Rhaenyra Targaryen has faced significant challenges in Season 2 of “House of the Dragon,” particularly in her quest for new dragonriders. As the season nears its conclusion, she finally gains the reinforcements she desperately needs. The introduction of Ulf the White and Hugh Hammer to her dragonriding team, alongside the recent addition of Addam of Hull, marks a pivotal moment in her campaign.
To understand how Rhaenyra arrived at this point, we must reflect on the events leading up to it. Following the devastating Battle of Rook’s Rest, Rhaenyra assessed her dwindling dragonrider options. Currently, her side boasts her own dragon, Syrax, along with Daemon’s Caraxes, Jacaerys’ Vermax, and Baela’s Moondancer. However, the dragons belonging to her sons, Joffrey’s Tyraxes and Aegon’s Stormcloud, are still maturing. With Daemon missing in action and the remaining dragons not formidable enough to confront Team Green—especially with Aemond’s massive Vhagar in play—Rhaenyra’s situation is dire.
In a moment of desperation, Jacaerys suggests searching for nobles with even a hint of Targaryen blood to ride the riderless dragons residing beneath Dragonstone. Unfortunately, the first noble to attempt this, Ser Steffon Darklyn, meets a fiery end. However, in Episode 6, Rhaenyra learns of Addam, a supposedly lowborn rider seen with Seasmoke, Laenor’s former dragon. Viewers are aware that Addam is the illegitimate son of Corlys Velaryon, giving him a connection to Old Valyria. In a revealing moment in Episode 7, Corlys hints to Addam’s brother, Alyn, that their mother may have Targaryen ties.
As the Dance of the Dragons unfolds, Rhaenyra’s need for dragonriders intensifies. The ability of Addam to tame Seasmoke inspires Rhaenyra’s Mistress of Whispers, Mysaria, to inform her of the numerous Targaryen bastards fathered in the brothel where she once worked. Rhaenyra then issues a call for Targaryen bastards to attempt to mount her two riderless dragons, Silverwing and Vermithor. This decision does not sit well with Jacaerys, who feels threatened by the potential for any new riders to challenge his claim to the throne.
Despite Jacaerys’ concerns, Rhaenyra believes that adding dragons to her side will serve as a deterrent to Team Green and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, with Aemond’s aggressive nature, the likelihood of a peaceful outcome remains uncertain. Nevertheless, Rhaenyra’s efforts lead to a significant increase in her dragonriding capabilities.
Ulf the White, portrayed by Tom Bennett, has been a recurring character in Season 2, often found in a King’s Landing pub boasting about his Targaryen lineage. Initially hesitant to join the call for dragonriders, Ulf eventually decides to participate, spurred on by his friends. When Vermithor, the first dragon introduced to the group, becomes aggressive, Ulf finds himself fleeing into the dragon’s lair, where he unexpectedly bonds with Silverwing. This friendly dragon, previously ridden by Alysane, seems to accept Ulf, leading to a clumsy but triumphant moment as he rides Silverwing over King’s Landing.
Hugh Hammer, another key character introduced in Season 2, faces his own struggles. A blacksmith wronged by King Aegon II, Hugh’s family suffers due to Rhaenyra’s blockade on King’s Landing. His mother, who worked in a brothel, hinted at a connection to Targaryen blood, suggesting that Hugh may have royal lineage. This connection is further explored in Episode 7 when Hugh attempts to claim a dragon. He faces Vermithor, known as the Bronze Fury, who initially reacts violently to the new riders. However, in a moment of bravery, Hugh calls out to the dragon, demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice himself, which ultimately earns him Vermithor’s acceptance.
Addam of Hull, portrayed by Clinton Liberty, also plays a crucial role in Rhaenyra’s dragonrider expansion. After Laenor Velaryon fakes his death, his dragon Seasmoke becomes riderless. Rhaenyra’s efforts to find a new rider lead to a tragic attempt by Ser Steffon Darklyn, who is incinerated by Seasmoke. Eventually, the dragon chooses Addam as its new rider, much to Rhaenyra’s surprise. Their meeting is significant, as Addam does not reveal his true lineage, which could complicate matters further.
The complexities of lineage and bloodlines are central to the narrative. In the books, Addam and Alyn are described as the bastard sons of Laenor, but the show alters this to suggest they are connected to Corlys Velaryon. This change raises questions about who can truly ride a dragon and the implications of Targaryen blood. Corlys himself admits ignorance regarding the lineage of Addam and Alyn’s mother, hinting at potential Targaryen connections.
Meanwhile, Rhaena, another character with aspirations of dragon riding, has been seeking a dragon of her own. After being denied Vhagar, she is determined to find a wild dragon in the Vale. The show hints at her pursuit of Sheepstealer, a dragon known for its elusive nature. As Rhaena’s storyline unfolds, it becomes clear that she is not content to remain on the sidelines.
The narrative also teases the possibility of other wild dragons joining the fray. Characters like Grey Ghost and the Cannibal are mentioned, suggesting that the potential for new dragon riders is far from exhausted. The show has set the stage for further developments in the ongoing conflict, with Rhaenyra’s side gaining strength and the stakes rising.
As the season progresses, the dynamics of power, lineage, and loyalty continue to evolve. Rhaenyra’s determination to secure her claim to the throne is evident in her actions, and the introduction of new dragonriders adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. The Dance of the Dragons is far from over, and the implications of these new alliances will undoubtedly shape the future of Westeros.
Source: Collider
