House of the Dragon has a massive cast, but it’s considerably more manageable than that of its predecessor. Game of Thrones packed close to 50 main characters into its eight-season run. While House of the Dragon stays more focused on fewer locations and groups, it also still has new names to drop. The second season splits its time between the Greens and the Blacks, but plenty of newcomers add to the mix. Alyn of Hull seems like a sailor who accomplished one good deed, but the books reveal a more fascinating story.
House of the Dragon isn’t known for its subtlety. If a character starts talking about rats in Act 1, any savvy viewer can guess that rodents will play a major part in Act 3. The show recently took time out to depict a humble smallfolk family struggling to make ends meet in King’s Landing. These elements aren’t just there to convey simple information. Every moving piece is there for a greater purpose, instilling a constant need to pay attention and watch the show build its narrative.
Who is Alyn of Hull in House of the Dragon?
|
Name |
Alyn of Hull |
|---|---|
|
Affiliation |
Velaryon Fleet |
|
Team |
Blacks, under Corlys Velaryon |
|
First Appearance |
Season 2, Episode 1, “A Son for a Son” |
Alyn of Hull is a noted sailor in Corlys Velaryon’s personal fleet. Alyn hails from Hull, a port town in the shadow of Castle Driftmark. Hull was once three poor fishing villages. Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, led several legendary voyages and won fortune and fame on the high seas, gradually enriching, enhancing, and combining those villages into Hull. Alyn grew up surrounded by reminders of Corlys Velaryon’s success. He attained his first brush with personal fame when he rescued Corlys during the War for the Stepstones. He witnessed a corsair slitting Corlys’s throat, sending the Sea Snake plummeting into the ocean. Alyn boldly leaped into the ocean to rescue his nation’s leader, pulling Corlys to relative safety while putting his life on the line. Though Corlys suffered a vicious fever for some time, he would eventually return to health. Fans meet Alyn as Corlys arrives to thank him for his service. Alyn downplays his work, assuring Corlys that he only did his duty. He also delivers news of the blockade and promises to work with his brother, Addam, to expedite the repair of Corlys’ personal vessel. Viewers later see Alyn and Addam discussing Alyn’s potential place aboard Corlys’ ship, setting him up for a new adventure.
Who is Alyn of Hull in Fire & Blood?
Alyn and Addam are legitimized bastards of House Velaryon. They are among the dragonseeds, illegitimate sons and daughters of old Valyrian dynasties. Alyn grew up in Hull with his brother and his mom, Marilda. His parentage is a matter of some debate. Marilda claims that Laenor Velaryon fathered both Alyn and Addam. Laenor was gay, leading to the endless controversy around his marriage to Rhaenyra Targaryen and the children who would bear his surname. This led many to suspect Corlys Velaryon as the boys’ true father. Either way, Alyn and Addam came in handy when Queen Rhaenyra called out for dragonriders. They had several unattended dragons that could turn the tide in the ongoing civil war. Addam successfully bonded with Seasmoke and became a respected dragonrider. This accomplishment prompted Corlys to ask the queen to legitimize the boys from Hull. Alyn, now sporting the Velaryon family name, tried to ride Sheepstealer, but the misbehaving beast left him with permanent burns. Instead, Alyn became a gifted and celebrated sea captain. Alyn fought valiantly for the Blacks before briefly switching sides in the war’s final moments. Alyn would inherit Driftmark and become Lord of the Tides after Corlys’ death. He married his niece, Baela Velaryon, and lived a long life beyond the Dance of the Dragons.
Who plays Alyn of Hull in House of the Dragon?
Abubakar Salim portrays Alyn of Hull in House of the Dragon. At 31, Salim is more than twice the age his character was at the same point in the books. This is common in House of the Dragon, which frequently ages characters. Salim is a fascinating performer with a considerable body of work. His turn in the HBO series Raised by Wolves remains one of his finest performances. Gamers will be most familiar with Salim from his work as Bayek of Siwa, the central character of Assassin’s Creed: Origins. His biggest cinematic role saw him portray Thomas-Alexandre Dumas in Ridley Scott’s Napoleon. Salim will soon join the cast of the beloved D&D actual play series Critical Role for the “Downfall” miniseries. Fans can expect to see a lot more of him as House of the Dragon continues.
Alyn of Hull is a character that the show needs fans to know will be important later. His story continues so far beyond the Dance of the Dragons that House of the Dragon may never capture most of it. Alyn Velaryon deserves the attention he’s receiving and so much more. He may just look like another sailor, but he has a bigger role to play.
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