HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Has Hidden Potential New Dragonriders in Plain Sight

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As a dragon historian and longtime student of House Targaryen, I’ve spent countless hours poring over ancient texts and scrolls, seeking out every piece of knowledge I can find about the history of dragons and their riders. And after watching the first few episodes of “House of the Dragon,” I can’t help but notice two intriguing characters who could potentially join the ranks of dragonriders.

After the unfortunate demise of Princess Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys, Queen Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne has become increasingly precarious. However, her son Jace had an unconventional idea in the fifth episode of “House of the Dragon” season two, which could potentially change their fate. The Blacks may possess more dragons than the Greens, but they are lacking in sufficient dragonriders. To strengthen Rhaenyra’s position and go to battle out of choice rather than necessity, they need to swiftly recruit new dragonriders. But who will claim these fiery beasts? As per the lore of “House of the Dragon” and “Game of Thrones,” only those with dragon blood can become dragonriders.

In Westeros, it’s worth noting that only Houses Targaryen and Velaryon can trace their lineage back to ancient Valyria. Fortunately for the Targaryens, they have been intermarrying within the Realm for over a hundred years, and many of their bastard offspring, referred to as “dragonseeds,” could potentially seize the opportunity to mount one of the Blacks’ unridden dragons. Therefore, among these distant relatives, who might be willing to risk their lives to do so?

As a dedicated fan of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, I’ve spent countless hours immersed in the intricate world he’s created. I’ve devoured every word of “Fire & Blood,” eagerly anticipating the arrival of the upcoming HBO prequel, “House of the Dragon.” However, my excitement is tempered by a healthy dose of caution.

Who Can Claim a Dragon on House of the Dragon and Become a Dragonrider?

According to the stories, dragons can only be ridden by those with Valyrian blood. In simpler terms, a person with Ancestry from Old Valyria is the only one capable of taming a dragon. However, Prince Jacaerys raised doubts about the authenticity of these accounts, suggesting they were crafted to magnify the prestige of the Valyrians. It’s worth considering his perspective, as these stories may have been used to deter others from attempting to ride dragons and maintain Valyrian dominance.

If the historical accounts are inaccurate, then the ability to ride dragons would not be limited by one’s origin. Consequently, all characters in “House of the Dragon” have the possibility of being dragon riders.

Jace could be in error, however. The Valyrians held a strong belief in the uniqueness of their ancestry. They practiced incestuous marriages within their families to preserve their lineages.

Discovering the truth comes with the risk of a painful demise for individuals, regardless of their Valyrian heritage. Daemon Targaryen’s daughter Rhaena, who also descends from Rhaenys Targaryen, came close to death while attempting to tame a dragon on “House of the Dragon.” Those with weaker Valyrian blood, as Rhaenyra described it, have an even smaller chance of forming a bond with a dragon in this series. Dragons are known for their selectiveness when choosing riders. The mysterious link between dragon and rider remains unexplained by all.

If the histories are accurate, having thin blood Targaryen lineage would still hold significance within the world of “House of the Dragon.” This means that any individual with a connection to this esteemed house, no matter how distant, could potentially have the ability to ride dragons. In turn, someone with this unique trait could potentially influence and even bring an end to the ongoing civil war. Interestingly enough, this also applies to those related to House Velaryon, despite the fact that they didn’t rule as dragonlords in Old Valyria.

The bloodline of Old Valyria extends beyond the residents of King’s Landing, Dragonstone, and Driftmark. Before the Targaryen Civil War, these houses intermarried with Westeros families and each produced bastards. However, “House of the Dragon” has hinted strongly which characters could be the ones to respond to Rhaenyra’s summons. Here are some “House of the Dragon” characters who may eventually ride dragons.

Alyn and Addam of Hull Have Velaryon Blood

In their latest conversation, Rhaenys revealed to Lord Corlys Velaryon that she had uncovered the truth about Alyn of Hull. She wasn’t only seeing the man who saved Corlys; she acknowledged him as Corlys’ bastard son in the realm of “House of the Dragon.”

