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'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Explainer: Who is Hugh Hammer? Blacksmith to play major role in the battle

As tensions rise in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, Hugh the Hammer emerges as a significant player in the quest for the Iron Throne

Contains spoilers for 'House of the Dragon'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: With the premiere of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, fans of the Game of Thrones prequel, created by George RR Martin and Ryan Condal, find themselves once again immersed in the tumultuous world of the Seven Kingdoms.

This season kicks off with intense scenes, including Princess Rhaenyra's Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) mourning of Lucerys 'Luke' Velaryon (Elliot Grihault) death and Prince Daemon Targaryen's (Matt Smith) shocking assassination attempt.

Amid these dramatic events, the episode introduces several new characters, one of whom is easily overlooked yet highly significant: Hugh the Hammer.

Portrayed by Kieran Bew, Hugh the Hammer briefly appears as a petitioner at King Aegon II's (Tom Glynn-Carney) court.

Although Hugh's screen time is brief, his character's background and lineage play a crucial role in the civil war that unfolds in 'House of the Dragon'.

As the story unfolds, Hugh the Hammer's significance will become increasingly clear, establishing him as a key player in the conflict ahead.

Who is Hugh the Hammer in 'House of the Dragon'?

In 'House of the Dragon' and George R.R. Martin's prequel novel Fire and Blood, Hugh the Hammer is depicted as a lowborn blacksmith renowned for his extraordinary strength and towering height. Known for his immense physical power, Hugh can bend steel bars with his bare hands.

He earns his name from his favorite weapon, a war hammer, reminiscent of King Robert Baratheon from Game of Thrones.

Despite his humble origins, Hugh aspires to climb the social ladder, yet his greed for wealth and influence frequently taints his ambition.

The show deviates from Martin's book by depicting Hugh living on Dragonstone instead of King's Landing, emphasizing his distinctive heritage.

Dragonstone, the ancient seat of House Targaryen, has produced many illegitimate descendants known as dragon seeds—commoners with Targaryen blood.

Hugh the Hammer is a dragon seed that reflects the island's history of Targaryens mixing with locals. This connection to the Targaryens' dragon blood sets Hugh apart as a significant character in the unfolding civil war.

Is 'Hugh the Hammer' a key player in the Targaryen war?

Hugh the Hammer becomes a crucial figure in the Dance of Dragons due to his ties with the Targaryen royal family.

In the novel Fire and Blood, Hugh's heritage is tested when Rhaenyra's faction urgently needs Dragonriders for the unclaimed dragons residing on Dragonstone.

The Blacks knight anyone with Targaryen blood who can ride a dragon to bolster Rhaenyra's claim against the Greens.

This dangerous process, known as the Red Sowing, results in many deaths, but Hugh boldly claims Vermithor, the dragon once ridden by King Jaehaerys, Viserys's grandfather.

Hugh's achievement is remarkable, particularly considering his lowborn status. As a commoner's bastard armed only with his hammer, mounting a dragon once ridden by a king showcases his courage and strength.

This feat earns him a significant position among the Blacks' ranks as they prepare for war. 

While 'House of the Dragon' has made changes to Hugh's story, his introduction signals the emergence of another key player in the battle for the Iron Throne.

Fans will have to wait and see how Hugh's affinity for fire and his loyalty to his bloodline unfold in the series.

'House of the Dragon' Trailer

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