George R.R. Martin's world of Westeros, known for its intricate political maneuvering, has been vividly portrayed across HBO's television adaptations. While Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms have explored numerous conflicts and alliances, one significant question regarding Aegon the Conqueror's campaign remained unanswered: how did Dorne manage to resist his invasion?
House of the Dragon has now provided an answer, delving into the history of House Martell and their refusal to bend the knee. Unlike other Great Houses that submitted to Aegon, Rhaenys, and Visenya, Princess Meria Martell, the ruler of Dorne during the Conquest, chose a different path. According to George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, Meria declared she would rather see her people perish than live as Targaryen "slaves."
Ormund Hightower recounts to his charge, Daeron Targaryen, that Meria, despite her age and blindness, successfully thwarted Aegon's forces through unconventional warfare. Her strategy involved poisoning wells, concealing soldiers in desert sands, and feigning a complete surrender to lull the Targaryens into a false sense of security. Once the invaders relaxed their vigilance, Meria's forces launched a surprise night attack, inflicting heavy casualties. This protracted resistance lasted for thirteen years, culminating in peace talks only after Meria's death.
The significance of Dorne's historical resistance extends beyond a mere historical footnote in House of the Dragon. Ormund Hightower utilizes Meria's approach as a strategic blueprint to challenge Rhaenyra Targaryen and the Black Council. By allowing his adversaries to believe they are gaining the upper hand, Ormund aims to sow internal discord and mistrust within their ranks, mirroring Meria's tactics of undermining the enemy from within.
Furthermore, the show establishes that Ser Criston Cole, a key figure in the conflict, originates from Dorne. Early in the season, Cole and Gwayne Hightower employ guerrilla tactics reminiscent of Meria's strategy, ambushing and attacking the Rivermen under the cover of night before disappearing. Cole's decision to pursue the Rivermen rather than retreat to Tumbleton reflects a refusal to be subjugated, echoing Meria Martell's independent spirit. This emphasis on Dornish resilience and its application in the current conflict highlights the potential consequences for any faction underestimating those who employ such methods.