The Velaryons, while not central to the main conflicts, remained a powerful house. They aligned with Daenerys Targaryen, contributing ships to her forces, and survived the war. Corlys Velaryon later became Master of Ships on the Small Council.
The grand houses of Westeros faced many trials during the events of Game of Thrones, but what happened to the Velaryons in game of thrones? They were a notable family, with their distinctive silver hair and naval might, they managed to play a crucial part.
Their allegiance to Daenerys positioned them as valuable allies. This choice led to involvement in many of the big battles that defined the series.
After the dust settled, their influence continued as Corlys served on the council. The Velaryons maintained their status after the conflicts subsided.
What Happened to the Velaryons in Game of Thrones
The Velaryons, an ancient and powerful house with Valyrian roots, were a significant presence in the world of Game of Thrones. They commanded the seas and possessed a legacy that rivaled even some of the Great Houses. But what exactly happened to them throughout the series? Let’s dive deep into their story and see how they fared in the tumultuous events of Westeros. We’ll follow their journey, from their strong beginning to their eventual fate, focusing on key members and their impact on the overall narrative.
The Velaryon Lineage and Their Early Role
Before the chaos of the War of the Five Kings and the various conflicts that followed, the Velaryons held a respected position in Westeros. They weren’t a land-based power like the Starks or Lannisters, but their strength lay in their naval might. They controlled the seas surrounding Dragonstone and were known for their formidable ships and skilled sailors. This made them vital allies, especially for the Targaryens, who shared their Valyrian heritage and often relied on the Velaryons’ fleet.
A History Rooted in Valyria
The Velaryons were one of the few houses that traced their ancestry back to the old Valyrian Freehold, the same place that gave rise to the Targaryens. This shared origin meant they often had close ties with the Dragonlords. They weren’t dragon riders themselves, but they played a crucial role in supporting the Targaryens’ rule. Their location on Driftmark, a small island close to Dragonstone, made them ideal naval support. This connection and strategic location gave them considerable influence during the Targaryen dynasty.
Early Loyalty to the Targaryens
Throughout Targaryen rule, the Velaryons demonstrated their loyalty. They provided ships, sailors, and advisors, often serving as Master of Ships to the Iron Throne. This service continued for generations, solidifying their bond with the dragon-riding family. Their wealth stemmed from trade, and their naval power made them a force to be reckoned with. However, this bond also meant they were drawn into the conflicts when the Targaryens’ power began to decline. The Velaryons’ fortune and influence depended heavily on the stability of the Targaryen reign. They were key players in the Targaryen infrastructure, but their lack of dragons meant they were somewhat vulnerable when the dragons vanished.
The Velaryons During the Main Conflicts
As the events of Game of Thrones unfolded, the Velaryons found themselves caught in the crossfire. While they weren’t at the forefront of the major land battles, their involvement was crucial in certain aspects. Their naval strength played a vital role at certain points, but, unlike other houses, they weren’t always directly involved in the central conflicts of the story.
The War of the Five Kings and Limited Involvement
During the War of the Five Kings, the Velaryons primarily stayed out of the direct land battles. They were not allied with any of the main contenders – the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, or Greyjoys. Their main concern was protecting their own lands and assets, and focusing on their naval power. However, their fleet was always a force that could be brought to bear, giving them a unique strategic position. They mostly focused on their trade routes and the security of Driftmark during this tumultuous time. The Velaryons’ strategy at this time was mainly focused on self-preservation. This approach allowed them to remain mostly neutral while still maintaining a degree of power.
The Rise of Stannis Baratheon and Velaryon Influence
When Stannis Baratheon declared himself king, he tried to secure the support of any houses he could. Despite their distance and relative isolation, he was very aware of the importance of the Velaryon fleet. While there isn’t evidence of an explicit alliance with Stannis in the show, his focus on maritime power meant that houses like the Velaryons were important players in the overall scheme of Westeros, especially since he controlled Dragonstone. This indicates that, even without a clear alliance, the Velaryons were still a major naval power that could not be ignored.
The Velaryon Absence From Key Events
Unlike some houses that lost their members frequently throughout the series, the Velaryons were generally shielded from direct conflict and casualties. They weren’t present at events like the Red Wedding, the Battle of the Blackwater, or the Battle of the Bastards, which kept them relatively intact. The Velaryons’ focus on the seas, rather than land battles, meant that they avoided some of the most brutal conflicts. This decision proved to be a wise one and allowed them to survive many of the challenges that other houses were unable to overcome. This distance from the land-based fighting, as a result, allowed them to stay out of some of the worst fighting.
