“He just gets on a ship and runs away”: Steve Toussaint details Corlys’ mental condition after Rhaenys’ death

Steve Toussaint‘s portrayal of Corlys Velaryon, the Lord of the Tides, stands out as one of the most enthralling characters in the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon. In Season 2, Corlys is set to receive increased screen time, playing a pivotal role in the Dance of the Dragons. And there’s a good reason for that.

How Rhaenys’ death affects Corlys

Princess Rhaenys’ death at Rook’s Rest was not only a big blow to the Blacks, but it was also the biggest shock and heartbreak to Corlys Velaryon. In a recent interview with Esquire, Steve Toussaint explained how he reacted to it,

“Corlys is somebody who doesn’t really share his feelings with anybody except his wife, and now she’s gone. I don’t think he’s ever really come to terms with death. He’s a little bit untethered. He just gets on a ship and runs away.”

Credits: Max

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Rhaenys and Corlys were truly in love

Though most pairings on House of the Dragon were simply for political gain, Rhaenys and Corlys were an exception. Toussaint recalled, “One of the first things we asked [showrunner] Ryan [Condal] after we met each other—Eve and I—was if this relationship was built on strategy and politics. And he said, no, no, no. They love each other. Now that she’s gone? The tragedy, of course, is that she’s not there to help him through this.”

Read Next: House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 6 preview teases The Dragonseeds

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