Who is Corlys Velaryon, the “Sea Snake,” in House of the Dragon?

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Who was Corlys Velaryon?

Credit: Ollie Upton/HBO

Corlys Velaryon, known as the Sea Snake, led House Velaryon and served as Master of Driftmark. He designed and built the Sea Snake, a ship that carried him on nine voyages. These journeys brought immense wealth and fame to his house, securing their influence across Westeros.

Corlys married Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, known as the Queen Who Never Was. Their marriage strengthened the ties between House Velaryon and House Targaryen. Corlys was deeply loyal to his family and committed to securing their legacy.

During the Dance of the Dragons, Corlys became Hand of the Queen to Rhaenyra Targaryen. His leadership and naval expertise played a crucial role in her Black Council. He remained steadfast in his support for Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne.

Read More: House of The Dragon showrunner compares Corlys Velaryon to Game of Thrones’ Tywin Lannister

Quick Facts

Show

• Corlys Velaryon is known as the Sea Snake.
• He is the head of House Velaryon and Lord of the Tides.
• Corlys serves as the Master of Ships on King Viserys I’s Small Council.
• He is married to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the Queen Who Never Was.
• His children are Laenor and Laena Velaryon.
• Corlys advocates for action against the Triarchy in the Stepstones.
• He allies with Daemon Targaryen and resigns from the Small Council.

Books

• Corlys was born in 53 AC and died in 132 AC at the age of 79.
• He is famous for the nine great voyages aboard his ship, the Sea Snake.
• Corlys amassed immense wealth, making House Velaryon the richest in Westeros.
• He built High Tide as his new seat of power on Driftmark.
• Corlys supported Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons.
• He served as Hand of the Queen and later as a regent for Aegon III Targaryen.
• Corlys’s body was buried at sea aboard the Sea Snake after his death.

In the show

Credits: HBO

The Role of Corlys Velaryon

Corlys Velaryon is the Lord of the Tides and head of House Velaryon. He commands the royal fleet as Master of Driftmark. He is married to Rhaenys Targaryen and has two children, Laenor and Laena. His leadership and naval expertise make him a respected figure in Westeros.

Corlys holds the title of Master of Ships on King Viserys’s Small Council. He frequently advocates for action against external threats like the Triarchy. His concerns are often dismissed, causing tensions with King Viserys and Ser Otto Hightower. Despite this, he remains loyal to the crown.

Known as the Sea Snake, Corlys earned his title from his legendary ship. He captained it on nine voyages across the known world. These journeys brought immense wealth and elevated House Velaryon’s status. His successes allowed him to construct the castle High Tide.

At the Small Council, Corlys warns of the Triarchy’s threat to Westerosi ports. He argues for decisive action to protect the realm. His calls go unheeded, leading to frustration. He also supports Daemon Targaryen’s harsh measures against crime in King’s Landing, seeing them as necessary for order.

Corlys later proposes a marriage between his daughter Laena and King Viserys. The match would unite the Targaryen dragons with the Velaryon fleet. However, Viserys chooses Lady Alicent Hightower instead. This decision deeply offends Corlys, and he resigns as Master of Ships, returning to Driftmark.

Alliances and the Stepstones

Corlys seeks an alliance with Daemon Targaryen after leaving King’s Landing. He invites Daemon to High Tide and proposes a joint expedition. Together, they aim to defeat Craghas Drahar and secure the Stepstones. Corlys views this as an opportunity to prove their worth and claim wealth and glory.

Corlys leads his forces in the Stepstones alongside Daemon. The campaign faces significant challenges, including a prolonged siege of Bloodstone. Morale among the troops declines, and some soldiers consider mutiny. Corlys remains determined to achieve victory despite the setbacks.

Corlys’s son, Laenor Velaryon, supports the war effort by riding the dragon Seasmoke. The Velaryon forces launch a counterattack, led by Corlys and Daemon. Their efforts succeed when Daemon kills Craghas Drahar, ending the siege. This victory secures the Stepstones for House Velaryon.

