How does Ulf die in ‘House of the Dragon’? Drunken dragonseed’s fate in the book explained
Ulf White (Tom Bennett) fought in Tumbleton, bringing everyone down with him. After being humiliated and cast aside by Queen Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) throughout the season, he officially turned coat in the last episode. 'The Treasons at Tumbleton' catches Ulf enjoying himself with the smallfolk, passing disparaging comments about Targaryens, particularly Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith). His bravado amuses the audience around him, and he is heralded as 'Dragon Lord.' Ulf clearly enjoys the attention and gets drunk on ale. "The Rogue Prince will soon quake before the mighty and terrible Lord Ulf the White," he declared to everyone.
Ormund Hightower (James Norton) was terrified after hearing the news, as Ulf was his only hope against the Black forces. By the time Ormund found Ulf passed out drunk in a bathroom stall, Black forces had already breached Tumbleton's walls. The Green soldiers dragged the dragonseed out of the stall. Ormund then began slapping and kicking Ulf in front of the soldiers and the common folks, who a while ago were singing his praises. "You worthless sot!!.... You useless baseborn stump. You may have cost us everything. Now get back on the beast and do as you've been told," Ormund screamed at Ulf. Ulf did as instructed. He sat atop Silverwing (his dragon) and burned the Black forces. But to Ormund's shock, he also burns him, avenging his previous insult.
Fans had a myriad of reactions to Ulf's actions. Whether they loved him or hated him, one thing is for sure: the dragonseed has now become an indispensable part of the Targaryen lore. The show deviates considerably from the book, as evident in many instances of this episode. It made fans question whether Ulf has the same importance in 'Dance of the Dragon' as he has in 'Fire & Blood,' and the answer is yes.
Similar to the show, Ulf is knighted by Rhaenyra in the book after helping her take King's Landing. In the book, he is denied the opportunity to rise above his station. Rhaenyra declines Daemon's proposal to marry him and Lord Stokeworth's daughter. She also rejects Daemon's suggestion to give him Storm's End. Even though it is not explicitly stated, these rejections likely pushed him to turn against the Black forces in the 'First Battle of Tumbleton.' In the book, Black forces held Tumbleton, and Greens were marching. Hence, Silverwing's fire in the pursuit of destroying Rhaenyra's forces also took out the common folks of the city. Thereafter, he took residence in Tumbleton, where Daeron declared him the Lord of Bitterbridge. However, the dragonseed's eyes were set on Highgarden.
In the book by George R.R. Martin and the show, Ulf survives the 'First Battle of Tumbleton.' Considering that the 'Dance of the Dragons' takes place several years before 'Game of Thrones,' most of the characters in the civil war met their end in one way or another. Ulf did too, but was it with the glory he wanted? As far as the book reveals, no. He became known as a 'Betrayer' in Westeros' history. Unlike the show, the smallfolk did not herald him, as he used his status as Dragon Lord to torment them. The Green nobles, alarmed by his growing ambitions, created a secret cabal known as the Caltrops to take him out of the picture. Daeron signed his death warrant.
On the day the Caltrops were to attack, Addam of Hull, along with Rivermen, made their move and began the 'Second Battle of Tumbleton.' Ulf survived the battle by being passed out drunk throughout it. After he woke up and saw how few people remained with dragons across the realm, his ambitions grew more. He informed Unwin Peake that he desired to take the Iron Throne. Ser Hobert Hightower, Ormund's father, took matters into his own hands. He bought the dragonseed poisoned wine. Knowing that he had a weakness for Arbor Gold, Ser Hobert fully believed the dragonseed wouldn't control his urge. But Ulf had grown astute with his experiences and did not touch the wine. It was only after Ser Hobart drank the Arbor Gold that Ulf tasted it. In no time, he drank three cups, and then died alongside Ser Hobert in his sleep.
Ser Hobart, played by Steffan Rhodri, is dead in the show, which means that he will, in all probability, not deliver the poison. But in both versions, Ulf is a drunkard with a weakness for ales. This could suggest that his death may arrive in more or less the same way. Considering he will now be surrounded by several Green Lords, whom he tormented in the First Battle of Tumbleton, it is not far-fetched to believe that one of them takes up Ser Hobert's role in 'Dance of the Dragons.' To find out Ulf's ultimate fate, wait for 'House of the Dragon' Season 4.
