House of the Dragon: Rhaenyra's Dragon Riders: A Growing Threat to the Greens
Rhaenyra Targaryen, desperate for dragonriders, has bolstered her ranks in the final episodes of Season 2, adding a trio of new dragon-mounters to Team Black. Here's a breakdown of how the newest riders joined the ranks, and who might still be joining the fray.
Rhaenyraâs quest for dragonriders has dominated much of Season 2. Following the devastating Battle of Rook's Rest, she found herself facing a dire shortage of powerful dragons to counter the Greensâ growing strength, especially with Aemond's colossal Vhagar in their ranks.
Her son, Jacaerys, proposed searching for individuals with Targaryen blood, hoping they could bond with the riderless dragons residing under Dragonstone. Unfortunately, the first attempt resulted in the tragic demise of Ser Steffon Darklyn, consumed by fire after failing to tame one of the dragons.
Rhaenyra's fortunes changed with the revelation of Addam of Hull, a supposedly lowborn rider who had been seen riding Seasmoke, Laenor's former dragon. Corlys Velaryon, Addam's father, hinted that their mother might have a Targaryen connection, adding further intrigue to the situation.
Inspired by Addam's success, Mysaria, Rhaenyra's Mistress of Whispers, informed her of the numerous Targaryen bastards fathered within the brothel she once ran. Rhaenyra, hoping to intimidate the Greens and avoid a full-blown dragon war, decided to offer the two tamed, riderless dragons, Silverwing and Vermithor, to these potential riders.
However, this plan sparked a conflict with Jacaerys, who himself is a bastard. He argued that his ability to ride a dragon was crucial in convincing the commonfolk of his legitimacy as a Targaryen heir. Allowing other bastards to claim dragon-mounts could potentially challenge his own claim to the throne.
Despite Jacaerysâ concerns, Rhaenyra forged ahead with her plan, and her gamble has paid off. Team Black has gained significant fire-power, and with several more potential riders, a full-blown dragon war may yet be averted.
The New Dragonriders
Ulf the White and Silverwing:
A loudmouthed, boastful character who has spent Season 2 proclaiming his Targaryen lineage, Ulf has long been a vocal supporter of Rhaenyra. When the call for new riders went out, Ulf initially attempted to avoid the opportunity, fearing for his life and claiming a leg injury. However, pressured by his friends, he reluctantly joined the journey to Dragonstone.
After a near-death encounter with the volatile Vermithor, Ulf found himself drawn to Silverwing, a gentler dragon who had previously been ridden by Alysane Targaryen. Silverwing accepted Ulf as her rider, leading to a chaotic flight over King's Landing that was just narrowly avoided by the Greens. Aemond, riding Vhagar, pursued the pair but ultimately retreated, leaving Rhaenyra with a significant new asset.
Hugh Hammer and Vermithor:
Hugh, a blacksmith who struggled to provide for his family during the war, had been wronged by King Aegon II. When he revealed his own possible Targaryen heritage, he joined the quest for dragons, hoping for a better life.
During the dragon selection process, Hugh found himself facing the Bronze Fury, Vermithor. Despite Vermithor's aggressive nature, Hugh showed remarkable courage and compassion when he intervened to save an innocent woman from the dragon's fiery breath. This act of nobility earned Vermithor's respect, securing Hugh as the dragon's new rider.
Addam of Hull and Seasmoke:
Addam, a skilled rider who had already bonded with Seasmoke, a dragon previously ridden by Laenor Velaryon, was a welcome addition to Team Black. His ability to tame a powerful dragon demonstrated Rhaenyra's success in finding new riders. While the reason Seasmoke chose Addam remains a mystery, it is clear that the dragon sensed his connection to the Velaryon lineage.
Corlys' suggestion that their mother might have Targaryen blood adds further intrigue to the situation, though the show has not yet definitively established the connection.
Potential Future Dragon Riders:
Rhaena Targaryen and Sheepstealer:
Rhaena, whose ambition to ride a dragon has been evident throughout the series, has taken a keen interest in the wild dragon Sheepstealer, which has been spotted in the Vale. Rhaena's connection to the dragon, combined with her desire to participate in the war, makes it highly likely that she will soon claim Sheepstealer as her own, further strengthening Team Black's dragon force.
Unknown Rider and Grey Ghost:
The elusive dragon Grey Ghost, rarely spotted in the wild, offers a potential dragon for a skilled and determined rider. While no specific character has been confirmed to be pursuing Grey Ghost, his presence on the show suggests that this mysterious dragon could play a role in the future.
Brave Rider and The Cannibal:
The Cannibal, a formidable dragon known for devouring dragon eggs and even newborn dragons, remains unclaimed due to its fearsome reputation. However, a daring individual could potentially tame this powerful dragon, bringing a significant asset to either Team Black or Team Green.
With Team Black expanding its dragon riders, the power balance in the war for the Iron Throne is shifting. Rhaenyra's commitment to forging alliances and acquiring dragonriders could prove to be a game-changer in the upcoming conflict, making the fight for the Seven Kingdoms more unpredictable than ever.