Corlys and Daemon crown themselves victors of the Stepstones and return to Driftmark. Their alliance strengthens their positions, but tensions with King Viserys remain. Corlys focuses on securing his family’s future through strategic marriages and alliances.

At Driftmark, Corlys arranges a betrothal between his daughter Laena and the son of the Sealord of Braavos. This potential alliance causes concern in King’s Landing. The issue is resolved when Laenor Velaryon and Rhaenyra Targaryen are betrothed instead, further linking House Velaryon to the Targaryens.

Family and Succession

Corlys attends the funeral of his daughter Laena after her death in Pentos. The Velaryon family gathers at High Tide to mourn her loss. During this time, Corlys speaks to his grandson Lucerys about inheriting Driftmark. Lucerys expresses reluctance, fearing the responsibilities of leadership.

Corlys discusses the future of Driftmark with his wife, Rhaenys. She suggests naming their granddaughter Baela as heir instead of Lucerys. Corlys refuses, stating that history remembers names, not bloodlines. He prioritizes preserving his family’s legacy over addressing rumors about his grandson’s parentage.

After the death of Lucerys, Corlys supports Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Targaryen civil war. He joins her Black Council at Dragonstone and pledges the Velaryon fleet to her cause. He oversees plans to blockade the Gullet and cut off trade to King’s Landing, using his naval strength to weaken their enemies.

The Aftermath of Lucerys’s Death

After Lucerys Velaryon’s death, Corlys, still recovering from his injuries, visits the Spicetown shipyard where his flagship, the Sea Snake, is being repaired. He meets Alyn of Hull, one of his sailors, who updates him on the blockade’s progress and the ship’s repairs. Alyn promises to enlist more shipwrights from Hull to speed up the work.

Alyn presents Corlys with a dagger intended for Lucerys, expressing condolences for his loss. Corlys acknowledges Alyn’s role in saving him during the war, calling the murder of Lucerys an act of treachery.

At High Tide, Corlys and his wife, Rhaenys, discuss their concerns. Rhaenys expresses frustration with Daemon Targaryen’s unpredictable actions. Corlys defends Daemon as king consort, suggesting his loyalty will strengthen Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne.

As Corlys oversees the Sea Snake’s repairs, Rhaenys informs him of their granddaughter Rhaena’s departure to the Vale. Corlys questions her readiness to inherit Driftmark, doubting her knowledge of House Velaryon’s way of life. Rhaenys suggests naming Rhaena heir, but Corlys insists on finding a solution in time.

Corlys continues working on the Sea Snake, debating family matters with Rhaenys. She advises Corlys to honor Alyn’s service, but Corlys remains defensive about his past decisions.

Returning to the Black Council

Corlys travels to Dragonstone at Baela Targaryen’s request to stabilize the council. He interrupts a meeting, imposing order and criticizing the lack of leadership.

During a council session, Corlys listens to Jacaerys Velaryon’s proposal to send a dragon to counter Ser Criston Cole’s forces at Rook’s Rest. Corlys expresses concern when his wife’s dragon is chosen for the mission. He fears for Rhaenys’s safety, given the growing dangers of the war.

Corlys collapses upon learning of Rhaenys’s death at the Battle of Rook’s Rest. Grieving deeply, he isolates himself at the Spicetown shipyard, mourning her loss. His granddaughter Baela confronts him, urging him to continue fighting for Rhaenyra. She offers him the position of Hand of the Queen, reminding him of his responsibility.

Baela’s words inspire Corlys to reconsider. He rejects her suggestion to inherit Driftmark, but her determination motivates him to support Rhaenyra actively. Corlys ultimately accepts the position, returning to the Black Council as a stabilizing force amid the chaos. Corlys dons the Hand’s brooch and prepares to guide Rhaenyra’s efforts.

