Where Are The Velaryons In Game Of Thrones

Where are the Velaryons in Game of Thrones?

The Velaryons, a family with ancient roots and a strong connection to the sea, play a significant but sometimes overlooked role in the world of Game of Thrones. Unlike some of the more land-focused houses, the Velaryons’ power and influence stem from their mastery of the ocean and their seafaring fleet. While they aren’t always at the forefront of the major battles on land, their presence is felt through their control of naval forces, trade routes, and strategic alliances. So, where exactly were the Velaryons during the events of Game of Thrones and what impact did they have on the story?

The House Velaryon: A Quick Introduction

Before diving into their whereabouts, it’s important to understand who the Velaryons are. They are one of the ancient noble houses that trace their lineage back to Old Valyria, just like the Targaryens. The Velaryons were not dragon riders themselves, but they held a close alliance to the Targaryens, often serving as their admirals and providing them with a powerful naval force. Their ancestral home, Driftmark, is an island in Blackwater Bay, making them strategically placed to control maritime activity.

Here are some key points about the Velaryon family:

• Valyrian Heritage: Like the Targaryens, they have silver hair and other Valyrian features.
• Seafaring Expertise: Their strength lies in their naval power and seafaring skills, making them unparalleled in sea combat.
• Loyalty to the Targaryens: Historically, they have been very loyal to the Targaryen dynasty, supporting them in wars and political intrigues.
• Driftmark: Their island home is their power base, providing a central location to patrol and control the sea lanes around King’s Landing.

Velaryons in the Early Seasons of Game of Thrones

While the Velaryons weren’t prominent characters in the early seasons of Game of Thrones, their influence was still present. They weren’t directly shown on screen, but they are frequently referred to in the historical context of the show. The show, especially in early seasons, concentrates on the conflicts on the land and the struggle for control of the Iron Throne. During this time, the Velaryons played more of an off-screen role, acting as the navy for the Iron Throne. Let’s consider their presence through what we know and could reasonably assume.

The War of the Five Kings and House Velaryon

During the War of the Five Kings, which saw different claimants fighting for the Iron Throne, the role of the Velaryons is primarily implied rather than explicitly shown. While not taking centre stage, their fleet, as part of the royal forces, would have been crucial in:

• Maintaining Control of the Blackwater Bay: The Velaryon fleet was essential to protecting King’s Landing from naval attacks.
• Supporting the Baratheons: As part of King Robert Baratheon’s (and later Joffrey’s) fleet, they supported the Iron Throne during various battles.
• Controlling Trade Routes: They would have been involved in the control of sea lanes, influencing trade and the movement of resources.

The absence of a direct Velaryon character on screen during these seasons means their presence was more felt through actions and historical references. However, understanding their role in maintaining the navy of King’s Landing highlights their importance during this turbulent time.

The Rise of Daenerys and the Velaryon’s Shifting Loyalties

As the story of Game of Thrones progressed, the Targaryen claimant, Daenerys, emerged as a major player. Her return to Westeros and the struggle for power also impacted the allegiances of several houses, including the Velaryons. While no named Velaryon character appeared in Game of Thrones, we can make logical assumptions about their likely position given their history.

The Velaryons and the Targaryen Restoration

Given the Velaryons’ long and historical allegiance to the Targaryens, it’s very likely that they would have viewed Daenerys as the rightful ruler. Here’s how their position might have shifted:

• Potential Support for Daenerys: With her dragons, her army and her claim to the throne, the Velaryons would have had a good reason to offer their fleet to Daenerys. This is not something we see, but it is strongly suggested.
• Influence over Maritime Trade: If they sided with Daenerys, they could have been crucial in helping her army reach Westeros, facilitating their access to crucial resources, and controlling trade routes once they gained power.
• Strategic Position in the Royal Fleet: Regardless of who sits on the Iron Throne, their expertise in naval warfare would still make them invaluable to any side.