Rhaenys didn’t resent Alyn, the valiant sailor, for his birth. Instead, she suggested that Corlys acknowledge and support him. “He deserves recognition,” Rhaenys stated. Nothing could elevate Alyn more than the gift of a dragon.

Rhaenys was unaware of something we know: Alyn has a sibling named Addam. The resemblance between them is striking, and Addam often spoke about debts owed to them both by Lord Corlys. Apart from the truth, what other obligation could Corlys have towards Addam? Moreover, “House of the Dragon” repeatedly portrays Addam observing Seasmoke, the dragon previously ridden by Laener, his half-brother, soaring into the sky.

Alyn and Addam bear the ancestry of Old Valyria in their veins. Their father, previously unrecognizing them during Alyne’s wife Rhaenys’ lifetime, now serves as the Hand to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. Rhaenyra, eager for dragons, is a desperate woman.

Among the contenders for dragons and the role of dragonriders in “House of the Dragon,” the bastard sons of the Sea Snake stand out as strong, clear-cut choices due to their lineage. However, it’s essential to consider that there could be other equally or even more suitable candidates.

Ulf the White Could Become a House of the Dragon Dragonrider

In the show, it’s heavily hinted that Alyn and Addam are bastards born to a powerful man with Valyrian heritage. However, another character, Ulf the White, openly admits to being a Targaryen bastard himself. He refers to himself as a “dragonseed” in episode three of “House of the Dragon.” Specifically, Ulf reveals that he’s the illegitimate son of Baelon the Brave, who is the father of the late King Viserys and Daemon Targaryen.

Ulf, who wasn’t exactly a genius but not a fool, didn’t hesitate to make his claim in favor of his (alleged) niece Rhaenyra and her son Jace as potential rulers of the Iron Throne to strangers, especially when it came with free drinks. However, he lacked the courage to stand by his words. Initially, Ulf endorsed Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne and acknowledged Jace as the rightful heir. But upon unexpectedly encountering King Aegon, Ulf quickly switched allegiance and paid homage to him out of fear.

Ulf’s cowardice isn’t a good sign for his prospects as a dragon rider in “House of the Dragon.” He’s not the only one who’s made an extravagant claim for a free mug of ale. However, there’s a possibility that he’s a dragonseed. His unusual white hair sets him apart from most people his age in King’s Landing and from Westeros as a whole. Narratively, the show has devoted time to Ulf and his family background, implying that we should at least consider him as a potential future dragon rider.

As an avid fan, I’ve noticed that the intricately woven plot of “House of the Dragon” has brought unexpected attention to a seemingly insignificant smallfolk character in King’s Landing. The depth given to their hair color hints at another potential dragonrider, adding an exciting layer to the storyline for me.

Hugh the Blacksmith Could Become an Unexpected Dragonrider

In the world of “House of the Dragon,” Ulf isn’t the sole resident of King’s Landing with unusual hair. The show has also given considerable attention to another character, Hugh the Blacksmith, who shares this unique feature with Ulf. The two of them are the only commoners in the city with this notable physical characteristic. While the stories of innocent people enduring hardships during war is a significant theme in the series, it seems that Hugh’s narrative holds greater significance than just one theme. The show has devoted substantial time to exploring his storyline.

Hugh yearns to secure a sanctuary for his ailing daughter and distressed wife, yet no location in Westeros guarantees safety. Dragonstone, with its unpossessed dragons, could be their best option. This choice grants him an attribute he currently lacks: the ability to shield and protect his loved ones.

Aegon failed to keep his word to compensate Hugh for his services. Consequently, this breached promise might harm the Greens. With Meleys deceased, Rhaenyra possesses an increased number of dragons. She and Jace have devised a plan that may seem unconventional. It’s possible that Hugh the Blacksmith could become a dragonrider in the future.

“The Blacks are about to delve into ancient scrolls in search of long-lost family lineage, but remember, ‘House of the Dragon’ has introduced some potential dragon riders for us.”

As a passionate reader and history enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of coming across Mikey Walsh’s captivating work at TopMob as a staff writer and dragon historian. With a unique perspective on the Targaryen kings, Mikey is not only an expert in his field but also an active voice in the community.

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2024-07-15 05:03