THE Velaryon House is one of the central figures in “House of the Dragon“. Known for its immense wealth and the largest navy in WesterosHouse Velaryon is led by the legendary Corlys Velaryon, played by Steve Toussaint. However, Corlys’ succession may be complicated, although the house remains illustrious during the Dance of the Dragons era. However, by the time of “Game of Thrones”, House Velaryon is a shadow of its former self, with its name rarely mentioned in the series and its members appearing only in minor roles in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” books. What happened to “the old, the true, and the brave”?
The rise of House Targaryenn is narrated in “House of the Dragon“, a prequel to the popular HBO series “game of Thrones“. Based on the book “Fire & Blood” of George R.R. Martin“House of the Dragon” is set nearly 200 years before “Game of Thrones,” telling the story of the Targaryen civil war under the reign of King Viserys.
Dance of the Dragons
The Dance of the Dragons marks the beginning of the decline of House Velaryon. For over a century, this house controlled the Narrow Sea, resisting even foreign threats such as the Triarchy. However, the civil war forced the house to focus its efforts on the blockade of the Gullet. The Battle of the Gullet, in particular, caused great damage to the Velaryon fleet, as well as sacking of Driftmark, their headquarters. This event is the starting point for the decline of House Velaryon, although the full fall took several decades to complete.
After the death of CorlysAlyn of Hull, legitimized as Alyn Velaryon, inherited Driftmark and assumed leadership of House Velaryon. Alyn proved to be a great commander and managed to maintain the house’s naval supremacy. However, he was not a skilled political player. With the Velaryon fleet based primarily in Driftmark and the Gullet, other houses began building their own naval forces, until eventually the Velaryon fleet ceased to be the most powerful in Westeros.
Naval rivalry
Over time, other naval powers emerged in Westeros. The House Greyjoy has always been powerful but never reliable, attacking and invading regions such as the Westerlands and the Reach. In response, House Lannister developed his own navy at Lannisport, becoming, after the War of the Five Kings, the most powerful navy in Westeros. Similarly, further south, House Redwyne, located on the Isle of Arbor, began building up its naval forces, growing to the point where it surpassed the naval power of House Hightower.
Despite this, House Velaryon still retained some influence, with several members holding the position of Master of Ships on the Small Council. By the time of the King Aerys IIfor example, Lord Lucerys Velaryon played this role, being also one of the advisors of the Mad King who took advantage of his downfall for his own benefit. Robert’s Rebellion also drastically changed the balance of power, with House Baratheon becoming the greatest naval power in Westeros.
House Velaryon is sworn to the Prince of Dragonstone, and whenRobert Baratheon became king, he appointed his brother Stannis Baratheon as the new prince. Stannis then created his own branch, the House Baratheon of Dragonstoneto whom House Velaryon is currently loyal.
In Game of Thrones
In the “Game of Thrones” books, House Velaryon remains sworn to Dragonstone, joining Stannis Baratheon’s forces in the War of the Five Kings. Lord Monford Velaryon is present at the Battle of Blackwaterbut dies when his ship sinks. His six-year-old son Monterys succeeds him as Lord of Driftmark. When Stannis summons his bannermen to the Wall, House Velaryon sends a contingent, and Jon Snow even notices the Velaryon banners among those of House Baratheon when Stannis defeats Mance Rayder’s wildlings beyond the Wall.
At the Battle of the Blackwater, Lord Monford’s bastard half-brother Aurane Waters is captured and forced to kneel before King Joffrey. He subsequently becomes Master of Ships and begins working on expanding the Lannister fleet in King’s Landing. However, upon hearing of Cersei Lannister’s imprisonment by the High Sparrow and the Faith of the Seven, Aurane flees her post, with her current whereabouts unknown.
Summary for those in a hurry:
- House Velaryon was one of the most powerful during the era of “House of the Dragon”, but declined over time.
- The Dance of the Dragons marked the beginning of the decline of House Velaryon, especially after the Battle of the Gullet.
- Alyn Velaryon’s leadership maintained the house’s naval supremacy, but a lack of political skill hastened its decline.
- Other houses, such as the Greyjoys and Lannisters, developed their own naval forces, surpassing the Velaryons.
- Despite its decline, House Velaryon maintained influence, especially through the office of Master of Ships.
- In the events of “Game of Thrones”, House Velaryon is still loyal to Dragonstone, but its importance has diminished significantly.
Source: Atrevida
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