Although no member of the house is seen on screen, the historical implications strongly suggest that, as a house with Valyrian heritage and links to the Targaryens, the Velaryons were likely to back Daenerys over time. This also would mean that many of them would have been lost in the wars with Cersei, if they had joined with Daenerys.

The Velaryon Absence On-Screen

It is worth mentioning why the Velaryons don’t have a prominent presence on the show, despite their significant influence in the books. This decision could be linked to various factors.

Reasons for the Limited On-Screen Presence:

• Focus on Land-Based Power: Game of Thrones, throughout its seasons, primarily focuses on the politics and power struggles that take place within the mainland of Westeros. Battles, intrigues, and characters central to those areas get more screen time.
• Naval Battles Often Off-Screen: Naval battles are more expensive to film and harder to visualize than land battles. Hence, Game of Thrones generally portrays them sparingly and often through second-hand accounts.
• Streamlined Storytelling: The show needed to adapt the complex plot of the books within a limited number of episodes. This means that some houses and characters with important backstories and roles had to be sacrificed or moved to the background.
• Character Focus: The narrative focused on a handful of main characters and families like the Starks, Lannisters, Targaryens, and so on. Adding another major house like the Velaryons might have complicated an already complex storyline.

While the Velaryons weren’t directly visible, their historical importance and power make them very relevant to the world of Game of Thrones. Their role as the naval power of the Targaryens would be known to the fans even without them being shown directly.

The Velaryons in the House of the Dragon

The prequel series House of the Dragon shows the Velaryons at their height of power and introduces prominent members of the family, showcasing their influence during the Targaryen dynasty’s apex. This is where we truly get to see the Velaryons come into their own.

Key Velaryon Characters in House of the Dragon

Here are a couple of key Velaryon characters introduced in House of the Dragon:

• Lord Corlys Velaryon (The Sea Snake): A legendary seafarer and head of House Velaryon. He plays a crucial role in advising the crown and has a powerful fleet.
• Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (Velaryon): Lord Corlys’s wife, a powerful figure who is considered the Queen That Never Was. This union further enhances the influence of the Velaryons.

The Velaryon Influence in the Dance of the Dragons

The Velaryons play a very prominent role in House of the Dragon, directly involved in the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Their support for Rhaenyra Targaryen is a major factor in the conflict, which means they would have been in active combat during the various naval and land battles that happened as part of that war.

The Importance of the Velaryon Fleet

The show illustrates how much power the Velaryons have and how valuable their fleet is. The Velaryon fleet is shown as an enormous asset that is able to be used to control the seas and give access to many different areas in Westeros. The Velaryons’ naval superiority is a key aspect of their importance and something that makes them a vital house within the world of Game of Thrones.

The Legacy of the Velaryons: Why They Matter

While they may not have been as visible in Game of Thrones, the Velaryons are a very important part of the world created by George R.R. Martin. Here is a summary of their significance:

• Naval Power: They provide the necessary naval forces that control the sea lanes and influence the battles on land by giving forces transportation.
• Valyrian Heritage: Their origins link them with the Targaryens, who controlled Westeros for centuries, highlighting their position within the world.
• Political Importance: Their strategic position means they are able to influence trade, travel, and warfare, impacting the balance of power in Westeros.
• Loyalty and Alliances: They are a prime example of how alliances and loyalties shift and play a vital role in the political world of Game of Thrones.

The story of the Velaryons is a reminder that power is found in many forms and that those not always at the forefront can still have a very big influence on events in the world of Game of Thrones.

The Velaryons, therefore, while sometimes hidden in the background of Game of Thrones, are a fascinating and vital part of the world. They are a house with deep roots, a powerful naval force, and a long and compelling history. The Velaryons serve to highlight the complexity and depth of the world created by George R.R. Martin, and the importance of naval power in a medieval-style fantasy setting. They provide another way to look at the world, away from the constant land battles, and their loyalty and skill ensure they will always be a key house within the universe.