- “House of the Dragon” teased some key characters in its Season 2 premiere.
- Hugh is a blacksmith who pleads with Aegon II for an advance.
- But he plays a key role in “Fire and Blood,” so if you don’t want spoilers, read ahead.
Warning: This post contains major spoilers for the season 2 premiere of “House of the Dragon” and the book “Fire and Blood.”
“House of the Dragon” has already kept us on edge with its second season, with the premiere giving us a brief introduction to some key characters from George R.R. Martin’s novels.
In the Season 2 premiere, King Aegon II Targaryen listens to the pleas of the common people. Unused to making difficult decisions as a ruler, he generously accepts their pleas — until his aide, Otto Hightower, steps in and reminds him that the dragon must eat the sheep he has returned to the shepherd.
But one of these petitioners is more important than the others: Hugh (Kieran Bew), a blacksmith who asks Aegon for payment up front for his weapons.
For those of you who don’t recognize Hugh’s face in the extended close-ups, here’s a PSA: Remember his face. Assuming he’s the same Hugh from Fire and Blood, which House of the Dragon is based on, you’ll be seeing more of him in the future.
In Fire and Blood, Hugh is a dragon rider.
During the Dance of Dragons, as recounted in Fire and Blood, Rhaenyra’s son Jacaerys decided to recruit potential dragon riders from among the bastard sons of House Targaryen. He recruited new recruits, promising rewards such as knighthood, lands, and glory to anyone who could successfully ride a dragon.
Not everyone was successful. According to Fire and Blood, Grand Maester Munkun (one of the historical sources) states that 16 men died during the trial and dozens were injured. Hugh, the “Forge Spawn,” a man of incredible physical strength, rode the dragon Vermithor. Others were successful, riding the dragons Silverwing, Seasmoke, and Sheepstealer.
Vermithoor — we know him, don’t we?
That’s right: House of the Dragons viewers encountered Vermithor in Season 1. It was the former mount of Viserys’ predecessor, King Jaehaerys, and had been riderless since his death.
In the season 1 finale, Daemon Targaryen has a brief encounter with Vermithor while searching for him below Dragonstone. Daemon, singing in High Valyrian, doesn’t seem to get on too well with Vermithor, but it’s not scorching enough to make it a win overall.
Vermithor is not the largest dragon in House of the Dragon – that honor goes to Aemond’s large and beautiful daughter, Vergar – but he is still quite large.
Now, if you want potential Major spoilers ahead For the show…
What happens to Hugh in the book?
The fictional history of Westeros tells how Hugh fought in the wars as a dragon rider. In one battle, Rhaenyra’s forces clashed with the naval fleet of the Triumvirate, allied with Otto Hightower. During the battle, Hugh and Vermithor fought alongside the dragons Silverwing, Sheepstealer, and Seasmoke, along with their rider, Jacaeris, and his dragon, Vermax.
However, Hugh and Silverwing’s rider Wolf White defected, for reasons that are disputed in the historical record, later in the war, when he himself made a claim to the throne, but was killed in battle.
“House of the Dragon” Season 2 airs Sundays at 9pm ET on HBO and is available to stream. Max.
