There are only two episodes left of House of the Dragon season 2. In the season so far, we’ve had dragon fights, brutal murders, and plenty of bizarre visions in the depths of Harrenhal (prayers to Daemon Targaryen).
One of the main highlights of Episode 6 is the arrival of a new dragon rider. This person was not chosen by Rhaenyra and the Blacks, but was hunted by the beast himself: Seasmoke.
Seasmoke was Laenor Velaryon’s dragon in Season 1. However, after the sea serpent’s son faked his own death to leave Westeros with his beloved, Seasmoke was left without a rider. That is no longer the case.
If you want to know more about the author of Seasmoke, we have all the information you need. We also have guides for all the characters and dragons in the Game of Thrones prequel.
Seasmoke’s new rider is Addam of Hull
Addam of Hull was a recurring character in Season 2, but you could be forgiven for not following his plot during high-pressure events like Blood and Cheese and the many battles of Vhagar.
Ollie Upton/HBO
Ollie Upton/HBO
Ollie Upton/HBO
The character appeared alongside his brother, Alyn. He lives in Driftmark and works as a shipwright for the Velaryon fleet. More importantly, it was confirmed that Addam and Alyn are the illegitimate children of Corlys Velaryon.
This makes him the half-brother of Leanor Velaryon, Seasmoke’s former rider. This is likely one of the main reasons the dragon chose his new rider—even though he apparently has no Targaryen blood, which Rhaenyra believed was the key to taming the beasts.
Seasmoke was spotted earlier in the season circling above Addam, so the dragon had its eyes on him. In the latest episode, the dragon chases him through a forest and pins him against a rock.
Later, Rhanerya learns that Seasmoke has been spotted flying with a new rider. She rushes to Syrax to find out who it is, and the episode seven trailer confirms that it is Addam.
We don’t know for sure if Addam isn’t of Targaryen descent—this is the Game of Thrones universe, after all. The Velaryon lineage could have a distant connection somewhere in history.
It could also be that Jacaerys’ observation in Episode 5 that Targaryen blood is essential for riding dragons was simply “written to gild us with glory.” In other words, the tradition may not be accurate. Perhaps anyone can ride a dragon if they have the connection and the courage to do so.
But why not his brother instead?
Why did Seasmoke choose Addam and not Alyn?
The reason for Seasmoke’s choice has not been fully confirmed, but Alyn is currently the only son truly acknowledged by Corlys. He was promoted to First Mate and commended for saving the Sea Snake.
In Episode 5, Baela talks about the difference between being “fire and blood” and “salt and sea.” It could simply be that Alyn is the latter, meant to fight from the water—while Addam is meant to fly through the air.
The aforementioned connection to Addam likely also plays a role in why the dragon chose him over Alyn, and is a likely explanation for why Seasmoke burned poor Ser Steffon Darklyn.
The dragon was reluctant to come out of the pit for this potential rider and seemed to sense his fear – which he had expressed earlier to Rhanerya.
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