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'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 7: What is Salt and Sea? Why Alyn of Hull is Blacks's unsung hero

Alyn of Hull helps smuggle the Dragonseeds into Dragonstone from King's Landing in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 7

Contains spoilers and speculation for 'House of the Dragon'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 7 aired on HBO on Sunday, July 28. The episode featured a host of captivating events that thrillingly advanced the narrative.

The episode begins with Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty), now the rider of the dragon Seasmoke. Addam and his brother Alyn of Hull (Abubaker Salim), introduced early in the second season, are starting to come into their own as the Blacks mount a challenge against the Greens.

Both Addam and Alyn appear to have a connection to Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint). In the source material for 'Fire and Blood,' they are supposedly Corlys's illegitimate children.

In a discussion between Corlys and Alyn, they claim to be "Salt and Sea." Here is a look at what the phrase means.

What does 'Salt and Sea' mean in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?  

The phrase 'Salt and Sea' was first used by Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia) while talking to Corlys. She claimed to be 'Fire and Blood,' not 'Salt and Sea.' 

The term 'Fire and Blood' is usually associated with the Dragonriders, symbolizing the Targaryen legacy and their connection to dragons. In contrast, 'Salt and Sea' is associated with those who command the naval forces and ships.

Alyn of Hull's brother Addam has a dragon, but Alyn is firmly committed to serving in the navy alongside Corlys Velaryon. He was instrumental in the victory of the Stepstones and even saved Corlys's life.

Alyn and Addam share the same blood, being brothers, and Alyn could have been tempted to claim a dragon too when the Blacks were looking for Dragonriders.

Dragonriders are more revered as warriors due to their uniqueness and the fear that comes with commanding a dragon. They are more likely to live a glorious life compared to those in the navy, who slog it out for days in the salty waters.

But Alyn seems to have found his calling in the sea and ships, and he sees no reason to seek greener pastures aboard a dragon.

Why Alyn of Hull is Blacks's unsung hero?

Alyn of Hull has been an unsung hero for the Blacks, playing a crucial role in setting up the Blockade of Gullet, which has effectively cut off supplies to King's Landing.

In Episode 7, Alyn plays the role of a messenger, sneaking into King's Landing via the sea to smuggle the Dragonseeds into Dragonstone, where they claim the dragons.

He performs the task with expert stealth and competence but perhaps doesn't receive the credit he deserves, as the focus remains on the Dragonseeds.

Later in the show, he plays a crucial role in the Battle of Gullet, which is expected to unfold in Season 3.

Eventually, Alyn proves his commitment to the sea by becoming the Lord of Tides, succeeding Corlys Velaryon.

How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 has been streaming on HBO since June 16, 2024, with new episodes dropping every Sunday till August 4, 2024.

The streaming platform typically offers three packages you can choose from depending on your budget.

The low-cost plan that supports advertising costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually. The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 annually.

Meanwhile, the third package, titled Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 trailer

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