Season 2, episode 7 of House of the Dragon sees Queen Rhaenyra inspired by the emergence of Addam of Hull, proposing a scheme to recruit common Targaryen bastards as dragonrider allies to match the firepower of the Greens, who possess Aemond’s massive dragon, Vhagar. Despite the potential risks and challenges, Rhaenyra sees the bastards as an opportunity to strengthen her forces and challenge the traditional Targaryen supremacy over dragons.
As Rhaenyra gathers a large group of supposed Targaryen bastards and tasks them with taming Vermithor, the Black’s biggest dragon, the plan backfires as most of the unfortunate bastards are torched by Vermithor, who only accepts two of them—Hugh Hammer and Ulf White—as his riders. Despite the casualties, Rhaenyra’s strategy yields results, as Vermithor and Silverwing, his mate, now have new dragonriders who could potentially shift the power dynamic in the ongoing conflict between the Blacks and Greens.
Vermithor, also known as “the Bronze Fury,” is a formidable dragon who was once the mount of the Old King, Jaehaerys the Conciliator. While not as experienced in battle, Vermithor is known for his fierce temper and size, second only to Vhagar. Hugh Hammer, a blacksmith with Targaryen blood, sacrifices himself to save an innocent woman, earning Vermithor’s respect and becoming his rider. On the other hand, Ulf White, who claims to be the bastard son of a Targaryen, also manages to bond with Silverwing and becomes her rider.
Rhaenyra’s decision to sacrifice Targaryen supremacy for firepower bears fruit as the newly appointed dragonriders help her launch an attack on the Greens, forcing Aemond and Vhagar to retreat. The emergence of bastard dragonriders challenges the traditional belief in Westeros that dragons are literal gods and that only those of Targaryen blood can ride them. The consequences of Rhaenyra’s actions are yet to be seen, as her gamble to expose the truth about dragonriding could have far-reaching effects on the war and the future of the Targaryen dynasty.
The episode delves into the backgrounds of Vermithor, Silverwing, Hugh Hammer, and Ulf White, shedding light on their connections to the Targaryen family and their unique qualities as dragonriders. From Vermithor’s history with the Old King to Silverwing’s gentle nature and Ulf’s uncertain heritage, each character brings a new dimension to the unfolding conflict and the evolving dynamics of dragonrider alliances in the war-torn land of Westeros.
Overall, the episode showcases Rhaenyra’s bold leadership and willingness to take risks to secure victory in the war against the Greens. By recruiting common Targaryen bastards as dragonriders, she challenges the traditional hierarchy of dragonriding and opens up new possibilities for the Blacks in their quest for power and dominance. As the conflict escalates and tensions mount, the emergence of new dragonriders adds a layer of complexity to the narrative and sets the stage for further intrigue and suspense in the upcoming episodes of House of the Dragon.
