House of the Dragon: The Two Betrayers & The Dragonseeds Hugh Hammer And Ulf White, Explained

As someone who has delved deep into the rich tapestry of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, I have come to appreciate the intricately woven stories of secondary characters like Ulf White and Hugh Hammer. Their lives are far from ordinary, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and a touch of royalty.

In the game “House of the Dragon,” the Greens and the Blacks acknowledge that dragons and armies are now at war, making military force alone insufficient to secure victory. Characters on both sides, including Ser Criston Cole, Alicent Hightower, Rhaenyra Targaryen, Aemond Targaryen, Jacaerys Velaryon, and Daemon Targaryen, understand that the conflict between family members has escalated into a war between dragons. The threat of deterrence and caution no longer applies. Aemond has been appointed as Prince Regent and Guardian of the Realm by the Greens. Rhaenyra’s side (the Blacks) appears weak to me because she lacks a countermeasure against the largest dragon in the Seven Kingdoms – Vhagar.

Currently, Rhaenyra lacks the swords and Dragonriders necessary to challenge Vhagar’s power. Trapped on an island, she is left without their combined strength. Her husband Daemon is absent, engaged in his own conflict at Harrenhal. In her precarious situation, Rhaenyra can only rely on the assistance of her eldest son, Jacaerys Velaryon. Through casual conversation, Jacaerys subtly initiated the events of the “Sowing of the Seeds” plotline in “House of the Dragon.”

Queen Rhaenyra And Her Heir Jacaerys’ Conversation In House of the Dragon Episode 5

How House Of The Dragon Sets Up The Sowing Of The Seeds

House of the Dragon: The Two Betrayers & The Dragonseeds Hugh Hammer And Ulf White, Explained

In the final episodes of “House of the Dragon” season 2, during episode 5 titled “Regent,” Prince Jacaerys and his mother, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, strategize on how to reclaim the Seven Kingdoms from Aegon the Usurper. Fearing Vhagar’s power under Aemond’s control, Rhaenyra proposes a plan for them to meet in mid-air on their dragons. Jacaerys dismisses her idea, reminding her of the tragic fate of Meleys, Princess Rhaenys’ dragon, at Rook’s Rest. Vhagar, being larger and more powerful, had ambushed Meleys from behind the castle walls, leaving her little opportunity to defend herself against the surprise attack.

Aemond and Vhagar pose a lethal threat to the realm, and it’s common knowledge. To counteract their power, Jacaerys recognizes that they have an abundance of dragons at Dragonstone but lack skilled riders. His mother requires Dragonriders who can tame and ride these dragons into battle on her behalf. Jacaerys’ dragon, Vermax, is still young, Daemon is absent, and Syrax alone cannot measure up to Vhagar’s might. The clock is ticking, and it’s highly likely that Jacaerys will soon call upon people to attempt riding the unridden dragons such as Silverwing, Seasmoke, and Vermithor.

Some members of our family tree have never held the throne. Instead, they married into other distinguished families, resulting in offspring bearing different surnames.

As a devoted fan, I’d express it this way: I firmly believe, alongside Rhaenyra and Jacaerys, that granting the opportunity to ride dragons is a more compassionate alternative than facing certain death or defeat at the hands of Aemond and Vhagar. We agree that Valyrian histories often exaggerate the glory of Dragonlords, those with Targaryen bloodline. Furthermore, there’s a strong possibility that men related to them can effectively ride dragons in battle without a rider. Interestingly enough, Dragonstone – the ancient fortress of the Targaryen Dragonlords from Old Valyria – holds valuable records not only of their line but also those who have fallen out of it.

It’s a mad thought.

Using George R. R. Martin’s resources as their guide, the mother and son team prepared to plant the seeds together.

The Dragonseeds And The Battle Of The Gullet In Fire & Blood

House of the Dragon: The Two Betrayers & The Dragonseeds Hugh Hammer And Ulf White, Explained

The Hull brothers, including Hugh Hammer, Ulf the White, Nettles, Silver Denys, Lord Gormon Massey, Ser Steffon Darklyn, and others attempt to ride dragons. Dragons react with fire and blood, resulting in an event known as the Red Sowing in folklore. Four individuals, Addam of Hull, Ulf the White, Hugh Hammer, and Nettles, manage to tame dragons and vie for Rhaenyra’s succession. In “House of the Dragon,” Addam of Hull has been introduced along with Ulf the White and Hugh Hammer, but Nettles remains unintroduced. Addam rides Seasmoke, Ulf mounts Silverwing, and the lone female among them, Nettles, tames Sheepstealer, the dragon of Dragonstone. Addam, Hugh, Ulf, and Nettles fly with Prince Jaceery Velaryon above Gullet’s skies when the Triarchy’s warships attack the Gay Abandon cog and its escorts carrying Princes Aegon and Viserys to Pentos. With Jace and Vermax perishing in battle, Ulf, Hugh, and Nettles safely return from the Gullet.

The Battle of the Gullet marks the Triarchy’s determination to weaken the Velaryon fleet’s control over Blackwater Bay. However, this victory comes at a great cost for the Triarchy as they are left in ruins, with only 30% of their original warships making it back. This forced them to withdraw from the conflict. The Velaryon family retains dominance over the east coasts of Westeros, but they suffer significant losses, including Rhaenyra’s heir and two dragons. Driftmark is plundered, but Prince Aegon, Rhaenyra’s eldest son by Daemon, manages to escape on his dragon, Stormcloud. However, Stormcloud is mortally wounded during the escape and dies at Dragonstone. Rhaenyra’s youngest son, Prince Viserys, is captured by a Tyroshi captain and delivered to Sharako Lohar. His fate remains unknown for the remainder of the war, leaving Rhaenyra with a long list of devastating losses.

