Who Are the Dragonseeds in 'House of the Dragon?'

So far on House of the Dragon , only Targaryens and Velaryons have been able to ride dragons. Based on the end of Episode 5, however, that’s all about to change. Rhaenyra, lamenting the fact that she has more dragons than riders, takes her son Jacaerys’ advice and decides to start searching the family records for illegitimate Targaryens who might be handy with a large winged beast.

This plan is taken directly from George R.R. Martin ’s book Fire & Blood , which serves as the inspiration for House of the Dragon . In the novel, this event is called the Sowing of the Seeds and results in the discovery of four additional dragon riders for the Blacks. (The “seed” part refers to the term “dragonseeds,” which is a name for Targaryen bastards and their descendants.)

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The show has so far introduced three of these four characters, although none have yet crossed paths with Rhaenyra. Keep reading for a complete guide to the potential new dragon riders:

Who are the Dragonseeds, the new dragon riders, on House of the Dragon ?

Who is Kieran Bew in House of the Dragon ? Hugh Hammer

Hugh made his first appearance in the season premiere, seeking an audience before Aegon to ask that he and the other blacksmiths in King’s Landing be paid in advance for their work because money is tight. We later learn that he’s supporting a wife and daughter, and his wife is not pleased that he’s been making scorpions for the crown without payment.

Who rides Vermithor?

In the book, Hugh rides the dragon Vermithor, who was previously bonded to the late King Jaehaerys (the grandfather of Viserys).

Related: Who Are the Greens and the Blacks on House of the Dragon ?

Who is Clinton Liberty in House of the Dragon? Addam of Hull

Addam appeared in Episode 2, greeting his brother, the sailor who saved Corlys’ life in the Stepstones. As a shipwright, Addam hasn’t experienced combat but seems excited to see battle, though his brother warns him that war isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. In a moment of foreshadowing, Addam is collecting crabs by the shore when a dragon flies overhead, and he stops to watch in awe.

Rhaenys never interacted with Addam on the show, but she did meet Alyn, whom she recognized as having her husband’s features. “I know who he is,” she told Corlys shortly before her death, hinting that—semi-obvious spoiler—Addam and Alyn are his bastard sons.

Who rides Seasmoke?

In the book, Addam rides Seasmoke, who formerly belonged to Laenor Velaryon. Alyn also tried to become a dragon rider but gave up after he was severely injured by the wild dragon Sheepstealer (who has not appeared on the show).

Related: Who Is Alys Rivers on House of the Dragon ?

Who does Tom Bennett play in House of the Dragon ? Ulf White

Ulf, also known as Ulf the Sot, made his debut in Episode 3, enjoying a round of drinks in King’s Landing with a bunch of other ne’er-do-wells. He claims that he’s the bastard son of Baelon the Brave, which would make him the brother of Daemon and uncle of Rhaenyra. He is so far the first and only person on House of the Dragon to use the term “dragonseed,” which he uses to describe himself.

Who rides Silverwing?

In Fire & Blood , Ulf rides Silverwing, who was previously bonded to Queen Alysanne (the wife of Jaehaerys).

Related: Did Aegon Die in the Battle at Rook’s Rest?

Nettles

Nettles has so far not appeared on the show, but in the book, she’s a mysterious teenager “of uncertain birth” who tames the wild dragon Sheepstealer. The fact that she hasn’t shown up yet on House of the Dragon has some fans convinced that she’s been written out of the series entirely, while others think that her storyline will be given instead to Rhaena, who is currently hanging out in the Vale with a clutch of dragon eggs. As the daughter of two dragon riders, it’s certainly in her blood — and there are several dragons available if the eggs she brought to the Vale aren’t quite ready to hatch.

Next, What Will Happen on 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, According to the Books