House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3: Who is Ulf White and what does it mean to be a Dragonseed?
*Warning - The following article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3 and George R.R. Martin’s wider Game of Thrones literary universe*
House of the Dragon is teasing a juicy slice of Game of Thrones lore, sending bookworms into a frenzy and leaving casual fans scratching their heads. The second season's third episode dropped a bombshell with the introduction of "Ulf", who claims to be a "Dragonseed".
But for those not versed in George R. R. Martin's epic novels, what's the fuss about?
In the latest instalment, viewers got a break from the usual cutthroat antics of the Greens and Blacks with a cheeky pub scene. As King Aegon preps for his pub crawl in King's Landing, we're introduced to a bloke who boasts to his mates that he's got Royal Targaryen blood.
House of the Dragon's Ulf White
This chap reckons King Jaehaerys was his granddad, a revelation he quips could "cost me my head". He then proclaims: "I am the son of Baelon the Brave, bastard brother to Prince Daemon and the late King Viserys, uncle to the one true queen Rhaenera Targaryen."
He continues: "The blood of the dragon runs through these veins and, yes, men would take my head for it. A dragon seed must watch his own neck when he has no white cloak guardsman to do it for him," stirring up quite the mystery.
However, Ulf (brought to life by Tom Bennett) is cut off by the king's entrance before he can back up his bold claims.
While he might just be another boozy storyteller at the local, there's a chance he's telling the truth.
Ulf isn't the only seemingly minor character to make an appearance in House of the Dragon this season. Before his entrance, viewers were also introduced to characters like Hugh Hammer (portrayed by Kieran Bew), Alyn of Hull (played by Abubakar Salim), and Addam, Alyn's brother (brought to life by Clinton Liberty).
Who exactly is Ulf White?
Known as Ulf the White or simply Ulf White, he's identified as a Dragonseed in the book lore. While it's not confirmed if he's the illegitimate offspring of Baelon Targaryen, the books do reveal that he can mount a dragon, hinting at his Royal bloodline.
In George R. R. Martin's prequel tome, Fire and Blood, Ulf is depicted as an uneducated drunkard who manages to lay claim to the dragon Silverwing after Jacaerys Velaryon issues a call for Dragonseeds amidst the civil war.
What does being a Dragonseed entail?
The term Dragonseed is well-known in Westeros, denoting those of Valyrian descent who are born out of wedlock. They carry the "blood of the dragon" in their veins.
For Dragonseeds, revealing their identity is fraught with political peril, as bastards pose a potential threat to the stability of Royal dynasties.
On the upside, as their moniker implies, Dragonseeds possess the unique ability to ride dragons.
What could the looming civil war mean for other Dragonseeds?
As Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) realises the need for additional forces while House Hightower gears up for battle, she might summon the dispersed Dragonseeds across Westeros to bolster her ranks.
Other potential Dragonseeds include Alyn and Addam, who are rumoured to be the illegitimate sons of Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint).
In the books, Alyn and Addam are legitimised as Velaryons and appear poised to play significant roles in the Dance of the Dragons.
Another character, Hugh, also seems likely to become a dragon rider for team black, but we'll have to see how the series unfolds.
House of the Dragon season 2 will air in the UK on Mondays at 2am BST (British Summer Time) on Sky Atlantic and NOW, with a repeat broadcast later at 9pm.