Episode 5 of House of the Dragon, titled “We Light the Way,” was anything but celebratory, especially for Ser Criston Cole. The wedding of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen to Ser Laenor Velaryon became the backdrop for simmering resentments and shocking violence, culminating in a brutal act committed by the Kingsguard knight. But why did Ser Criston Cole kill Joffrey Lonmouth so violently at this royal event?
To understand Criston’s explosive actions, we need to unravel the layers of heartbreak, shame, and anger that fueled his rage. This episode reveals the devastating consequences of Rhaenyra’s complex romantic entanglements and Criston’s rigid sense of honor.
Criston’s Rejection and Shame: A Knight Scorned
The seeds of Criston’s fury were sown in episode 4 when he and Princess Rhaenyra consummated their forbidden desires. As a Kingsguard knight, Criston had sworn vows of chastity, vows he broke for Rhaenyra. He clearly developed genuine feelings for the princess, feelings that were not merely physical.
However, Rhaenyra’s ambitions and royal duties took precedence over any romantic inclinations. She agreed to marry Ser Laenor Velaryon, a politically advantageous match orchestrated by her father, King Viserys. Rhaenyra was even aware of Laenor’s relationship with Ser Joffrey Lonmouth, accepting an open marriage arrangement that served her strategic interests.
Milly Alcock as Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Theo Nate as Ser Laenor Velaryon in House of the Dragon
Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Laenor Velaryon at their wedding in House of the Dragon, a political match despite Laenor’s true affections.
Criston, riding with Rhaenyra back from Driftmark, saw an opportunity for a different future. He proposed they abandon their courtly lives and elope across the Narrow Sea to Essos, suggesting marriage and a life free from political machinations. This proposal was driven by a desire for genuine connection and perhaps a naive hope for redemption after breaking his vows.
Rhaenyra, however, firmly rejected Criston’s romantic vision. She chose her destiny as heir to the Iron Throne over personal happiness with him. Furthermore, her suggestion of continuing their affair within her marriage deeply offended Criston. He refused to be her “whore,” his shame and self-loathing intensified by her pragmatic and seemingly callous approach to their relationship. He had compromised his honor for her, and now felt discarded and debased.
Joffrey’s Taunt: The Spark Igniting Rage
Consumed by shame and rejection, Criston confessed his transgression to Queen Alicent Hightower. In a surprising turn, Alicent, also feeling betrayed by Rhaenyra, showed him mercy. This act of grace might have offered Criston a fragile lifeline, but the wedding festivities were a constant reminder of his humiliation.
Serving at the wedding, Criston was already a powder keg of emotions. The final spark that ignited his violent outburst was Ser Joffrey Lonmouth. Joffrey, Laenor’s lover, approached Criston during the celebrations. Blissfully unaware of Criston’s fragile state, Joffrey revealed his knowledge of Criston and Rhaenyra’s affair. He even suggested a sort of alliance between them, “two couples” understanding each other’s situations.
This seemingly innocuous suggestion was catastrophic for Criston. Joffrey’s casual acknowledgment of the affair, and the implication of a continuing, open arrangement, was the ultimate insult. It amplified Criston’s shame and disgust. Joffrey’s words stripped away any remaining dignity Criston felt he had.
The Brawl and the Brutal Act: A Public Display of Inner Turmoil
Shortly after this encounter, a brawl erupted on the dance floor. While the precise trigger for the general melee is unclear, Criston seized the chaos as an outlet for his overwhelming rage. In a moment of uncontrolled fury, he brutally attacked Joffrey, smashing his head in with his fists.
Ser Criston Cole’s heartbreak and rage are evident in House of the Dragon, leading to violent outburst at Rhaenyra’s wedding.
The violence was excessive and shocking, a public display of Criston’s internal turmoil. It wasn’t merely about Joffrey’s words, but everything they represented: Rhaenyra’s rejection, his broken vows, his lost honor, and the perceived mockery of his feelings. Joffrey became the unfortunate target of Criston’s self-directed anger and despair.
Aftermath and Alicent’s Intervention: An Unholy Alliance
The immediate aftermath of the brutal act was chaos and horror. Criston, realizing the enormity of his actions, was consumed by remorse. He retreated to the Godswood, contemplating suicide. His shame was so profound that death seemed a preferable alternative to facing the consequences of his rage.
Ser Criston Cole’s brutal act at Rhaenyra’s wedding in House of the Dragon, fueled by rejection and shame, shocks the court.
However, Queen Alicent intervened, stopping him from taking his own life. In this moment of shared grievance against Rhaenyra, an unlikely alliance was forged. Both Alicent and Criston felt wronged by the princess, and this shared resentment would likely shape their future actions.
In conclusion, Ser Criston Cole killed Joffrey Lonmouth due to a volatile mix of personal and emotional factors. Rhaenyra’s rejection and his resulting shame over breaking his Kingsguard vows were primary drivers. Joffrey’s tactless proposition acted as the crucial trigger, unleashing Criston’s pent-up rage in a brutal and public act of violence. This act not only marred Rhaenyra’s wedding but also set Ser Criston Cole on a darker path, now aligned with Queen Alicent, promising further turmoil in the episodes to come.