As Hand of the Queen

As Hand of the Queen, Corlys assumes leadership of Rhaenyra’s war council. He listens to Ser Steffon Darklyn’s concerns about their dwindling resources and military disadvantage. Corlys rejects the suggestion of sending Rhaena to tame a dragon, citing her past failed attempt and its risks.

Corlys oversees efforts to reclaim Seasmoke, Laenor Velaryon’s dragon, but Ser Steffon’s attempt fails. He meets Alyn of Hull at the shipyard and instructs him to prepare for a naval campaign as his second-in-command. Corlys emphasizes the importance of the Sea Snake in their next offensive.

Corlys continues managing the war effort while mourning his wife and navigating family tensions. His leadership keeps the council united, ensuring that Rhaenyra’s forces remain focused on the larger goal of reclaiming the throne.

As the war progresses, Corlys balances his grief with his responsibilities. He maintains his resolve, guiding Rhaenyra’s efforts with strategic decisions.

Read More: Game of Thrones actress Jessica Henwick reveals why fans didn’t like the Sand Snakes

In the books

Credits: Eve Venture

Early Life and Seafaring Achievements

Corlys Velaryon was born in 53 AC at Driftmark to Corwyn Velaryon, the eldest son of Lord Daemon Velaryon. He was named after his great-granduncle, Ser Corlys Velaryon, the first Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. From an early age, Corlys demonstrated a love for the sea and a natural talent as a sailor.

At six years old, Corlys accompanied his uncle on a voyage to Pentos, beginning his lifelong connection to the sea. He worked on ships as part of the crew, learning the skills of a sailor. Captains praised his abilities, calling him one of the most talented sailors they had ever seen. By sixteen, Corlys captained his first ship, the Cod Queen, on a journey between Driftmark and Dragonstone.

Corlys became a celebrated mariner by the age of twenty-three, exploring much of the known world. He sailed to Oldtown, Lannisport, Lys, Tyrosh, and Volantis. He ventured beyond the Wall and visited the Port of Ibben and the Summer Isles. Despite the dangers, he constantly sought new routes and treasures.

Corlys designed and built his legendary ship, the Sea Snake, which he used for nine great voyages. On his first voyage, he reached Yi Ti and Leng, returning with riches that doubled the wealth of House Velaryon. During his second voyage, he traveled to Asshai, where he lost many of his crew and saw a ship he believed to be the Sun Chaser of Elissa Farman.

Corlys’s third voyage made him the first Westerosi to navigate the Thousand Islands in the Shivering Sea. On his ninth and final voyage, he filled his ships with gold, silk, and elephants. Although some of his fleet was lost on the return, the venture left House Velaryon immensely wealthy. His expeditions inspired Maester Mathis’s book, The Nine Voyages.

Lord of the Tides and Political Maneuvering

Corlys inherited his title as Lord of the Tides after the death of his grandsire. Using the wealth from his voyages, he constructed High Tide, a magnificent new seat, and established the towns of Hull and Spicetown, which drew trade away from King’s Landing. His efforts elevated House Velaryon’s status in Westeros.

In 90 AC, Corlys married Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, the daughter of Prince Aemon Targaryen. Their union brought the Valyrian bloodlines of their houses closer. They had two children, Laena and Laenor Velaryon. Corlys supported Rhaenys’s claim to the throne after Prince Aemon’s death, but King Jaehaerys I Targaryen passed over her and her unborn child in favor of Prince Baelon.

Frustrated, Corlys resigned his position as Master of Ships and returned to Driftmark. He supported his wife and children during the Great Council of 101 AC, where they advocated for their son Laenor’s claim to the throne. Despite their efforts, Viserys was chosen as heir to the Iron Throne.

Corlys’s ambition and wealth positioned him as a significant player in Westerosi politics. However, tensions arose when King Viserys chose Alicent Hightower over Laena Velaryon as his second wife. This slight led Corlys to ally with Prince Daemon Targaryen. Together, they waged war against the Triarchy, capturing most of the Stepstones by 109 AC. Corlys crowned Daemon as King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea.

