Who is Racallio Ryndoon, and will he be in House of the Dragon?

Quick Details

Who was Racallio Ryndoon?

Credits: TheMarkyGallery

Racallio Ryndoon was a Tyroshi captain-general during the War for the Stepstones. He fought for the Triarchy in this conflict. He played a significant role in the struggles over the region, showing cunning and ambition.

In the books, Racallio declared himself King of the Narrow Sea. His bold claim reflected his independent streak and desire for power. Many remembered his exploits through stories, songs, and poems. Scholars in the Free Cities studied his life in detail.

Racallio’s devious nature earned him both allies and enemies. He used clever tactics to outmaneuver his rivals. Despite his ambition, much of his personal life and motivations remain mysterious.

The people of the Free Cities immortalized Racallio in their cultural works. He inspired numerous romances and songs, cementing his legacy. His larger-than-life personality made him a legendary figure in Tyroshi history.

Both in the books and on the show, Racallio’s actions shaped the conflicts in the Stepstones. His cunning strategies left a lasting impact on the Triarchy’s campaigns. His leadership brought victories, but it also created divisions within his ranks.

Read More: You’ll feel conflicted about all characters in Game of Thrones Season 8, says Jacob Anderson (Grey Worm)

Quick Facts

Show

• Racallio Ryndoon is mentioned as a Tyroshi general in the Stepstones conflict.
• He is described as a giant with a purple-dyed beard.
• He wears women’s frocks, adding to his eccentricity.
• Laenor Velaryon shares details about him to Rhaenyra.
• His presence signifies renewed troubles in the Stepstones.
• The show does not depict Racallio onscreen but mentions him in dialogue.
• His character reflects the vibrant and unconventional culture of Tyrosh.

Books

• Racallio Ryndoon declared himself King of the Narrow Sea.
• He dyed his beard purple with orange streaks and wore women’s frocks.
• He was ambidextrous with swords and practiced battle-related superstitions.
• He led Triarchy forces during the War for the Stepstones.
• He claimed the Stepstones for himself after the Triarchy’s collapse.
• Scholars, poets, and storytellers in the Free Cities immortalized him in their works.
• His eccentric behavior and leadership made him a memorable figure in history.

In the show

Credits: HBO

The Stepstones Conflict

The Small Council of Viserys I Targaryen discusses new troubles in the Stepstones. These events mark a renewed threat in the region. Reports indicate that Tyroshi forces are actively involved in these conflicts.

Laenor Velaryon shares information with Rhaenyra Targaryen. He mentions hearing details about a Tyroshi general from his lover.

The Tyroshi general reportedly dyes his beard purple, a unique personal trademark. Laenor also describes the general’s choice of clothing. The general wears women’s frocks. This matches the description of Racallio Ryndoon from the books.

Some elements of Racallio’s story, such as a mud wrestling bout, have been incorporated into the character of Admiral Sharako Lohar of the Triarchy.

Read More: 10 details you might have missed in the new House of the Dragon trailer

In the books

Credits: legionattack13

Appearance and Character

Racallio stood six-and-a-half feet tall, with a stooped posture and uneven gait. One shoulder was higher than the other. He dyed his hair and beard purple with orange streaks, embracing vibrant Tyroshi traditions. He enjoyed sweet scents, often bathing in lavender or rosewater. Racallio sometimes dressed as a woman and pretended to be a whore.

Racallio was gluttonous and drank heavily. He spoke a dozen High Valyrian dialects and used foul language frequently. He gave generously, offering plunder to his men and coins to beggars. Despite his indulgent nature, he was fierce in battle, ambidextrously wielding swords. He threw bones before battles to determine which god to sacrifice to for victory.

Racallio displayed contradictions in his personality. He ordered his dozen wives to beat him. He loved kittens but disliked cats. He admired pregnant women but not children.

Origin and Early History

Racallio’s origins remain unknown, though his hatred for slavery suggests a possible Braavosi background or a past as a slave. His fondness for purple hair aligns with Braavosi cultural influences. Despite his mysterious beginnings, he rose to prominence as a captain-general in Tyrosh.

He gained a reputation for both military skill and unpredictable behavior. His leadership and daring actions defined his role in the conflicts he participated in. Racallio’s cunning and eccentricities set him apart from other leaders in the Free Cities.

