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'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Explainer: Who is Alyn? Corlys and Rhaenys' marriage at risk

Alyn of Hull emerges as a key 'dragonseed' with ties that can complicate the Velaryon family's future

Contains spoilers for 'House of the Dragon'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The premiere of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 brings back familiar faces like Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) while introducing intriguing new characters to the 'Game of Thrones' universe.

Episode 1 also features Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) in a brief but significant scene, hinting at a more complex backstory. Alyn of Hull's introduction occurs when Corlys Velaryon (Steven Toussaint) seeks him out to express gratitude for saving his life during the Stepstones War.

Unlike his book counterpart, who was a simple sailor on a trading ship, the show reimagines Alyn as a war veteran, having served under Corlys and Vaemond Velaryon (Wil Johnson). This shift in his background adds depth to his character, making his interactions with Corlys more poignant.

Alyn’s nervous demeanor during his conversation with Corlys suggests that he may already be aware of his heritage, a secret that Corlys is yet to uncover. This layer of mystery surrounding Alyn of Hull sets the stage for his potentially significant role in the unfolding drama of House of the Dragon.

Who is Alyn of Hull in 'House of the Dragon'?

Alyn of Hull, portrayed by Abubakar Salim in House of the Dragon, is a sailor hailing from Driftmark. During his service in the Velaryon fleet, Alyn displays remarkable bravery by saving the life of Lord Corlys Velaryon during the Stepstones conflict.

Alongside his brother Addam, both sons of Marilda of Hull, Alyn is considered a 'dragonseed' due to their Valyrian lineage. In the book Fire & Blood, Alyn and Addam are enlisted by the Blacks in the Targaryen civil war. Alyn ambitiously attempts to become a dragonrider but fails, sustaining scars from the ordeal.

Despite this setback, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen legitimizes both brothers at the urging of Lord Corlys, granting Alyn the title Alyn Velaryon and naming him heir to Driftmark. The novel speculates that Alyn and Addam may be Lord Corlys' illegitimate sons from a past affair, possibly during his marriage to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen.

This revelation adds depth to Alyn's character, positioning him as a pivotal figure in the Dance of Dragons conflict. Alyn's journey from humble sailor to acknowledged noble showcases his resilience and strategic importance in the ongoing power struggles of Westeros.

How Alyn of Hulls affects Corlys and Rhaenys' marriage?

Alyn of Hull can become a complication in Corlys Velaryon's marriage to Rhaenys Targaryen in House of the Dragon. Initially portrayed as one of the healthier relationships in the series, their marriage could face strain due to Alyn and his brother Addam, who are proof of Corlys' infidelity.

Alyn's situation mirrors Jon Snow's early struggles in 'Game of Thrones' he's illegitimate but shares qualities with his father, causing tension with his stepmother, Rhaenys. Despite Rhaenys' typically composed demeanor, the revelation of Corlys' affair and the existence of Alyn and Addam, who are acknowledged as Corlys's illegitimate sons, can deeply trouble her.

As 'House of the Dragon' continues to introduce new characters like Alyn's brother Addam, and with Season 1 already deviating from the source material, the dynamics around these characters in Season 2 promise intrigue.

Addam's eventual dragon claim adds further complexity, potentially altering the Velaryon succession and sparking disputes over who will inherit Driftmark after Corlys. These developments set the stage for compelling conflicts within the Velaryon household in the upcoming season.

'House of the Dragon' trailer

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 is available for streaming on HBO.