Jaxareys requested Dragonseed assistance from the Blacks to seize King’s Landing during the war, but unexpectedly had to change tactics to confront the Triarchy in the Gullet. Following this battle, the Blacks successfully took control of King’s Landing, with Ulf and Hugh soaring their dragons over its skies.

Who Is Ulf White?

Ulf is a man-at-arms of Dragonseed lineage who lays claim to Silverwing during the Dance of the Dragons. With white hair and Valyrian traits, Ulf’s heritage is uncertain, making him an intriguing figure among the Dragonseed residents of Dragonstone. Rhaenyra bestows knighthood upon him following the Fall of King’s Landing, and he resides in King’s Landing alongside the Blacks. Although Daemon suggests that Ulf marry Stokeworth’s late daughter to strengthen House Stokeworth’s allegiance with the Blacks, Rhaenyra declines this proposition. In accordance with Jacaerys Velaryon’s pledge, Ulf is awarded lands on Driftmark.

Who Is Hugh Hammer?

Hugh is a blacksmith’s son and another rider for House Black, commanding the dragon Vermithor. Rhaenyra bestows knighthood upon him and awards lands on Driftmark. However, she refuses Daemon’s proposition to marry his daughter to Hugh, the renegade Lord Rosby.

In the year 130 After the Conquest, Ulf and Hugh receive their last assignment from the Blacks on behalf of Lord Ulf. They are dispatched to protect Tumbleton against the Hightower army. However, they betray their trust and remain in Tumbleton, gaining infamy as the Two Traitors.

During and following the Second Battle of Tumbleton, the Two Traitors meet their ends. Prior to this battle, Ser Jon Roxton fatally stabs one of them, Hugh, as a threat to the Greens. Meanwhile, Ulf, who is intoxicated, fails to participate and later declares his claim to the throne. Unbeknownst to him, Ser Hobert Hightower provides him with poisoned wine, leading to his demise as well.

The Two Betrayers In House of the Dragon

In the second season episode 1, titled “A Son for a Son,” of “House of the Dragon,” Kieran Bew’s character, Hugh, makes an appearance at Aegon’s court. He represents the blacksmiths of King’s Landing. With silver hair and distinct Targaryen traits, Hugh expresses his allegiance to Aegon’s cause against Rhaenyra. However, he brings up a pressing issue: the delayed royal payments. The increasing iron costs are causing hardships for the smiths, compelling Hugh to request advance payments before committing to further work for the crown.

As a gamer, I’m finding it tougher than ever to afford iron for my crafting. Building a single scorpion takes an unreasonable amount of time. To put it personally, we’re feeling the pinch. If only we could get our hands on the Crown’s coins earlier in the process, it would make such a difference – not just for me but for all the other blacksmiths working under your command.

Aegon assures Hugh he’ll be paid, and Hugh trusts him. In the series, Hugh’s TV character has a spouse named Kat and an ill child. Kat worries about their family’s security and persuades him to find refuge with her brother in Tumbleton because their city is out of food due to the Sea Snake’s siege. Despite his reluctance due to Rhaenyra, Hugh ultimately yields, heeding his wife’s sensible advice.

Based on my extensive experience as a seasoned advisor and having witnessed the fierce determination of Rhaenyra Targaryen, I strongly believe that she would not let such an insult go unanswered. Therefore, I suggest we make haste to Tumbleton without further delay. My brother’s hospitality will surely provide us with a much-needed refuge during these turbulent times.

I find myself unfortunateley stuck within the walls of King’s Landing, ordered here by Prince Regent Aemond Targaryen. The city gates have been sealed shut, trapping us all inside. Aemond, as Protector of the Realm, aims to quiet the rumors of unrest among the weary and hungry populace. We are a part of the crowd unable to escape the capital, leaving us no choice but to endure within these walls.

In contrast to Tom Bennett’s character Ulf from the books, who is now a permanent resident of King’s Landing instead of Dragonstone, maintains his drunken demeanor. He enters a tavern in “The Burning Mill,” episode 3 of House of the Dragon’s second season, and is well-liked by the patrons. While conversing with a man from Dorne, Ulf boasts:

That part of Westeros my House never settled.

Ulf is talking about how Aegon the Conqueror failed to conquer and incorporate the Kingdom of Dorne into his realm during his invasion. Instead, Dorne continued to stand as an independent entity until Prince Maron Martell married Princess Daenerys Targaryen in King’s Landing in 187 AC. This union marked the official inclusion of Dorne among the Seven Kingdoms.

Ulf refers to Jaehaerys the Conciliator as his grandfather, but there are doubts about their familial connection since Ulf bears little resemblance to the Valyrians and has no definitive proof of lineage. Additionally, Ulf’s status as a baseborn person further complicates any claims to noble heritage.

I’ve had the misfortune of being the bastard brother to Prince Daemon and the late King Viserys Targaryen. I carry the blood of the dragon within me, just like they did. But unlike my siblings, I wasn’t born with the title or the privileges that came with it. My life has been a series of challenges and struggles, constantly fighting for recognition and acceptance in the royal court.

Ulf is known for his grandiose demeanor and boisterous voice. He’s always quick to show recognition towards Aegon II whenever they cross paths in the same tavern. Furthermore, Ulf refers to himself as a descendant of dragons, using the term – “Dragonblood” instead.

It’s yet to be determined how the “House of the Dragon” series will handle the storylines of Ulf White and Hugh Hammer as presented in the books. The sixth episode is expected to provide insight into the Dragonseed legend and its significance in George R.R. Martin’s mythology.

2024-07-19 21:04