WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 4 and George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book, on which the show is based!
Summary
House of the Dragondeparts from George R.R. Martin’s book canon with a bittersweet Rhaenys twist, which makes an important part of Jon Snow’sGame of Thronesstory more frustrating. While it was already hinted at during Alyn’s first conversation with Corlys earlier in the season, the notion thatCorlys is Alyn of Hull’s real fatheris more directly addressed by Rhaenys inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4. Not only isRhaenys accepting of Alyn even though he’s a product of Corlys’ extramarital affairs, but she also praises him while disapproving of Corlys trying to hide him.
In theFire & Bloodbook, the histories recorded that Alyn and Addam of Hull claimed to be bastard sons of Laenor Velaryon. However, there were rumors and heavy implications that Corlys Velaryon was actually their father, with speculation that he hid their true parentage to avoid the wrath of his wife, Rhaenys.House of the Dragonseason 2, episode 4goes a different route, revealing thatRhaenys always knew the truth about Alyn and bore him no ill will. As relieving as it is to see Rhaenys’ strength and empathy in her interactions with Alyn, it makes a tragic Jon Snow story worse.
Rhaenys' Response To Alyn Of Hull Makes Catelyn Stark’s Treatment Of Jon Snow Even Worse
Catelyn Stark Was Horrible To Ned’s Supposed Bastard Son, Jon Snow
Whereas Rhaenys feels sorry that Corlys has hidden Alyn and even compliments him about how beautiful his mother must have been, Catelyn Stark made Jon Snow’s life hell at Winterfell. Seeing the self-secure Rhaenys treat Corlys’ bastard son Alyn with gentleness and kindness is a far cry from Catelyn’s cruel and insecure treatment of Ned’s supposed bastard son Jon.Rhaenys reiterates that Alyn’s illegitimacy is no fault of his own, so he shouldn’t be punished for it by Corlys, and should instead be raised up and embraced within the Velaryon fleet.
Alyn & Addam Of Hull In House Of The Dragon Season 2 & Future Explained
House of the Dragon season 2’s Alyn and Addam have incredibly important roles in the escalating Targaryen Civil War and the future of House Velaryon.
Meanwhile,Catelyn wished for Jon’s death and hated him for something he couldn’t control, as she saw him as a constant reminder of Ned’s infidelity. There is a difference in that Ned raised Jon Snow alongside the rest of his children, whereas Alyn and Addam were raised out of sight of Rhaenys and their children, but it still doesn’t excuse how Catelyn treated an innocent child. Furthermore, unbeknownst to Catelyn, Jon was never actually the bastard son of Ned Stark, as he was secretly thetrueborn son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen, making Catelyn’s horrible treatment of him entirely purposeless.
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Rhaenys & Alyn’s House Of The Dragon Scene Makes His Future Even Better
Alyn’s Future Honors Rhaenys' Wishes In House Of The Dragon
WithRhaenys Targaryen’s deathoccurring shortly after she confronts Corlys about how his son should be treated, Alyn’s future story becomes even more empowering inHouse of the Dragon. Following the deaths of Laenor, Laena, and Lucerys, Corlys must choose a new heir to Driftmark. InFire & Blood, theheir becomes Alyn of Hull, who is legitimized as Alyn Velaryon. Considering Rhaenys wanted Corlys to raise up Alyn instead of keeping him hidden beneath the tides, his future inHouse of the Dragonis now a way of bittersweetly honoring Rhaenys’ wishes after her death.
House of the Dragon
Cast
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.
