‘House of the Dragon’ Star Discusses Future of Missing Velaryon Character

‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 is set to further explore the universe of George R. R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, yet one significant character from the source material remains absent, prompting fans to take notice.

According to an interview with actor Abubakar Salim, who portrays Alyn of Hull, the HBO series is gearing up for what is being touted as its “bloodiest” season to date. The narrative continues to delve into the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, which occurs approximately 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Central to this conflict are two formidable factions: House Targaryen and House Velaryon.

House Velaryon plays a crucial role in the war, particularly through Lord Corlys Velaryon, famously known as the Sea Snake, and his lineage. While the Targaryens are recognized for their dragons, the Velaryons command naval strength across the Narrow Sea. Season 3 will continue to follow Corlys and his descendants, including Alyn and Addam of Hull, who are both gaining prominence in the storyline.

However, a pivotal character from the books has yet to make an appearance in the series: Marilda of Hull. In Fire & Blood, Marilda is depicted as the mother of Alyn and Addam. She is characterized as a ship captain and trader, with her background closely linked to the mystery surrounding her sons’ parentage. In the source material, she publicly claims Ser Laenor Velaryon as the father of her children, though rumors suggest deeper connections to Lord Corlys Velaryon himself.

In his conversation with ScreenRant, Abubakar Salim discussed the potential for Marilda’s inclusion in the series and the implications her presence could have on the narrative. He noted that her character could introduce emotional depth and complexity to several characters, particularly Alyn, Addam, and Corlys.

He remarked, “Moms play such a massive role in anyone’s life. Step-moms, adopted moms, just mothers in general. I think there is a real power there.” He further elaborated that Marilda’s introduction could alter viewers’ perceptions of the Velaryon family dynamic, stating, “I think if she was involved or if she was brought in, I think it would absolutely have some form of effect and show another color or side to Alyn and Addam, and even Corlys to a degree.”

Salim also highlighted the intricate structure of the show, noting that the narrative now encompasses numerous overlapping perspectives. He stated, “Someone once said, ‘This show has 19 points of views,’ which is wild.” While he expressed a desire to delve deeper into Alyn’s backstory, he acknowledged the need for the series to maintain its focus on the central war narrative.

In the series, Alyn of Hull is introduced as a lowborn sailor who rescues Corlys Velaryon during the Stepstones conflict. His journey from obscurity to a position of influence places him directly in the midst of the unfolding political and military turmoil of Westeros. Alongside his brother Addam, Alyn is anticipated to take on a more significant role in Season 3 as tensions rise.

The forthcoming season is expected to kick off with the Battle of the Gullet, a significant naval confrontation involving House Velaryon’s fleet. As the war escalates, characters like Alyn are thrust into leadership roles, grappling with questions of identity and loyalty.

Whether Marilda of Hull will eventually make her appearance remains uncertain. However, as the narrative unfolds, the absence of key figures from the books continues to spark discussion among fans and the cast, particularly as House Velaryon’s storyline becomes increasingly central to the conflict.

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