I think we can all agree that Game of Thrones‘ ending was a disappointment. Thankfully, House of the Dragon is making up for that. It has everything fans could want and is packed full of interesting and morally ambiguous characters. One of these is the Sea Snake, who viewers will have heard mentioned numerous times. However, you might be wondering “Who is the Sea Snake in House of the Dragon?”. Allow us to explain…
Before we get into that, it’s important to explain the context of House of the Dragon within the wider Game of Thrones universe.
House of the Dragon takes place almost 200 years before its predecessor. The prequel series follows the heyday of the House Targaryen, back when they ruled Westeros and sat on the Iron Throne.
The House Targaryen is led by patriarch King Viserys I. The series begins with his ascension to the throne before skipping forward nine years into his reign. As the show explains, this is 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen.
In House of the Dragon, Viserys is shown as being desperate for a male heir. He already has a daughter, Rhaenyra, but he hopes for a son to succeed him to the Iron Throne.
In the first episode, Viserys I’s wife, Queen Aemma, tragically dies in child birth. Their new son passed shortly after, too. This led to Verserys declaring Rhaenyra as his heir and Princess of Dragonstone.
Despite this, members of Viserys’ council believe he still needs a male heir. And this is where the Sea Snake takes on a key role in House of the Dragon‘s story. So, who is the Sea Snake in House of the Dragon?
Who is the Sea Snake in House of the Dragon?
Viewers will have heard the Sea Snake mentioned numerous times so far. And if you haven’t been paying close enough attention, you may not realise who he is.
Who is the Sea Snake in House of the Dragon? The Sea Snake is Corlys Velaryon. He is head of House Velaryon and Viserys I’s Master of Ships during episode 1 and 2 of House of the Dragon.
Corlys Velaryon is married to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Viserys I’s first cousin. He is the father of Laena and Laenor Velaryon.
Following the deaths of Viserys I’s wife Queen Aemma and newborn son Prince Baelon Targaryen, Corlys and Rhaenys attempted to arrange a political marriage between their twelve-year-old daughter Laena and Viserys I. After some deliberation, Viserys I decides against marrying Laena because of her age. He declares his wish to marry Alicent Hightower instead.
This decision infuriates Corlys Velaryon, who resigns his position as Master of Ships and head of the Royal Fleet and leaves the King’s small council. He then forges an alliance with Daemon Targaryen and the two agree to take back the Stepstones.
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