Dance of the Dragons and the Stepstones

In 109 AC, during the War for the Stepstones, Prince Daemon Targaryen conquered all but two islands and killed Craghas Drahar. In 110 AC, Racallio led the Triarchy’s reinforcements alongside new Dornish allies. His leadership renewed the Triarchy’s efforts in the region, challenging Daemon’s control.

In 131 AC, the murder of Sharako Lohar caused the Triarchy to collapse into the Daughters’ War. Tyrosh’s Archon sent Racallio to claim the Stepstones. After killing the King of the Narrow Sea, Racallio claimed the islands for himself. This sparked a war with Tyrosh, Lys, and Myr.

Racallio and the Oakenfist

In 133 AC, Lord Unwin Peake tasked Alyn Velaryon, Gedmund Peake, and Ned Bean with reopening trade in the Narrow Sea. Racallio had lost most of his fleet but controlled Bloodstone and smaller isles. Braavosi ships and Pentoshi sellswords dominated the surrounding waters.

While Velaryon ships attacked Braavosi forces feasting with Racallio, Gedmund waited at Tarth for instructions. Alyn’s bold move secured acclaim in King’s Landing, though the Stepstones remained contested. Racallio maintained control over Bloodstone, aided by alliances with Tyrosh and Braavos.

Negotiations between Lord Manfryd Mooton and the Sealord of Braavos ended the Tyroshi alliance with Racallio. Dorne later joined the Daughters’ War against him. Racallio eventually fled to the Basilisk Isles in 134 AC. His legacy persisted as a cunning and unpredictable leader.

Encounters with Alyn Velaryon

When Alyn Velaryon sailed Lady Baela Targaryen to Bloodstone, Racallio kept him at his fortress for over two weeks. The captain-general alternated between urging Alyn to join him and threatening his execution. They wrestled in a mud pit before pirates, and Racallio rewarded Alyn by sending two of his wives to his chambers.

Racallio allowed Alyn’s fleet to pass through the Stepstones, granting him three ships, an alliance on paper, and the promise of a kiss from Baela if Racallio visited Driftmark. Alyn later learned Dorne had joined the war against Racallio.

In 135 AC, Racallio was among those suspected of hiring Faceless Men to assassinate Lysandro and Drazenko Rogare. His ultimate fate remains uncertain, though his actions left a lasting impact on the history of the Stepstones and the Free Cities.

Quotes

“He says there is a Tyroshi general there, a giant, they say, who dyes his beard purple and wears women’s frocks.”
―Laenor Velaryon in House of the Dragon

“Racallio Ryndoon was mad. Yet his men loved him, fought for him, died for him. And for a few short years, they made him a king.”
―Writings of Gyldayn in Fire and Blood

Quick Answers

Who was Racallio Ryndoon?

Racallio Ryndoon was a Tyroshi captain-general who declared himself King of the Narrow Sea. He is featured in the books Fire and Blood and other related texts. In the show House of the Dragon, he is mentioned as a Tyroshi general leading forces in the Stepstones conflict.

What was Racallio Ryndoon known for?

In the books, Racallio was known for his eccentricity, flamboyance, and cunning leadership. He dyed his beard purple with orange streaks and wore women’s frocks. He was ambidextrous with swords and practiced superstitions before battles. The show briefly references him as a giant with a dyed beard and unconventional attire.

What role did Racallio Ryndoon play in the Stepstones conflict?

In the books, Racallio led Triarchy forces against Daemon Targaryen during the War for the Stepstones. He later claimed the Stepstones for himself after the Triarchy’s collapse. In the show, his involvement is mentioned as part of renewed troubles in the Stepstones brought to the Small Council’s attention.

What is Racallio’s legacy?

In the books, Racallio’s leadership and eccentric personality left a lasting impression. Scholars, poets, and storytellers in the Free Cities immortalized him in their works. The show briefly mentions him, reinforcing his reputation as a striking and unconventional leader. His exploits made him a figure of fascination in Tyroshi and Free Cities history.

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones (The Targaryen Dynasty: The House of the Dragon)

$22.00 $17.07

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

01/09/2025 12:57 pm GMT