Key Velaryon Characters in Game of Thrones
While the Velaryon family wasn’t prominent as the other great houses, they still have important roles in the history of Westeros, as well as the Targaryen history. Though the television series doesn’t show many prominent Velaryon characters, it is important to understand that there is history behind them.
Lord Monford Velaryon
Lord Monford Velaryon was the head of House Velaryon during the early days of Robert’s Rebellion. He was an important character in the lead up to the events in the Game of Thrones series. He had a close relationship with the Targaryen family, so he supported them in their fight. He was the one leading the ships of House Velaryon, until he was killed by Robert Baratheon during the naval battle at Gulltown. His death was a big loss to the House and to the Targaryens.
Other Velaryons: Not Prominent in the Show
While Lord Monford Velaryon was an important character in the books and was referenced in the show, he did not actually appear on screen. Unlike other houses, the Velaryons didn’t have many prominent named characters. This doesn’t mean they were not significant, it just means they weren’t in the spotlight. The books hint at various members, but these individuals weren’t explored in the television adaptation. For example, Lord Monford was mentioned, but his story was not explored fully. This lack of focus on specific characters meant their overall story is primarily told through their actions as a house.
The Velaryon Legacy After the Wars
So, what became of House Velaryon after all the fighting and scheming of the series? While they weren’t at the center of the final conflicts, they played a role in the new world order, although not directly.
The Fate of House Velaryon
House Velaryon, having stayed relatively clear of major battles, survived the series in a fairly stable state. They didn’t suffer the huge losses some other houses experienced. They maintained control of their lands and their naval strength. Their house was not destroyed or conquered by any other house or army. Their focus on naval strength instead of land battles paid off in the long run.
Their Future Under a New Ruler
With the Iron Throne destroyed, Westeros entered a new era. The Velaryons, having maintained their strength, were well-positioned to play a role in the new order under King Bran the Broken. The new system likely gave them more autonomy and security. Their fleet remained important for trade and protection, ensuring that their legacy would endure. The change in leadership meant the Velaryons would have to navigate a new political landscape, but they had the strength to do so.
The Importance of Naval Power in the New Era
The importance of naval power did not diminish after the events in the show. In fact, their control of the sea became even more important for trade and travel. Their ships would play a key role in keeping Westeros connected and protected. The Velaryons were an important part of this new reality, their fleet vital to the security of the realm. This meant that their strategic position remained a critical factor in their influence in the post-war world.
Summary of Velaryon Involvement
To summarize the Velaryons’ journey throughout Game of Thrones, let’s take a look at key points:
- They were a powerful house with Valyrian roots known for their naval strength.
- They traditionally supported the Targaryens and maintained their naval dominance.
- They primarily stayed out of the land-based battles during the War of the Five Kings.
- They were not significantly involved in the major conflicts and suffered fewer casualties as a result.
- They survived the series, maintaining their control over Driftmark and their naval fleet.
- Their fleet became important for Westeros in the new era and will be helpful to King Bran’s rule.
The Velaryons, while not always in the spotlight, played a significant role in the world of Game of Thrones. Their story is a testament to the importance of naval power and the strategic advantage of maintaining neutrality during times of conflict. They are a great example of how a house can survive the odds without direct and violent conflicts.
The Velaryons represent a different kind of power in the world of Game of Thrones. They were not known for armies or dragon riders but for their fleet and command of the sea. This position served them well throughout the series, allowing them to remain relatively unscathed compared to many other families. Their story highlights that power can take different forms, and sometimes, staying out of the fray is the smartest strategy. By focusing on their strengths and avoiding many of the major conflicts, House Velaryon was able to survive in the complicated game of thrones. This strategy shows that power and influence can be gained and maintained in ways other than through direct conflict.
The house continued to serve an important function in Westeros, a lasting legacy of the Velaryon family. Though they might not be among the most talked about houses in Game of Thrones, their story is interesting and important to the overall history of Westeros.
Where are the Velaryons in Game of Thrones?
Final Thoughts
The Velaryons, a historically powerful house, faced relative obscurity in Game of Thrones. They pledged allegiance to Daenerys Targaryen and provided crucial naval support. However, their impact on the main political battles remained limited.
What happened to the Velaryons in Game of Thrones was they mainly served as a supporting force. They didn’t suffer major losses or attain significant political positions. The house thus fades, mostly present in the background.
