House of the Dragon features an exceptionally large cast of characters, and while the primary focus has been on the Targaryen royal family, several others have also shared the limelight. Criston Cole — the knight hand-picked by Princess Rhaenyra to serve as part of the Kingsguard — is one such individual.

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Although Criston Cole steals many of his scenes throughout House of the Dragon's first season, there are still plenty of things that fans don't know about him. He's likely to continue playing a significant role in the show's future seasons, so fans of the series would be wise to learn more about him now rather than later.

10 Criston Cole Prefers His Morningstar (Or Flail) To A Longsword

Daemon Targaryen dueling Criston Cole in House of the Dragon.

The vast majority of Westerosi knights prefer a sword to any other weapon, so the fact that Criston Cole, a member of the esteemed Kingsguard, doesn't usually fight with one is noteworthy. In both the A Song of Ice and Fire book series and the House of the Dragon television adaptation, Cole uses a spiked weapon rather than a blade.

Interestingly, House of the Dragon decided to outfit Cole with a flail instead of the Morningstar that he uses in the books. Regardless, the choice helps distinguish him from the slew of knights that decorate King's Landing.

9 Criston Cole Is Of Dornish Descent

The Kingdom of Dorne in Game of Thrones.

By the time the events of Game of Thrones transpire, Dorne has been unified with the Seven Kingdoms for generations. However, that is not the case during the reign of Viserys I, making the fact that Criston Cole is Dornish a bit unexpected — especially considering his role in the Kingsguard.

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In George R.R. Martin's novels, it is never hinted that Cole is of Dornish ancestry, but according to the creators of House of the Dragon, that is exactly the case. House Cole resides in the southernmost region in all of Westeros, so its connection to the arid kingdom definitely fits into the series' canon.

8 Criston Cole Was Born To A Steward

Ser Criston Cole in House of the Dragon.

Westerosi society is defined by the relationship between its great houses, and as a result, individuals with lower social status usually have a difficult time exerting much influence over the realm. However, that didn't stop Criston Cole (born to a steward) from climbing the ranks in King's Landing.

Cole's father was sworn to House Dondarrion — a not-so-influential group residing deep within the Stormlands. So, it is a bit shocking that his son eventually found his way to the illustrious capital of Westeros, King's Landing.

7 Cristin Cole Gained Notoriety Through Westeros' Conflict With Dorne

Ser Criston Cole looking hearbroken in House of the Dragon.

Since Cristin Cole lacked nobility, his rise to fame depended on his success on the battlefield. While House of the Dragon makes it clear that Viserys I presides over an era of peace, it also makes note of the never-ending border conflict between Westeros and their Dornish neighbors.

This conflict provided the perfect stage for an upstart like Cole to earn his stripes. Very few battle-tested warriors lived in the Seven Kingdoms during Cole's life, so his fighting experience along the realm's southern border played a major role in Rhaenyra's decision to select him for the Kingsguard.

6 Criston Cole Is Known Throughout Westeros As The Kingmaker

Aemond Targaryen training with Criston Cole in House of the Dragon.

Westerosi royalty often bears monikers that reflect some aspect of their identity. For instance, Viserys I eventually became known as Viserys the Peaceful, aptly reflecting his affinity for pacifism. Even though this practice isn't nearly as common for knights like Criston Cole, that doesn't stop him from earning a nickname of his own — the Kingmaker.

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Cole earns this title because of his relationship to the dispute over Viserys I's successor. The knight originally serves as Rhaenyra's protector, symbolizing at least some part of her legitimacy as heir to the Iron Throne, but this all changes when he decides to support Queen Alicent Hightower and her son, Aegon II. They take the Iron Throne, and for his efforts, Cole is labeled with a nickname representing his shifting allegiances.

5 Criston Cole's Character Seems To Be An Allusion To Richard Neville

An artist's depiction of the death of Richard Neville the Kingmaker, who potentially inspired House of the Dragon's Criston Cole.

George R.R. Martin has made his love for history known on multiple occasions — it follows suit, then, that he would include several historical allusions throughout his extensive library of novels. While the author hasn't confirmed Criston Cole's relationship to Richard Neville, the 14th-century English nobleman, it appears as though the latter was Martin's inspiration for his character.

Both individuals gained fame through their military exploits. However, what really unites Criston Cole and Richard Neville is their shared nickname — the Kingmaker — and their decisions to help usurp the rulers they originally pledged fealty to.

4 Criston Cole Is The Only Named Character From His House

Fabien Frankel plays Criston Cole in House of the Dragon.

Even though Criston Cole doesn't come from one of Westeros' established houses, logic dictates that at least a few of his relatives would appear throughout the series. After all, between A Song of Ice and Fire, Game of Thrones, and House of the Dragon, there are plenty of opportunities for a member of House Cole to pop up here and there.

However, despite Criston Cole's significance to the Targaryen dynasty, none of his family members have ever made it into the franchise. In George R.R. Martin's novels, there is a brief mention of two Golden Company soldiers with the last name Cole, but there is no confirmation that these two have any connection to Westeros, let alone House Cole.

3 Criston Cole Owes House Dondarrion For His Rise To Fame

Criston Cole bleeding from the lip after a fight in House of the Dragon.

Due to Criston Cole's low social status, he desperately needed a respected benefactor to help him rise through the ranks. Luckily for him, Ser Arlan Dondarrion and his house were more than willing to acknowledge the young knight for his efforts in the Stormlands.

After Cole set fire to two Dornish watchtowers, he was knighted by Arlan Dondarrion, making him the first member of House Cole to receive such an honor. The Dondarrions had previously employed Cole's father as a steward, so his knighthood was a shining badge of honor for the Cole family.

2 Criston Cole Is One Of The Youngest Lord Commanders Ever

Joffrey Lonmouth talking with Criston Cole in House of the Dragon.

While the Kingsguard is, in theory, full of Westeros' most capable knights, these warriors are often past their prime. The members of the Kingsguard wield tremendous influence, so the position generally requires that its members have plenty of experience. This precedent makes Criston Cole's rapid ascension through its ranks even more shocking.

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Cole is still green around the gills when Rhaenyra selects him for the Kingsguard, and although House of the Dragon never confirms his exact age, he clearly isn't meant to be any older than his mid-20s. Not long after this, Queen Alicent Hightower names him as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, a move that was unprecedented up to that point in history.

1 Criston Cole Has A Connection To Game Of Thrones' Most Famous Kingsguard Member

Jaime Lannister attacks Ned Stark in the streets of King's Landing Game of Thrones.

Westerosi history takes note of Criston Cole's significance — after all, he is referred to as the Kingmaker throughout the events of A Song of Ice and Fire. Keeping this in mind, it should come as no surprise that his legacy would be of interest to later members of the Kingsguard, such as Jaime Lannister.

In A Feast for Crows, Jaime mentions Cole's controversial nature, pointing out the duality of his life as the Kingmaker. Considering Jaime earned his own nickname — Kingslayer — by usurping the Mad King, it's safe to say that these two individuals share quite a bit in common.

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