Lyonel Strong met his maker during episode 6 of House of the Dragon, at the hands of his son, no less. The character, well known to Fire & Blood readers, had a brief but pivotal intervention in the story, contributing to the increasing distrust between Rhaneyra and Alicent, thanks to his son's reckless and dangerous actions.
Although his time under the sun was short, Lyonel was crucial to the story; he might be gone, but he's certainly not forgotten, especially because the show left out several things about his character that would've made valuable additions to his characterization.
Lyonel's Demeanor
Fire & Blood describes Lyonel as "balding," "large," and somewhat brutish. He is also quiet, reasonably shy, and slow in speech, leading many to look down on him. In fact, many believe him to be a "half-wit" at first sight because of his imposing but unimpressive appearance.
However, House of the Dragon updates the character. His live-action version is a clever, well-spoken, and respected member of Viserys' chaotic Small Council. These changes were ultimately for the better, as portraying him as described in the books would've been unnecessarily problematic.
Lyonel Had Three Wives
Life expectancy in the Seven Kingdoms was short, and many didn't live into adulthood. Marriages also occurred when a couple was remarkably young, especially with nobility and prominent houses. Thus, it's unsurprising that Lyonel lived to marry three times, outliving all his wives.
By all accounts, Lyonel was an honorable man, meaning he didn't trick or mistreat any of his wives. These women likely died in childbirth, as many women did in Westeros. Fire & Blood never details his personal life -- his wives don't even get names. However, their mention gives more insight into Lyonel's life, if only slightly.
Lyonel's Intellect Rivalled Otto's
Otto Hightower was famous for his knowledgeable and clever mind. Many considered him among the most cultured men of his time, although his reputation suffered a considerable decline with the years.
Although many believe Lyonel wasn't very bright, he was a clever man more than capable of giving Otto a run for his money. He studied at the Citadel and earned six links before heading to King's Landing to serve as Master of Laws. Lyonel held the role of Hand of the King for eleven years, proving he could handle the Seven Kingdoms without allowing his interests or ambitions to cloud his judgment.
Lyonel Had Two Daughters
House of the Dragon introduces Lyonel's sons, Larys and Harwin, but does not mention his two daughters. The girls also accompany him to King's Landing, staying there throughout his tenure as Hand of the King. However, it's unclear if they left with him after he returned to Harrenhal.
Like Lyonel's wives, his two daughters don't even get names in Fire & Blood, only a brief mention. It's also unclear what happened to them after Lyonel's death, but they likely secured decent marriages, especially considering their father was the second most powerful man in the Seven Kingdoms for eleven years.
Lyonel Was A Good Player Of The Game
Although a sensible and level-headed man, Lyonel was an exceptional player in the game. He maintained his position as Hand of the King for eleven years, despite the increasing rumors surrounding Harwin's affair with Rhaenyra.
Lyonel made advantageous arrangements for each of his children: his two daughters became handmaids to Rhaenyra, Harwin became captain of the Gold Cloaks, and Larys joined the King's Confessors before rising to become Master of Whisperers following his father's death. Lyonel did his duty to his House by ensuring his children were well-connected at court, showing his political shrewdness.
Lyonel Was The Second Strong To Be Hand Of The King
Although Lyonel was not one of the most powerful Hands of the King in Westerosi history, he was one of the most effective. Indeed, his lack of prominence in the history books speaks more about his talent at being Hand, proving he had no interest in overstepping his role.
Interestingly, Lyonel wasn't the first Strong to be Hand. His ancestor, Osmund Strong, was the fourth Hand of the King, serving Aegon the Conqueror for seventeen years until his death. House Strong wasn't one of Westeros' most powerful or respected, but they certainly left a meaningful mark in history.
Lyonel Suggested Executing Daemon
Prince Daemon Targaryen is among the most complex characters in House of the Dragon. He is mercurial, unpredictable, and cunning, making him a dangerous but formidable foe. The show makes his animosity toward Otto Hightower painfully clear, but Lyonel Strong also mistrusts him in the books.
Daemon's tryst with Rhaenyra occurs during Lyonel's time in office in Fire & Blood, and Lyonel strongly suggests executing Daemon for the crime. However, Viserys, ever the conciliator, chooses exile instead. Lyonel might've not been as defiant as Otto, but he was a supporter of decisive action when necessary.
Lyonel Supposedly Fathered A Bastard Daughter
Numerous characters play significant roles throughout the Dance of the Dragons. Alys Rivers is a bastard servant of House Strong who allegedly saw visions in the flames. She served the Greens during the Dance.
Several sources claim Alys was Lyonel's bastard daughter. The colorful but unreliable Mushroom claims Alys came from an older generation and served as a wet nurse for Larys, Harwin, and maybe even Lyonel. Alys was a powerful enchantress older than she seemed, similar to the infamous Melisandre from Game of Thrones. Fans will surely see Alys in season 2 of House of the Dragon.
Lyonel's Death Was Uncertain
House of the Dragon has the untrustworthy Larys kill his father and brother as a "favor" to queen Alicent Hightower. However, the book is more ambiguous about Lyonel's fate, leaving it open for the viewer to interpret.
Mushroom laid the blame on Daemon Targaryen, although others believed Corlys Velaryon was responsible. Some even pointed fingers at the usually passive Viserys, who might've wanted to shut down the rumors about Rhaenyra's children. Larys was also a usual suspect, considering he inherited Harrenhal following Lyonel and Harwin's deaths. However, many believed Harrenhal itself was responsible for Lyonel's death, especially because of the castle's infamy.
The Curse Of Harrenhal
Everyone in the World of Ice and Fire knows about the curse of Harrenhal; even cynics like Littlefinger express hesitance at the prospect of owning Harrenhal. The massive castle, built by Harren the Black, has been the seat of many families, taking them all to the grave.
The Strong family became another victim of Harrenhal's curse following Lyonel and Harwin's deaths. Larys was still alive but died years later, following the Dance's end. With no sons of his own, Larys was the last Strong, meaning the curse of Harrenhal effectively drove the Strongs to extinction.