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House of the Dragon: A New Dawn for Rhaenyra
Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for HBO’s “House of the Dragon” Season 2, Episode 7, titled “The Red Sowing,” now streaming on Max.
Rhaenyra’s Strategic Triumph
In the climactic moments of the latest episode of “House of the Dragon,” Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy) makes a game-changing move against the Greens. The revelation that she has secured three new dragonriders—Hugh (Kieran Bew), Ulf (Tom Bennett), and Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty)—marks a significant shift in the power dynamics. Addam, notably, is one of the illegitimate sons of her Hand, Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint).
This news reaches Rhaenyra’s brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), the prince regent, while their brother King Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) is recuperating. Aemond witnesses a dragon soaring over King’s Landing and promptly heads to Dragonstone on his formidable dragon, Vhagar. Upon arrival, he realizes that even Vhagar is outmatched by the six dragons now under Rhaenyra’s command. This scene sets the stage for an intense finale.
The Hull Brothers: Key Players in the Dance of the Dragons
As we approach the Season 2 finale, the roles of Addam and his brother Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) become increasingly pivotal. Addam, now the rider of Seasmoke—a dragon previously bonded with Rhaenyra’s first husband, Laenor Velaryon—steps into a crucial role. Laenor, who faked his death in Season 1, left Seasmoke behind, creating an opportunity for Addam.
Alyn, on the other hand, has been instrumental in smuggling Dragonseeds—individuals with alleged Targaryen ancestry—out of King’s Landing and onto Dragonstone. These Dragonseeds are believed to have the best chance of bonding with dragons, a strategic advantage for Rhaenyra.
The Essence of Dragon Bonding
What does it take to bond with a dragon? Is it Targaryen blood, strength, or something more? Clinton Liberty, who plays Addam, suggests it’s a combination of factors. He notes that while bloodline is important, the essence of the person also plays a crucial role. Dragons, being highly intelligent creatures, can sense the true nature of a human beyond their facade.
Liberty reflects on the bond between Seasmoke and Addam, emphasizing that Seasmoke recognizes the purity and goodness in Addam, traits that were also present in Laenor. This bond is not merely about lineage but about the inherent qualities of the rider.
The Mystery of Laenor’s Fate
A lingering question is whether Laenor is truly dead, which would explain Seasmoke’s ability to bond with Addam. Liberty admits that this is a question best directed to the showrunner, as Addam himself is unaware of the political intricacies. For Addam, the journey to becoming a dragonrider is a new and daunting experience, filled with uncertainty and danger.
A Father’s Validation
One of the most poignant moments in the episode is when Corlys congratulates Addam on bonding with Seasmoke with a simple “Well done.” For Addam, these words carry immense weight. His entire life has been a quest for validation from his father, and this brief acknowledgment is a significant milestone. It fuels Addam’s desire to prove himself further, striving for more recognition and acceptance.
Alyn’s Path: Loyalty and Duty
Alyn’s decision to decline the opportunity to become a dragonrider and instead focus on his strengths—working in the shipyard and aiding the Dragonseeds—highlights his pragmatic nature. Abubakar Salim, who portrays Alyn, explains that Alyn’s upbringing has instilled in him a clear understanding of his place in the world. He sees dragons and the associated lifestyle as belonging to the royals, a realm he does not aspire to enter.
The Brothers’ Diverging Paths
As the finale approaches, the bond between Addam and Alyn faces new challenges. Their lives are taking divergent paths, with Addam stepping into the high-stakes world of dragonriding and Alyn continuing his work from the ground. This divergence adds tension and complexity to their relationship, making the upcoming episodes even more compelling.
Final Thoughts
The intricate dynamics between the characters, the strategic maneuvers, and the deep emotional undercurrents make “House of the Dragon” a captivating watch. As we head into the finale, the stakes are higher than ever, promising an explosive conclusion to an already thrilling season.
For more insights and to watch the trailer, visit House of the Dragon.
This article has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