The Dance of the Dragons: The Early Stages

When King Viserys I Targaryen died in 129 AC and Aegon II usurped the throne, Corlys Velaryon immediately pledged loyalty to Rhaenyra Targaryen. He became a member of her Black Council, using his fleet and influence to support her claim. The Velaryon fleet granted Rhaenyra naval supremacy, enabling her to control the Gullet and Blackwater Bay.

Corlys provided strategic advice to Rhaenyra, opposing plans to burn King’s Landing. He argued that they needed to rule the city, not destroy it. The blockade of Blackwater Bay began under Corlys’s leadership, choking off trade to the city and weakening the Greens’ position. His ships ensured supplies reached Dragonstone and Driftmark safely.

Rhaenyra’s forces relied heavily on Corlys’s resources. His men formed a significant portion of her army, while his leadership bolstered morale. The Velaryon fleet ferried troops and supplies, sustaining the Black Council’s war efforts. Corlys also worked with allies like Lord Bartimos Celtigar to consolidate support for Rhaenyra.

News of Lucerys Velaryon’s death at Storm’s End deeply affected Corlys and his wife, Rhaenys. While Rhaenyra grieved, Corlys focused on maintaining order within their ranks. He prevented Lucerys’s younger brother, Joffrey, from taking immediate revenge, emphasizing the need for strategy over impulsive actions.

Corlys’s role during the early stages of the Dance of the Dragons established him as one of Rhaenyra’s most valuable allies. His fleet and strategic mind were crucial in countering Aegon II’s forces and securing key victories for the Blacks.

The Fall of Rhaenys and Rhaenyra’s Struggles

Rhaenys Velaryon, riding her dragon Meleys, fell in the Battle at Rook’s Rest. She fought valiantly against King Aegon II and Prince Aemond, but both she and Meleys were killed. News of her death devastated Corlys, who blamed Rhaenyra for sending her into battle without sufficient support. This loss strained their alliance.

Despite his grief, Corlys continued to support Rhaenyra. When Prince Jacaerys Velaryon took charge of the Black Council, he named Corlys as Hand of the Queen. Corlys played a critical role in planning the council’s next moves. He supported Jacaerys’s plan to recruit dragonseeds to claim riderless dragons, ensuring the Blacks had additional firepower.

Addam of Hull, legitimized by Corlys as a Velaryon, successfully bonded with Seasmoke. Corlys petitioned for Addam’s recognition as his heir, citing his contributions to the war. This decision angered some within Rhaenyra’s court, as rumors of Addam’s parentage persisted. Mushroom suggested Addam and his brother Alyn were Corlys’s bastards.

The Black Council’s fortunes waned after the Velaryon fleet suffered significant losses during the Battle of the Gullet. The Triarchy, allied with the Greens, broke through the blockade, destroying Spicetown and burning High Tide. Corlys mourned the loss of his treasures, describing the event as a hollow victory despite their naval success.

As the war dragged on, Corlys sought diplomatic solutions to preserve his house and allies. He urged Rhaenyra to offer pardons and alliances to houses still loyal to the Greens. His pragmatic approach often clashed with Rhaenyra’s desire for vengeance, creating tensions within the Black Council.

Betrayals and Imprisonment

When the dragonseeds Ulf White and Hugh Hammer betrayed Rhaenyra and joined Aegon II, the Black Council faced a significant blow. Rhaenyra, fearing further betrayal, ordered Addam Velaryon’s arrest. Corlys, convinced of Addam’s loyalty, warned him, enabling Addam to escape on Seasmoke. This act led to Corlys’s imprisonment in the Red Keep.

Corlys’s arrest destabilized Rhaenyra’s forces. Many of his men abandoned her cause, while others openly rebelled. The Velaryon fleet, which had been her greatest asset, fractured. Rhaenyra’s inability to command loyalty from Corlys’s supporters contributed to her downfall in King’s Landing.

