Mysaria, portrayed by Sonoya Mizuno, has been a subtle yet intriguing presence in “House of the Dragon.” Initially introduced as a brothel worker, her true identity as the spymaster known as the White Worm was confirmed in Episode 9. This revelation showcased her significant influence and power, far beyond what was initially perceived.
In George R. R. Martin’s books, Mysaria is also referred to as Lady Misery, the White Worm, a name derived from her pale complexion and aged appearance. However, in the series, the nickname seems to serve as a code name to conceal her true identity. The first mention of the White Worm on screen occurred in Episode 4, when Otto Hightower received a message from a spy about Rhaenyra and Daemon’s presence in a brothel. This spy network, akin to Lord Varys’ “little birds” in “Game of Thrones,” is a testament to Mysaria’s extensive reach and influence.
Mysaria’s network includes Talya, Queen Alicent’s lady-in-waiting, who has been feeding her information from within the Red Keep. The exact number of her spies remains unknown, but their gathered intelligence proves invaluable to those in power. In the latest episode, the White Worm aids the greens in locating the missing Aegon Targaryen, facilitating his coronation. However, her usefulness extends to the blacks’ side of the civil war as well. In the books, Mysaria serves as a spymaster to Rhaenyra Targaryen, orchestrating significant events such as hiring assassins Blood and Cheese for a brutal murder in the Red Keep.
Despite her house being burned down in Episode 9, Mysaria’s fate remains uncertain. Her expertise in espionage suggests she might have anticipated the attack and escaped. This incident could potentially drive her to side with the blacks in the ongoing conflict.
Mysaria’s backstory is equally compelling. Hailing from Lys, one of the Free Cities in Essos, she was introduced as a sex worker in King’s Landing and became Daemon Targaryen’s lover. Daemon’s false announcement of her pregnancy and betrothal was a ploy to provoke King Viserys. Mysaria, however, was not pleased with this plan. By Episode 4, she had left the “skin trade” behind, hinting at a difficult past and a life in slavery. Her experiences have shaped her into a defender of the smallfolk, as evidenced by her demand to end the use of children in Flea Bottom in exchange for Aegon’s location.
One of the most discussed aspects of Mysaria’s character is her accent. Throughout the series, her accent has been described as a mix of Jamaican, Caribbean, and French, standing out from the predominantly British accents of other characters. This choice has sparked confusion and criticism among viewers. While Mysaria is from Lys, other Lysene characters in “Game of Thrones” did not share her accent. The show’s interpretation of the Lysene language, described by Martin as “musical, flowing, and liquid,” might explain this unique accent. However, HBO and the show’s creators have not addressed whether this accent will change in future seasons.
Despite the accent controversy, Sonoya Mizuno’s portrayal of Mysaria has been praised. Her diverse background and talent have brought depth to the character, making her a standout in the series. Mizuno’s previous roles in “Ex Machina,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” and “Devs” have showcased her versatility and skill, and her performance as Mysaria continues to captivate audiences.
In “House of the Dragon” Season 2, Mysaria’s accent has been toned down in response to criticism, improving her character portrayal. This change has been well-received, allowing viewers to focus more on her actions and influence rather than her speech. As the series progresses, Mysaria’s role is expected to grow, further entrenching her as a key player in the unfolding drama.
Mysaria’s journey from a brothel worker to a powerful spymaster highlights her resilience and cunning. Her ability to navigate the treacherous world of Westeros, leveraging her network of spies, makes her a formidable force. As the civil war intensifies, her alliances and actions will undoubtedly shape the course of events, making her a character to watch closely.
In conclusion, Mysaria, the White Worm, is a character of immense depth and intrigue in “House of the Dragon.” Her evolution from a background figure to a central player underscores her significance in the series. With her accent adjusted and her influence growing, Mysaria’s future in the show promises to be as captivating as her past.
Source: Decider, Screen Rant
