maegor. Six years after Maegor's notoriously cruel reign, his nephew Jaehaerys Targaryen raised banners against him. He chose to spend the night brooding alone on the Iron Throne; the next morning, one of Maegor's wives discovered him dead in the seat with one of the thrones blades punctured his neck with several other spikes.
Maegor's death is alleged to be several theories, including that he committed suicide or that Elinor murdered him. However, many believe that the Iron Throne is ultimately to blame. This is what has spawned the popular belief that the throne chooses who is worthy or not of ruling Westeros and that those who are deemed unworthy suffer injury as a result of its blades.
Does everyone who gets cut on the Iron Throne die?
As a direct consequence of their wounds, no.
Daenerys Targaryen's paranoid father Aerys II Targaryen was also known as King Scab because he cut himself so often on the Iron Throne. Unlike the Mad King, his death occurred near the end of Jaime Lannisters sword.
Therefore, while being cut by the Iron Throne may imply unworthiness of a king or queen, it isnt a supernatural judge, jury, or executioner that disposes of the ruler itself. Anyone who sits on the throne is already at a higher than average risk of death. If they are not a suitable ruler, those odds increase exponentially.
What does Viserys' being cut by the Iron Throne imply?
Viserys' decision to name Rhaenyra as his replacement or to wed Alicent Hightower only stokes more outrage against him.
The second cut from Viserys Iron Throne occurred at an unknown time, although the timing of his second injury is of particular significance. This is one of the key decisions that ultimately lead to the first Targaryen civil war. It could also serve as another clue that Viserys is a weak king who isnt capable of shouldering the burden of his own power.
Viserys is less concerned about his health than with political machinations and the devolving stability of Westeros. However, Viserys has already lost two fingers as a result of his removal from the Iron Throne. Only time will tell how much he will pay for his debacles as king.