Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7 and massive SPOILERS for Fire & Blood, the show’s source material.
Summary
House of the Dragonseason 2, episode 7, sees the character Ulf claim a dragon, though there’s little context as to who it is or how it happened. Theseason 2, episode 7’s ending, sees an event called the Sowing of the Seeds, where Rhaenyra summons those with supposed Valyrian blood to Dragonstone, allowing them to try and claim dragons. This event is violent and fateful for many, though the new character,Ulf, manages to end the episode with a beautiful, gray-winged dragon that audiences of the show haven’t seen before.
There were several new additions to theHouse of the Dragoncastfor season 2, including Tom Bennett as Ulf. He’s had a subtle role throughout the season before arriving on Dragonstone, only appearing in a few scenes to introduce him.Ulf is a man who claims to be Daemon and King Viserys' half-brother, though his true origin is widely debatable. What matters is that he does have some Valyrian blood, allowing him to take part in the Sowing. Similarly, Hugh and Addam have also claimed dragons in episode 7, bolstering Rhaenyra’s forces.
Ulf Claims & Rides The Dragon Silverwing In House Of The Dragon
Silverwing Was Previously Queen Alysanne Targaryen’s Dragon
At the start of the Sowing, Rhaenyra gives the potential riders the opportunity to claim Vermithor. She begins with the Bronze Fury because it is the second-largest of thedragons inHouse of the Dragon, behind Vhagar, and would be the most valuable asset to her side. Hugh ends up claiming Vermithor, while Ulf falls off the platform and into the cavern. Throughout the cave tunnels under Dragonstone, he meanders about until he eventually,incidentally, stumbles upon the beautiful dragon Silverwing, which actually takes a quick liking to him.
Silverwing is another dragon of hefty size, given its older age. The she-dragon wasonce bonded to Queen Alyssane Targaryen, the wife of King Jaehaerys I. Though she is the least battle-hardened out of the dragons Rhaenyra hoped to add to her forces, Silverwing still has a formidable size that will make it crucial to theDance of the Dragons outcomeand future seasons of the TV series. She has plenty of riding experience, even being one of the few dragons inGame of Throneshistory to see the Wall.
Why Did Silverwing Bond With Ulf?
Silverwing Is Known For Being Friendly To Humans
While Vermithor racked up its body count, massacring the innocent back by Rhaenyra, Ulf lucked out with Silverwing. Even after stepping on an egg, the dragon seemed to bond quickly with him, playfully pushing him over before the scene cut away.Silverwing is known for having a docile nature and being friendly toward humans, which isn’t the case for most dragons. She reflects Alyssane in many ways, as the late queen was known for her goodness throughout the realm during her long rule beside Jaehaerys.
While Silverwing’s nature is likely the biggest reason she bonded with Ulf, there could be more to it. Silverwing is known for having a prolonged romantic relationship with the dragon Vermithor, reflecting the marriage of their previous queen and king riders. Dragons mate, but it’s virtually unheard of for dragons to couple in such a manner, and they seem to have some mystical bond between them.It’s possible that Silverwing knew Vermithor had bonded Hugh and wanted to bond with her own humanbecause of it. Though, this is largely speculative, given how little is known about dragon autonomy.
What Happens Next To Ulf & Silverwing
Ulf & Silverwing Join The Blacks But Eventually Betray Rhaenyra
As foreshadowed by the end of the episode, Ulf and Silverwing bond and join Rhaenyra’s side in the Dance of the Dragons. They help the Blacks, along with Hugh, Addam, and their dragons, in a pivotal naval battle known as the Battle of the Gullet. In the conflict, the Greens call upon the Triarchy to contend with Corlys Velaryon’s naval blockade, andthe Blacks utilize their dragon force to repel the foreign navy. After this, Ulf’s story takes a drastic turn.
In season 2, episode 7, Jacaerys discusses the risk with Rhaenyra of letting common folk claim dragons. By claiming Silverwing, Ulf becomes one of the most powerful men in the world, and this goes to his head. Not feeling as if they’ve been compensated well enough by the Blacks,Ulf and Hugh betray Rhaenyra at the First Battle of Tumbleton, joining the greens. They’re henceforth known as the Two Betrayers. This should be a pivotal moment inHouse of the Dragon, potentially happening in season 3 or 4.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
