Who is Vaemond Velaryon in House of the Dragon?

In the world of House of the Dragon, the Game of Thrones prequel series based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, Vaemond Velaryon emerges as a complex figure within the powerful House Velaryon. His ambition and loyalty to his family’s bloodline drive him to challenge the established order, leading to significant consequences in the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Read More: Recap of all the episodes of House of the Dragon: Season 1

Who was Vaemond Velaryon?

Credit: HBO

Vaemond Velaryon was a knight of House Velaryon and the younger brother of Lord Corlys Velaryon, known as the Sea Snake. He served as a commander in the Velaryon navy and was known for his pride in his family’s Valyrian heritage. Vaemond’s ambition and commitment to preserving the Velaryon bloodline led him to challenge the succession of Driftmark, ultimately resulting in his demise.

Quick Facts about Vaemond Velaryon

• Served as a commander in the Velaryon navy
• Fought in the War for the Stepstones
• Present at significant events such as Laena Velaryon’s funeral
• Challenged the legitimacy of Rhaenyra’s children as heirs to Driftmark
• Aligned with the Greens in the succession dispute

Vaemond Velaryon in House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Introduction and Early Appearances

In HBO’s House of the Dragon, Vaemond Velaryon, portrayed by Wil Johnson, first appears in Episode 3, “Second of His Name.” We see him during the War for the Stepstones, where he serves as a commander in the Velaryon fleet. His initial interactions reveal his skepticism towards Prince Daemon Targaryen’s military tactics, foreshadowing his future conflicts with the Targaryen family.

Role in the War for the Stepstones

During the conflict, Vaemond voices his concerns about Prince Daemon’s leadership, suggesting a growing tension between the Velaryons and the Targaryens. This early portrayal establishes Vaemond as a character willing to speak his mind, even when it goes against the prevailing opinion.

Presence at Family Events

Vaemond attends significant family events, including the wedding of Laenor Velaryon to Rhaenyra Targaryen and the funeral of Laena Velaryon. At Laena’s funeral, he delivers a eulogy that subtly questions the legitimacy of Rhaenyra’s children, highlighting his concern for the Velaryon bloodline.

Challenge to Succession

The crux of Vaemond’s story in Season 1 revolves around his challenge to the succession of Driftmark. When Lord Corlys falls ill, Vaemond travels to King’s Landing to stake his claim as the rightful heir, arguing that Rhaenyra’s children are not true Velaryons. This bold move aligns him with the Hightower faction at court.

Confrontation and Demise

Vaemond’s ambition reaches its climax in a dramatic confrontation in the throne room. He openly accuses Rhaenyra of adultery and her children of illegitimacy. This outburst leads to his immediate execution by Prince Daemon Targaryen, marking a violent end to his challenge and solidifying the conflict between the Greens and the Blacks.

Read More: Everything we know about Addam of Hull: House of the Dragon Season 2 character explained

Vaemond Velaryon in Fire and Blood

Credit: Emily Zea

Different Family Relationship

In George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, Vaemond Velaryon’s relationship to Corlys differs from the TV adaptation. The book portrays him as Corlys’s nephew rather than his brother, being the son of Corlys’s brother. This change in the show likely simplifies the family dynamics for viewers.

Claim to Driftmark

Fire and Blood details Vaemond’s claim to Driftmark arising when Corlys falls ill in 126 AC. Vaemond asserts that Rhaenyra’s children are illegitimate, ignoring the claims of Laena’s daughters, Baela and Rhaena. This action reflects Westeros’ patriarchal succession norms.

Consequences of His Actions

The book’s version of events is more brutal than the TV adaptation. In Fire and Blood, Rhaenyra orders Daemon to capture Vaemond. She then personally oversees his execution, feeding his body to her dragon, Syrax. This gruesome fate emphasizes the severity of challenging royal succession in Westeros.

Impact on House Velaryon

Vaemond’s actions in the book have broader consequences for House Velaryon. King Viserys orders the tongues removed from Vaemond’s younger cousins for spreading rumors about Rhaenyra’s children. This harsh punishment underscores the king’s determination to quash any questions about his grandchildren’s legitimacy.

Read More: Bethany Antonia explains why Baela Targaryen turned down Driftmark

Quotes

“What do you know of Velaryon blood, princess? I could cut my veins and show it to you and you still wouldn’t recognize it. This is about the future and survival of my house, not yours. My queen, my lord Hand, this is a matter of blood, not ambition. I place the continuation of the survival of my house and my line above all.” – Vaemond Velaryon

“My brother cares only for the history books, but what of the Velaryon line? Is it to be snuffed out, supplanted by the pups of House Strong? Driftmark is mine by all rights.” – Vaemond Velaryon to Rhaenys

“You break law and centuries of tradition to install your daughter as heir. Yet you dare tell me who deserves to inherit the name Velaryon? No. I will not allow it.” – Vaemond Velaryon to Viserys I

Quick Answers

Why did Vaemond Velaryon challenge the succession of Driftmark?

Vaemond challenged the succession because he believed Rhaenyra’s children were illegitimate and not true Velaryons. He saw himself as the rightful heir to Driftmark, prioritizing the continuation of the pure Velaryon bloodline over the established line of succession.

How did Vaemond Velaryon die in House of the Dragon?

In the TV series, Vaemond met his end in the throne room of the Red Keep. After openly accusing Rhaenyra of adultery and her children of being illegitimate, Prince Daemon Targaryen swiftly beheaded him with his sword, Dark Sister.

What was the difference between Vaemond’s fate in the show and in Fire and Blood?

In Fire and Blood, Vaemond’s death was more gruesome. Rhaenyra ordered his capture, personally oversaw his execution, and fed his body to her dragon, Syrax. The show opted for a quicker, though still shocking, death in the throne room.

Read More: New leaks from Holywell Bay show Laenor Velaryon and a young Rhaenyra Targaryen on House of The Dragon set

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