What happened to House Velaryon? From Glory to Decline in Westeros

In the vast and intricate world of Westeros, House Velaryon takes center stage in the prequel series, “House of the Dragon.”

Despite being omitted from “Game of Thrones,” this ancient family boasts a captivating history deeply intertwined with the Targaryens.

The prequel, set 200 years before the events of “Game of Thrones,” delves into the rise and fall of significant houses, shedding light on the Velaryons’ role in shaping the Targaryen dynasty.

House Velaryon’s Absence in “Game of Thrones”

In the iconic “Game of Thrones,” House Velaryon is conspicuously absent, leaving many viewers to question the fate of this noble family.

As “House of the Dragon” unfolds, the narrative spotlights House Velaryon’s prominence, prompting inquiries about their existence in the later timeline of “Game of Thrones.”

The absence raises speculation about whether House Velaryon met its demise or faced other challenges that led to their exclusion.

Historical Roots and Ties with Targaryens

Originating from Old Valyria alongside the Targaryens, House Velaryon shares a longstanding alliance with the dragonlord family.

Unlike the Targaryens, the Velaryons excelled at sea, and they are believed to have arrived in Westeros and settled at Driftmark before their Valyrian counterparts landed at Dragonstone.

This close proximity and common Valyrian blood fostered frequent intermarriages between the two houses, establishing a profound shared history.

Significance in Aegon the Conqueror’s Conquest

House Velaryon played a crucial role in the Targaryen conquest of Westeros, particularly during Aegon the Conqueror’s reign.

As skilled seafarers, the Velaryons assisted Aegon by transporting his soldiers over Blackwater Bay, facilitating the conquest of Westeros.

This alliance solidified their position as masters of ships throughout the Targaryen dynasty, showcasing their importance in shaping the realm’s destiny.

House Velaryon’s Golden Age in “House of the Dragon”

In “House of the Dragon,” House Velaryon experiences a golden age, driven by the voyages of Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake.

Corlys’ expeditions to Essos bring back foreign treasures and gold, making House Velaryon one of the wealthiest families in Westeros.

This prosperity leads to influential marriages with Targaryen heirs, further solidifying their status as a prominent house.

What happened to House Velaryon?

House Velaryon, a prominent family in “House of the Dragon,” experiences a decline after the Targaryen civil war, the Dance of the Dragons.

Despite persisting during “Game of Thrones,” they never regained their former wealth and influence, becoming a minor house with limited significance.

The zenith of House Velaryon’s influence coincides with the Targaryen civil war, the Dance of the Dragons.

Supporting Rhaenyra Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne, the Velaryons face significant losses as the war unfolds.

Corlys Velaryon outlives most of his direct descendants, and by the war’s conclusion, the family witnesses a decline in wealth and power.

The aftermath sees Alyn “Oakenfist” Velaryon assume leadership, but the family never regains its former glory.

Post-Dance of the Dragons

Following the Dance of the Dragons, House Velaryon experienced a gradual decline.

Corlys Velaryon’s death, coupled with economic setbacks from the Rogare Bank, marks a turning point for the family.

Although they continue to hold the position of master of ships on the small council of Targaryen kings, House Velaryon never reclaims its peak wealth and influence from the “House of the Dragon” era.

House Velaryon in “Game of Thrones” Timeline

Despite the lack of House Velaryon characters in “Game of Thrones,” the family persists during this period.

The master of Driftmark, Monford Velaryon, supports Stannis Baratheon’s claim to the Iron Throne.

Monford’s death at the Battle of Blackwater Bay paves the way for his 6-year-old son, Monterys Velaryon, to inherit the title.

The family remains a minor house, serving as master of ships on Aerys “The Mad King” Targaryen’s council during Robert’s Rebellion.

Future Prospects in Game of Thrones Spinoffs

With House Velaryon still alive during the “Game of Thrones” timeline, the upcoming spinoffs offer the potential for their reintroduction.

The Sea Snake spinoff and the Jon Snow series could explore the family’s continued presence.

As the Velaryons become a subject of interest, incorporating them into future productions would enrich the lore and legacy established in “House of the Dragon.”

House Velaryon in the Game of Thrones Novels

While absent from the main “Game of Thrones” series, House Velaryon has a more nuanced presence in George R.R. Martin’s novels.

Their allegiance to Stannis, Monford Velaryon’s demise, and Aurane Waters’ escape to the Stepstones provide additional layers to the family’s narrative.

The novels portray House Velaryon as a minor but distinctive player in the cutthroat world of Westeros.