Rhaenyra Targaryen has faced a daunting challenge in Season 2 of “House of the Dragon,” as she desperately seeks new dragonriders to bolster her forces. The latest episode has finally brought her some much-needed reinforcements, with the introduction of Ulf the White and Hugh Hammer to her growing cadre of dragonriders, alongside the recently added Addam of Hull.
The urgency of Rhaenyra’s situation became apparent after the devastating Battle of Rook’s Rest, where she realized the need for more dragons to stand against the formidable Team Green. Currently, her dragon roster includes her own Syrax, Daemon’s Caraxes, Jacaerys’ Vermax, and Baela’s Moondancer. However, with her sons’ dragons, Joffrey’s Tyraxes and Aegon’s Stormcloud, still maturing, Rhaenyra cannot afford to risk her life in battle. Daemon’s absence only heightens her predicament, as the remaining dragons are not nearly powerful enough to confront Aemond’s massive Vhagar.
In a bid to find new riders, Jacaerys suggests searching for nobles with even a hint of Targaryen blood who might be able to bond with the riderless dragons residing beneath Dragonstone. Unfortunately, the first noble to attempt this, Ser Steffon Darklyn, met a fiery end. However, hope arises when Rhaenyra learns of Addam, a supposed lowborn who has been seen riding Seasmoke, the dragon once belonging to Laenor Velaryon. Addam’s lineage is revealed to be more significant than initially thought, as he is the bastard son of Corlys Velaryon, linking him to the ancient bloodline of Old Valyria.
Rhaenyra’s Mistress of Whispers, Mysaria, informs her of the many Targaryen bastards fathered in the brothel where she once worked. This prompts Rhaenyra to send out a call for Targaryen bastards to attempt to mount her two riderless dragons, Silverwing and Vermithor. Jacaerys, however, is less than pleased with this plan, as he himself is a bastard, and fears that allowing other bastards to ride dragons could undermine his claim to the throne.
Despite Jacaerys’ concerns, Rhaenyra believes that adding more dragons to her side will intimidate Team Green and potentially deter them from escalating the conflict. She hopes for a peaceful resolution, but with Aemond’s aggressive nature, the situation remains precarious. Nevertheless, Rhaenyra’s efforts yield results, as she successfully recruits Ulf the White and Hugh Hammer, both of whom have intriguing backstories.
Ulf the White, portrayed by Tom Bennett, has spent much of the season boasting about his Targaryen heritage while hiding in a King’s Landing pub. Initially hesitant to join the fight, he is spurred on by his friends and ultimately makes his way to Dragonstone. When Vermithor, the first dragon introduced to the group, becomes hostile, Ulf finds himself fleeing into the dragon’s lair, where he unexpectedly bonds with Silverwing. This friendly dragon, once ridden by Alysane, seems to accept Ulf, leading to a thrilling moment where he rides Silverwing over King’s Landing, evading Aemond’s pursuit.
Hugh Hammer, played by Kieran Bew, has a more tragic backstory. A blacksmith who has suffered under King Aegon II’s rule, Hugh’s struggles are compounded by the loss of his daughter. When Rhaenyra’s call for Targaryen bastards reaches him, he reveals to his wife that his mother was popular among highborn customers due to her silver hair, hinting at a possible Targaryen connection. As he approaches Vermithor, the dragon initially reacts aggressively, but Hugh’s act of bravery in the face of danger earns him the dragon’s respect, leading to a potential bond.
Addam of Hull, portrayed by Clinton Liberty, has a unique connection to Seasmoke. After Laenor Velaryon faked his death and left Seasmoke riderless, the dragon became restless. Rhaenyra’s attempts to find a new rider for Seasmoke initially fail, but the dragon ultimately chooses Addam, recognizing a kinship with him. This moment marks a significant shift in the narrative, as it suggests that dragons may not be exclusively bound to Targaryens, challenging the long-held belief that only those of Targaryen blood can ride them.
The implications of Addam’s bond with Seasmoke are profound. As a Velaryon, he carries noble blood, but he lacks the Targaryen lineage that has traditionally been associated with dragon riding. This development raises questions about the nature of dragon bonds and whether other families, like the Velaryons, might also have the potential to ride dragons. The show hints at a broader narrative where the Targaryens’ monopoly on dragon riding could be challenged, setting the stage for further conflict in the ongoing civil war.
As the season progresses, Rhaenyra’s quest for new dragonriders continues, with the potential for more characters to join her cause. Rhaena, who has long desired a dragon of her own, is hinted to be pursuing the wild dragon Sheepstealer, while the elusive Grey Ghost and the fearsome Cannibal remain wild and unclaimed. The dynamics of dragon riding are shifting, and the balance of power between Team Black and Team Green is poised to change dramatically.
With the stakes higher than ever, Rhaenyra’s determination to secure her legacy and protect her claim to the Iron Throne drives her to make unprecedented choices. The introduction of new dragonriders not only enhances her military strength but also challenges the established norms of dragon riding in Westeros. As the Dance of the Dragons unfolds, the question of who can ride a dragon becomes increasingly complex, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation of the saga.
Source: Various
