The latest episode of ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 showcased a dramatic introduction of Seasmoke, a temperamental dragon residing in the Dragonmont. The episode depicted Seasmoke’s fierce nature as he incinerated Ser Steffon Darklyn who attempted to claim him, only to then soar out in search of a new rider. But who exactly is Seasmoke?
In the lore of Westeros, dragons are revered as gods, believed to choose their riders based on shared bloodlines with Targaryens and Velaryons. Traditionally, only those with this pure blood can tame and ride a dragon. However, this convention is challenged in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2.
Facing dire circumstances, Queen Rhaenyra has been compelled to find riders for the four unclaimed dragons at Dragonstone: Vermithor, Silverwing, Seasmoke, and Sheepstealer. With all familial attempts to claim these dragons failing, Rhaenyra and her son, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, seek out dragonseeds – the bastards of Targaryens and Velaryons who share their bloodlines. Unbeknownst to them, some dragons are already on a quest to find their own riders.
Seasmoke is seen dominating the skies of Westeros, specifically targeting Adamm of Hull, the illegitimate son of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Marilda of Hull. Adamm, initially bewildered by the dragon’s pursuit, eventually succumbs and confronts Seasmoke. This pivotal moment, celebrated by fans on social media, ultimately earns Adamm an esteemed position in Queen Rhaenyra’s realm.
This episode marks a significant departure from the established dragon-rider dynamic, where dragons typically respond to claims made upon them. For the first time, a dragon proactively seeks out and compels a rider to claim him.
Seasmoke was formerly ridden by Laenor Velaryon, son of Corlys and Princess Rhaenys, and Queen Rhaenyra’s late husband. Following Laenor’s death in Season 1, Seasmoke remained riderless for over a decade. The dragon’s pursuit of Adamm suggests he perceives similar qualities in him that he recognized in Laenor – affection, resemblance, and shared blood.
With Seasmoke joining the fray, the embattled Team Black gains a crucial boost in the ongoing war, the legendary ‘Dance of Dragons’, especially following the loss of Rhaenys and her dragon, Meleys. The forthcoming episodes will reveal how Seasmoke and Adamm prove their mettle to Queen Rhaenyra.
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2 streams on the JioCinema app with new episodes released every Monday.