Lore

Everything we know about Ulf White

The life of the unlikely Dragonseed explained.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 30, 2024

Ved Prabhudesai

Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

In the world of Westeros, created by George R.R. Martin, dragons play a crucial role in shaping history. During the Dance of the Dragons, a civil war that tore apart House Targaryen, new dragonriders emerged. One of these was Ulf White, a character whose actions would have far-reaching consequences.

Fans of House of the Dragon will see Ulf White in action in the show’s second season. His story, first told in Martin’s book Fire and Blood, brings to life the complex and often treacherous nature of Westerosi politics.

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This article will cover what we know about Ulf White from both the books and the TV show, exploring his rise to power and his ultimate fate.

📜Quick Details:

Title:
Ser
Lord of Bitterbridge
Lord of Highgarden (claimant)

Also known as:
Ulf the White
Ulf the Sot
The Betrayer

Dragon: Silverwing

Born: Dragonstone

Died: In 130 AC, Tumbleton

Culture: Crownlands

Allegiance:
Blacks
Greens
Two Betrayers

Played by: Tom Bennett

Who was Ulf White?

Credit: HBO

At the start of the Dance of the Dragons, Ulf was a man-at-arms who lived on the island of Dragonstone. His hair was completely white, which earned him the name Ulf the White. He could neither read nor write, and he was well known for his love of drinking.

When Prince Jacaerys realized that the Blacks would need more dragon riders, he called for potential recruits. This initiated an event known as the Sowing, known by some as the Red Sowing. Ulf was one of the few people able to tame and mount a dragon, bonding with Silverwing, a silvery she-dragon once ridden by Queen Alysanne Targaryen.

Quick Facts

Originally a man-at-arms on Dragonstone before becoming a dragonrider
Illiterate, unable to read or write
Tamed Silverwing during the event known as the Sowing or Red Sowing
Participated in the Battle of the Gullet and the fall of King’s Landing
Famously rode drunk through Flea Bottom wearing only golden spurs after being knighted
One of the “Two Betrayers,” along with Hugh Hammer
He was rumored to have fed those who offended him to his dragon
Slept through the entire Second Battle of Tumbleton
In the TV show, he claims to be the bastard son of Prince Baelon Targaryen
Known for inciting unrest among the smallfolk in King’s Landing in the show

Ulf White in House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Portrayal and Appearance

Played by Tom Bennett, Ulf is described as a sot and raconteur among the smallfolk of King’s Landing. He claims to be the bastard son of Prince Baelon Targaryen, making him the alleged half-brother of King Viserys I and Prince Daemon Targaryen.

Early Appearances

First seen stumbling upon hanged ratcatchers in front of the Red Keep (Episode 2)
Overheard discussing food scarcity in a tavern (Episode 6)
Introduced properly in a tavern, explaining his supposed Targaryen lineage (Episode 3)

Personality

Ulf presents himself as a popular figure in the lower streets of King’s Landing, though he’s not taken seriously by many. He proudly talks about his alleged Targaryen heritage and supports Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne. Ulf is the first character to use the term “dragonseed” in the series, hinting at his potential Targaryen blood.

The Red Sowing

Initially reluctant to answer Rhaenyra’s call for dragonriders, Ulf eventually participates in the Red Sowing. In a twist of fate, he stumbles upon the sleeping dragon Silverwing while fleeing from the chaos caused by Vermithor. Despite his fear, Ulf inadvertently bonds with Silverwing and becomes a dragonrider.

Key Events

Witnesses the hanging of ratcatchers in King’s Landing
He shares his claim of Targaryen heritage in taverns
Participates in the Red Sowing and claims Silverwing
Flies over King’s Landing on Silverwing, showing great joy in his newfound status

Ulf White in Fire and Blood

Credit: Jota Saraiva

Rise to Power

Became a dragonrider during the Sowing, taming Silverwing
Fought for the Blacks in early battles of the Dance of the Dragons
Participated in the Battle of the Gullet and the fall of King’s Landing
Knighted and granted lands on Driftmark by Queen Rhaenyra

The Betrayal

Defected to the Greens during the First Battle of Tumbleton
Earned the nickname “The Betrayer” along with Hugh Hammer
Granted lordship of Bitterbridge by Prince Daeron

Final Days and Death

Demanded to rule Highgarden
Slept through the Second Battle of Tumbleton
Died after drinking poisoned wine, along with Ser Hobert Hightower

Quotes

“The blood of the dragon runs through these veins, and yes, men would take my head for it. A dragonseed must watch his own neck, when he has no white-cloaked guardsmen to do it for him.” – Ulf

Quick Answers

Who was Ulf White?

Ulf White was a dragonseed who became a dragonrider during the Dance of the Dragons. Originally a man-at-arms on Dragonstone, he became famous after taming the dragon Silverwing. He’s known for his eventual betrayal of the Blacks, earning him the nickname “The Betrayer.”

What dragon did Ulf White ride?

Ulf White rode Silverwing, a dragon previously ridden by Queen Alysanne Targaryen. In “House of the Dragon,” Ulf claims Silverwing during the event known as the Red Sowing when Queen Rhaenyra calls for dragonseeds to tame riderless dragons.

How did Ulf White die?

According to “Fire and Blood,” Ulf White died after drinking poisoned wine. The wine was brought to him by Ser Hobert Hightower, who also died from the poison. This occurred after the Second Battle of Tumbleton, which Ulf had slept through entirely.

Why was Ulf White called “The Betrayer”?

Ulf White earned the nickname “The Betrayer” when he and Hugh Hammer defected from the Blacks to the Greens during the First Battle of Tumbleton. Their betrayal caused a significant loss for the Blacks and turned the tide of the battle.

How is Ulf White portrayed in “House of the Dragon”?

In “House of the Dragon,” Ulf White is played by Tom Bennett. He’s depicted as a man with long gray hair who claims to be a Targaryen bastard. The show portrays his journey from a tavern storyteller to a dragonrider, showcasing his bonding with Silverwing during the Red Sowing event.

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Ved Prabhudesai

Ved Prabhudesai is an avid enthusiast of all things pop culture. He has a special interest in the field of animation and art, with a background in Fine Arts and Digital Media Arts. He has begun his first into the field of Entertainment Journalism with Wiki of Thrones, and has been writing for them since 2023. He also has experience working as a screenplay writer, animator and comic book artist. His hobbies include holding discussions and organising events focused around pop culture, dissecting the importance of media in today's world. He began reading A Song Of Ice And Fire shortly before Game of Thrones debuted on HBO. He has followed the series religiously and has spent hours reading Wikis learning about Targaryen history and possible plot points we will see in the Winds of Winter.