Foot fetishes are popping up everywhere these days, from social media and online forums to the pages of best-selling books and the silver screen. Most recently, foot fetishes have made their way into some of TV’s most popular and binge-worthy series.
Game of Thrones took the streaming world by storm back in 2011, captivating audiences for 8 seasons. Shortly after the series concluded, directors released House of Dragons, a prequel to the original award-winning show.
Fans of fantasy and whimsy love the HBO Max drama based on a series of medieval novels titled A Song of Ice and Fire, written by George R.R. Martin. But the stories appeal to more than just fantasy fans. Foot lovers might find Lord Larys “Clubfoot” Strong’s fascination with feet both intriguing and borderline disturbing.
Whether you’ve seen House of Dragons from start to finish or just want to know does Lord Larys have a foot fetish, keep reading! Below, we’ll take a behind-the-scenes look at the character’s twisted psyche, apparent foot fetish, and get answers directly from the source!
About House of Dragons and Lord Larys
Let’s start with a brief backstory. House of Dragons premiered in August of 2022 on HBO Max as a prequel to the hit series Game of Thrones. Season 2 was released in June of 2024, and the fantasy drama was recently renewed for a third season. Based on Martin’s books, the TV series takes place on the fictional continents of Essos and Westeros. Several powerful families, including House Targaryen, House Velaryon, and House Hightower, fight for control over the Iron Throne and the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Highlights of the show include its dark tone, complex characters, and political intrigue.
Lord Larys Strong (also known as Clubfoot) is the younger son of Lord Lyonel Strong of Harrenhal. Lord Lyonel was promoted to Hand of the King and is also father to Larys’ older brother, Ser Harwin Strong. Harwin is a knight and a respected member of the “gold cloaks”, the City Watch of King’s Landing. Larys (the less successful of the brothers) was born with a clubfoot, giving him his appropriate yet demeaning nickname. Fans and critics of the show speculate that this physical impairment may be the root of Larys’ preoccupation with beautiful, “normal” looking feet—especially those of Queen Alicent Hightower.
Lord Larys is described as a schemer. He’s a cunning conniver who has no remorse. These traits are only reinforced by the many murders he commits without any obvious guilt, including the deaths of his father and brother. At times, Lord Larys can be pleasant and even helpful, but he usually acts with an ulterior motive of division. The Lord’s relationship with the Queen raises some eyebrows and leaves fans wondering, “Does Lord Larys have a foot fetish?”
Does Lord Larys Have a Foot Fetish?
Several scenes and statements in House of Dragons allude to the fact that the Lord may be preoccupied with feet. Throughout the show’s first 10 episodes, Lord Larys shows hints of a foot fascination – if you know what you’re looking for.
For example, in episode 6, Queen Alicent removes her shoes at the dinner table, and Larys can be seen staring at them. At the end of this same episode, Lord Larys’ character tells the Queen, “I’m certain you’ll reward me… when the time is right.” Apparently, the right time came just three episodes later, in the privacy of the Queen’s chambers.
This is the infamous scene that captivated and horrified audiences, begging the question, does this guy have a foot fetish, or what? In episode 9, The Green Council, Lord Larys (often referred to as a gossipmonger) is waiting for the Queen in her bedroom to spill the tea. As if that’s not creepy enough, once she arrives, Larys informs her that he has important information he needs to share with her. But, in true form, the deviant Lord claims he’ll only divulge his secrets if, in return, Queen Alicent shows him her feet.
He then demands that the Queen remove her shoes and stockings to expose everything from her toes to her ankles. Queen Alicent is clearly disturbed by the request but agrees. Once her feet are naked, Larys proceeds to pleasure himself from across the room. The scene ends with Lord Larys masturbating despite the shock and embarrassment of the Queen. The entire scene is uncomfortable and a power play on Lord Larys’ part. The Queen is noticeably distressed and disturbed by the whole exchange, which, according to fans, critics, and the actor himself, is Lord Larys’ hidden motive.
What Does Lord Larys Have to Say About This?
Enough with the speculation! Why not go right to the source? According to actor Mathew Needham, Lord Larys Strong’s foot fetish goes much deeper than just an admiration for gorgeous feet. It’s about power, control, and domination – all common themes among foot fetishists who also enjoy elements of BDSM.
During a Q&A session at the Game of Thrones Official Fan Convention, Needham was asked about his character’s supposed foot fetish. The actor described Lord Larys’ foot fetish as “much weirder” than it would typically be – “and much more nuanced.” According to Needham, it wasn’t so much the sight of the Queen’s feet that excited his character: “It’s the fact that he can make her do it.” There’s no denying that Lord Larys thrives on power and control. After all, he did set fire to a house, knowingly killing his brother and father inside, all to claim the title of Lord.
Needham also describes Lord Larys’ deeply-rooted trauma. “He’s a very disturbed person,” the actor explained. He went on to say, “It’s about making her feel as much shame as she does for that part of her body that he does for his.” Remember, Lord Larys was born with a clubfoot (hence the nickname) and has been disfigured since birth. Needham also claims that his character likes to “make people incomplete,” filling them with the same level of trauma that he himself experiences every day. He succeeds in doing so by “filling them with trauma so that even if he isn’t around, they’re still haunted by the experience.” When asked directly, does Lord Larys have a foot fetish, the actor said, “I don’t see it like he loves feet. It’s the fact that she’s (the Queen) not into it is the point, and he can make her do it.”
Critics of the show agree wholeheartedly with Needham’s take on things. The entire scene is more about power and control than feet. Lord Larys isn’t as concerned with getting off as he is with seeing the Queen at his mercy. He wants to see the Queen’s power diminished and for her to feel indebted to him, always carrying that weight (and trauma) with her.
Lord Larys’ Foot Fetish Explained
As you can see, Lord Larys’ foot fetish goes far beyond just an appreciation for beautiful feet, slender toes, and silky soles. The House of Dragon star is preoccupied with control and leverage. He’s conniving, devious, and in constant pursuit of power.
Power is a key element in foot fetishes based on control and humiliation. Members of the kink and BDSM community often engage in power dynamics that involve a dominant and a submissive. The dominant commands all the power in the relationship, while the submissive willingly obeys. Dominants get off on being in control, and submissives actually enjoy being demeaned, embarrassed, and humiliated – to varying degrees.
Although it’s obvious that Queen Alicent wasn’t getting any pleasure from her exchange with Lord Larys in episode 9, the Lord was savoring every moment. While this scene made some fans uneasy, members of the foot fetish and BDSM community can likely appreciate the Lord’s motives and that intoxicating rush of power.
Want to learn more about what causes foot fetishes? Check out this article and browse the rest of our blog for more fascinating facts about feet!
