Everything we know about Ulf White

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

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.