Actor Abubakar Salim has revealed the dramatic arc of Alyn Velaryon in the House of the Dragon Season 3 finale. The character transitions from a humble sailor to the Hand of the Queen, eventually carrying out the execution of the High Septon under Rhaenyra Targaryen's orders.
From the Docks to the Small Council: Alyn Velaryon's Political Ascent
The rise of Alyn Velaryon is rooted in the strategic maneuvering of the Velaryon lineage, a Valyrian bloodline that has quietly sought influence amidst the Targaryen civil war. According to the report, Corlys Velaryon, known as the Sea Snake, attempted to have Rhaenyra Targaryen legitimize his sons, Alyn and Addam of Hull. when Rhaenyra Targaryen denied this request, Corlys Velaryon chose to step down as Hand of the Queen, recommending that Alyn take his place.
This appointment thrusts a man accustomed to physical labor and the open sea into the highest echelons of political power. Abubakar Salim describes the experience of filming these scenes as a study in culture shock, noting the inherrent absurdity of placing a sailor in a room filled with political heavyweights. As Abubakar Salim shared, the transition is akin to pulling a farmer out of the fields and demanding he become a professional politician.
The Red Keep's Rat Problem and the Pragmatism of a Sailor
Alyn Velaryon brings a grounded, pragmatic perspective to the nobility of King's Landing that stands in stark contrast to the detached nature of the court. This is most clearly seen in Alyn Velaryon's simple solution to the Red Keep's rat problem: the introduction of cats. This detail serves as a narrative marker for the gap between Alyn Velaryon's practical reality and the abstract political games played by the Targaryen nobility.
This pragmatic approach initially makes Alyn Velaryon a refreshing presence in the Small Council. however, the report suggests that this innocence is short-lived, as the character is soon forced to navigate the lethal whims of the monarchy.
Executing the High Septon: A Turning Point for Alyn Velaryon
The narrative takes a dark turn in the Season 3 finale when Rhaenyra Targaryen issues a chilling command for Alyn Velaryon to execute the High Septon. Abubakar Salim compares the gravity of this act to the real-world assassination of a Pope, marking it as a make-or-break moment for the character. The act transforms Alyn Velaryon from a reluctant official into a complicit actor in an increasingly erratic reign.
The motivation behind the execution is not a desire for power, but rather a profound fear of Rhaenyra Targaryen. Alyn Velaryon carries out the deed because he realizes the Queen may be losing her stability and fears that refusing her order would result in his own death. This decision represents a total loss of innocence for Alyn Velaryon, who now carries a dark secret that separates him from his former self.
The Friction Between Alyn and Addam of Hull
The psychological fallout of the High Septon's death is expected to strain Alyn Velaryon's most cherished relationships, particularly with his brother, Addam of Hull, and Baela. The report highlights a stark contrast in temperament between the two brothers; while Addam of Hull is impulsive, Alyn Velaryon is measured and patient. This difference becomes a critical point of tension as they navigate the court and the reappearance of Aegon.
Several critical questions remain regarding the aftermath of these events. It is unclear how Baela will react to Alyn Velaryon's complicity in the execution, or if Addam of Hull's concerns about Rhaenyra Targaryen's mental state will lead to a familial schism. Furthermore, the report does not specify if other members of the Small Council were aware of the order to kill the High Septon, leaving the extent of the conspiracy unverified.
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