"House of the Dragon" gives us a look at the powerful House Targaryen in the centuries before "Game of Thrones." They're not the only powerful noble house we're learning more about, though: House Velaryon is also playing a major role in this new story. Here's what to know about these rich and influential characters - and why they're not a fixture in "Game of Thrones."
What is House Velaryon's Connection to the Targaryens?
Like House Targaryen, House Velaryon is an ancient house with roots in Old Valyria before they migrated to Westeros. The house allied with the Targaryens very early on in Aegon's conquest, even intermarrying with them on multiple occasions. Many of their great achievements have been linked to sea travel and exploration. A decade after Aegon's conquest, Ser Corlys Velaryon became the first Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, while his elder brother, Lord Aethan Velaryon, became master of ships. A couple of generations later, another Corlys Velaryon (played on "House of the Dragon" by Steve Touissant) becomes known as the "Sea Snake" for his mastery of the seas and the immense wealth it brings to House Velaryon.
Corlys is also part of the biggest connection between Houses Velaryon and Targaryen. He is married to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, known as the "Queen Who Never Was." Rhaenys is the daughter of the late Prince Aemon Targaryen, the son and heir of Jaehaerys I. When Aemon died before ascending the throne, a council was convened to choose the next heir. They passed over Rhaenys, despite being her father's only heir, and instead gave the throne to the next living male relative: Aemon's brother, Baelon.
Rhaenys and Corlys are tied back into the Targaryen family tree in yet another way - through their children. Their daughter, Laena, marries Prince Daemon Targaryen, Rhaenys's first cousin (one of Baelon's sons), and has twin daughters. Their son Laenor marries Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, Baelon's granddaughter, and they have three sons.
Can House Velaryon Ride Dragons?
While House Velaryon isn't as closely associated with dragonriding on their own, their Valyrian blood and their ties to House Targaryen mean that some members of the family are dragonriders, including Laena and Laenor. Laena rides the dragon Vhagar, while her brother Laenor rides Seasmoke. Their children, in turn, also become dragonriders. All of these known Velaryon dragonriders, however, also have Targaryen blood.
Why Isn't House Velaryon in "Game of Thrones"?
House Velaryon is a powerful, wealthy house for many generations, so why aren't they in "Game of Thrones"?
As depicted in George R.R. Martin's books, House Velaryon is technically still around - just stripped of most of its power and influence.
Following his successful rebellion and the fall of House Targaryen, Robert Baratheon gives the castle at Dragonstone to his younger brother, Stannis, creating the branch House Baratheon of Dragonstone. What remains of House Velaryon is then sworn to Stannis's side. They're even mentioned very briefly in "Game of Thrones" as one of the houses that answers Stannis's call when he attempts to claim the Iron Throne, but their days of vast wealth and near-royal power are long over.
Sign up for HBO Max now to watch "House of the Dragon" when it premieres on Aug. 21, 2022.
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