Who kills Criston Cole in House of the Dragon? Book fans are well aware of how his end played out in George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, but who was behind the murder? Read on to find out how his demise unfolds.
CONTENT SPOILERS: This article contains spoilers for House of the Dragon season 2, so proceed with caution.
House of the Dragon S2 Has Yet To Mark Criston Cole's End
The premiere of House of the Dragon season 2 sees Criston Cole (played by Fabien Frankel) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) growing closer and more intimate with each other in the bedroom. This is no good sign to the fans.
The secret affair these two shared led to losing King Aegon's heir and the veiled hatred Alicent and Criston shared towards Queen Rhaenerys Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy), based on their personal tragic experiences.
However, George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood (which is what the series is based on) tells us that Criston Cole's death will be coming into play soon enough.
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Who Was Responsible for Criston Cole's Death in the Books?
Criston Cole dies at the hands of Robb Rivers, who is said to be the finest archer in all of Westeros.
When Criston leads his 4000 men to reclaim the castle from the black faction, Daemon Targaryen has already set their army in advance, ambushing Criston's troops.
Criston tries bargaining to take his life and spare his men. However, Ser Garibald Grey, Ser Pate of Longleaf, and Roderick Dustin all turned down his offer at the price of a greater feat: his head.
Although Criston attempted to challenge taking on the three men on his own, Robb Rivers and two bowmen strike him dead with three arrows.
Criston Cole's head was soon detached from his corpse and was presented on a spear in the First Battle of Tumbleton.
It remains to be seen what exact point House of the Dragon will declare Criston Cole's death, but as Martin himself previously shared, the books will only be done justice if the show takes four seasons of 10 episodes each.
Fans can expect his infamous death scene to occur by the end of season 2 or perhaps within season 3.
READ NEXT: Olivia Cooke Explains Why Her House of the Dragon Sex Scene Was Cut from S2
Meanwhile, House of the Dragon season 2 episode 3 airs on June 30, 9 PM ET/PT on HBO and Max.
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