Who Killed Criston Cole In ‘House Of The Dragon’ Season 3?

Warning: Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 6.

Criston Cole’s story comes to an end in House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 6 on HBO.

The former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and Hand of the King is killed during the Butcher’s Ball, a major battle in the Dance of the Dragons. His death also adapts one of the most notable moments from George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood.

Here’s who kills Criston Cole and how the scene compares to the source material.

Who kills Criston Cole in ‘House of the Dragon’?

Criston Cole is killed by Alysanne “Black Aly” Blackwood during the Butcher’s Ball.

After Cole’s forces are surrounded, he asks the opposing commanders for single combat. They refuse his request, and before a duel can take place, Black Aly shoots him with an arrow, killing him on the battlefield.

Cole’s death marks the end of his role in the Dance of the Dragons after serving as one of the Greens’ top military commanders.

Who is Black Aly?

Alysanne Blackwood, better known as Black Aly, is a member of House Blackwood who fights for Queen Rhaenyra during the Dance of the Dragons.

Although she has only recently appeared in the HBO series, Black Aly is a prominent figure in Fire & Blood. Criston Cole’s death is one of her best-known moments from the book.

Does Criston Cole die in ‘Fire & Blood’?

Yes.

Criston Cole also dies during the Butcher’s Ball in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. Like the HBO series, he asks for single combat after realizing his forces are outnumbered, but his request is denied.

One notable difference is who kills him. In the book, Cole is brought down by a group of archers during the battle. In the HBO adaptation, the fatal shot is given to Black Aly.

What is the Butcher’s Ball?

The Butcher’s Ball is one of the major battles during the Dance of the Dragons.

The battle results in the death of Criston Cole and deals a significant blow to the Greens, who lose one of their most experienced military leaders as the war continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who killed Criston Cole in House of the Dragon Season 3?

Alysanne “Black Aly” Blackwood kills Criston Cole during the Butcher’s Ball after his request for single combat is denied.

What episode does Criston Cole die?

Criston Cole dies in House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 6.

Does Criston Cole die in the books?

Yes. Criston Cole dies during the Butcher’s Ball in Fire & Blood. Unlike the HBO series, the book describes him being killed by a group of archers rather than by Black Aly alone.

Who is Black Aly?

Black Aly, whose full name is Alysanne Blackwood, is a warrior from House Blackwood who fights for Queen Rhaenyra during the Dance of the Dragons.

Featured image photo credit: HBO