As the latest episode of House of the Dragon unfolds, a mysterious figure emerges, claiming to be the bastard son of Prince Baelon the Brave and half-brother to King Viserys and Prince Daemon. Ulf the White, a self-proclaimed dragonseed, is met with skepticism by those around him, yet his pride in his heritage hints at potential alliances and future changes. Despite his unconventional background, which differs greatly from the original material, his role in the Dance of Dragons remains uncertain.
Ulf makes his debut in a tavern scene, regaling a group of friends with tales of his supposed Targaryen blood. While his story may seem far-fetched, some truth can be found in the books, specifically in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. The series itself is a prequel to the popular HBO series Game of Thrones, set nearly 200 years before the events of the original series. House of the Dragon follows the reign of House Targaryen, exploring the Targaryen civil war and the story of King Viserys. Ulf’s introduction is not his first appearance in the series, having shown up in the previous episode.
As Ulf takes center stage, he is depicted as a popular man in the lower streets of King’s Landing, although his claims are met with skepticism. He proudly proclaims his supposed heritage, mentioning his relationships to King Viserys and Prince Daemon, as well as his supposed niece, Rhaenyra Targaryen. When challenged about his appearance, Ulf points out that Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, one of King Viserys’ sons, does not possess Targaryen silver hair.
Ulf the White in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 (Photo: House of the Dragon)
Ulf’s claim to being a dragonseed hints at his potential role in the Dance of Dragons, where many potential dragonriders and riderless dragons loom large. However, his current status without access to a dragon is unclear. The show’s creators have taken liberties with various characters, including Hugh the Hammer, who was also relocated from Dragonstone to King’s Landing. This change adds to the ambiguity surrounding Ulf’s character, leaving viewers wondering about his true loyalties and motivations.
As Ulf’s story unfolds, his pride in his heritage suggests an allegiance with the Blacks against the Greens, potentially claiming a dragon of his own, Silverwing. However, the lack of detail about Ulf’s character in the original material leaves room for interpretation, making his loyalty and potential alliances more fluid. The fate of Ulf the White remains uncertain, but his introduction adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding Dance of Dragons.