While imprisoned, Corlys endured harsh treatment but remained steadfast. He refused to denounce Rhaenyra or Addam. His imprisonment highlighted the divisions within the Black Council and the growing discontent among their allies. Corlys’s absence left a void in leadership, weakening Rhaenyra’s position further.

After Rhaenyra fled King’s Landing, Corlys was released, either by supporters within the city or by the Greens. Queen Alicent Hightower and Lord Larys Strong sought to secure his allegiance. Corlys negotiated terms, including pardons for Rhaenyra’s allies and the release of his granddaughter Baela. His loyalty to his family guided his decisions.

Although Corlys swore fealty to Aegon II, he opposed further violence. He urged the Greens to end the war peacefully, advocating for compromises that would secure stability in Westeros. His influence on post-war negotiations helped shape the realm’s future.

Final Years and Legacy

After Aegon II’s death, Corlys supported the ascension of Aegon III Targaryen. He served as regent during the young king’s early reign, guiding the court through the aftermath of the war. His experience and wisdom earned him respect, even from former enemies.

Corlys died in 132 AC at the age of seventy-nine. His body was placed beneath the Iron Throne for a week before being buried at sea with his ship, the Sea Snake. His legacy endured through his grandchildren, who continued to shape the future of Westeros.

House Velaryon remained influential thanks to Corlys’s efforts to secure its place among the great houses of Westeros. His naval expertise, political acumen, and devotion to his family defined his life. Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, remains one of the most legendary figures in the history of the Seven Kingdoms.

Read More: Everything we know about Lucerys Velaryon in House of the Dragon

Quotes

“To elude a storm, you can either sail into it, or around it. But you must never await its coming.”
―Corlys Velaryon in House of the Dragon

“What is this brief mortal life, if not the pursuit of legacy?”
―Corlys Velaryon in House of the Dragon

“History does not remember blood. It remembers names.”
―Corlys Velaryon in House of the Dragon

“My knees are old and stiff and do not bend easy.”
―Corlys Velaryon setting his terms to the Green Council at the end of the Dance of the Dragons in Fire and Blood

Quick Answers

Who was Corlys Velaryon?

Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake, was the head of House Velaryon and Lord of the Tides. In the show, he serves as the Master of Ships on King Viserys’s Small Council and later allies with Daemon Targaryen to fight in the Stepstones. In the books, he is a legendary sailor, renowned for his nine great voyages that brought immense wealth to House Velaryon, making it one of the richest houses in Westeros.

What is Corlys Velaryon’s role in the Dance of the Dragons?

In the show, Corlys sides with Rhaenyra Targaryen, lending his fleet and resources to her Black Council. His naval power gives her a crucial advantage. In the books, he plays an even larger role, serving as Hand of the Queen and commanding the blockade of Blackwater Bay. His fleet remains central to Rhaenyra’s war effort, though he faces personal losses, including the deaths of his wife and children.

What made Corlys Velaryon famous?

In the books, Corlys became famous for his nine great voyages aboard the Sea Snake, which he designed and built himself. These expeditions brought treasures from Yi Ti, Leng, and Asshai, doubling the wealth of House Velaryon. In the show, he is recognized as a master sailor and strategist, whose ambition and naval expertise define his character.

What were Corlys Velaryon’s alliances?

In the show, Corlys initially serves King Viserys but becomes disillusioned with his leadership. He forms an alliance with Daemon Targaryen and later supports Rhaenyra during the Targaryen civil war. In the books, he also allies with Daemon in the Stepstones campaign and later becomes a cornerstone of Rhaenyra’s Black Council.

What is Corlys Velaryon’s legacy?

In both the show and the books, Corlys Velaryon’s legacy is defined by his unmatched naval expertise and ambition. In the books, he secures the wealth and power of House Velaryon through his voyages and political maneuvering. His actions during the Dance of the Dragons shape the history of Westeros. After his death, he is remembered as one of the most legendary figures in the Seven Kingdoms.

Read More: New Set Photos from House of The Dragon provide a glimpse of Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon

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01/10/2025 01:02 pm GMT