In the original series of Game of Thrones, Westeros had few people of color in major lead roles. Those who did appear were often portrayed as enslaved individuals, prostitutes, or pirates. Two of Daenerys Targaryen’s (Emilia Clarke) key advisors were Missandei of Naath (Nathalie Emmanuel) and Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson), the commander of her army. Despite their significant roles in the final series, their characters were still considered secondary.
However, a significant shift in character portrayal was observed with the premiere of House of the Dragon in 2022. The actor Steve Toussaint, who embodies Corlys Velaryon, is Black/African American, leading to his biracial children, Ser Laenor Velaryon and Laena Velaryon. This departure from the book’s descriptions is a notable evolution, as the Velaryons were traditionally depicted with platinum hair, fair skin, and purple-hued eyes, with their light gray hair being their only similar trait. This casting choice not only reflects a more diverse representation but also introduces new dynamics and complexities to the Velaryon family.
When House of the Dragon first aired, the casting choice sparked considerable controversy. However, the producers responded by aiming for greater diversity and to differentiate between the Targaryens and Velaryons despite their similar descriptions. This controversy and subsequent response hint at a more significant reason why the Velaryons are portrayed as Black rather than white, inviting the audience to delve deeper into the decision-making process.
The Bloodline Significant Died Out in One Fatal Way in House of the Dragon
Rhaenyra Targaryen’s claim to the throne would have been strengthened by bearing children. However, her husband, Ser Laenor, was gay, making it difficult to fulfill this condition. As a result, Rhaenyra had children with Ser Harwin Strong. This raised suspicions about the children’s true parentage in the castle, especially because they did not look mixed-race and lacked the light hair common among their bloodline.
Similarly, when Laena and Daemon Targaryen had children, Rhaena and Baela, their offspring were indeed biracial and had the light-colored hair typical of their lineage. However, due to the civil war’s events, it appears that Rhaena and Baela never had children of their own, causing the Velaryon bloodline to slowly diminish. Consequently, no Black characters are seen in the main series, which may signify several underlying themes.
The Velaryons, staunch supporters of Rhaenyra, experienced a decline in their bloodline following her defeat in the civil war. This decline continued throughout the timeline of Game of Thrones, up until Robert Baratheon’s ascension to the Iron Throne. The Velaryons’ unwavering loyalty to House Targaryen led to a significant diminishment of their standing in the realm over time. This decline, while a result of external factors, also reflects the complex interplay of power and lineage in the Game of Thrones universe, where loyalty and heritage do not always guarantee a favorable outcome.
Ryan Condal’s Statement About the Casting of House of Dragon Black Leads
Back when the show was being created, Ryan Condal stated in an interview at The Grill about the casting of black characters: “I think it was not that simple. I think the reason that it’s been a successful choice, frankly – I mean, not everybody’s ever going to be happy – the reason it was successful is because it was thought out, it wasn’t just done perfunctorily or wasn’t just done to tick a box or to be seen as progressive or to be seen as somebody that’s covering all the bases or anything like that. […] It’s 2022; it’s a different era than the shows used to be made in; we have an incredibly diverse audience that’s not only across America but in multiple countries that speak all sorts of different languages that represent all the colors under the sun. And seeing some of that reflected on the screen was really important. This is a fantasy world. I think if this were a historical fiction piece, it’d be a more nuanced discussion. But I think simply because of the fantasy world if we believe in dragons, shapeshifters, and dire wolves, we can believe everybody in the story is not white.”
The Deeper Interpretation of Why Black Leads Were Cast in House of the Dragon
Ultimately, their story is less about a House dying out due to external factors and more about the consequences of their own actions. The Velaryons, staunch supporters of Rhaenyra, played a significant role in the civil war, aligning themselves with the Targaryens despite their weakening position. This loyalty, while admirable, also led them to align with weaker sides in various conflicts, leaving them vulnerable and marginalized. This decline continued throughout the timeline of Game of Thrones, up until Robert Baratheon’s ascension to the Iron Throne.
No Old Valyrian currently sits on the Iron Throne, and the riches and influence of House Velaryon ultimately overshadowed any claim to the rightful succession. Despite their significant roles throughout Game of Thrones, the Velaryons are a subtle reminder that power dynamics often dictate outcomes rather than inherent rights or bloodlines. This observation applies equally to the Targaryens. Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms, the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains had all the power it appeared at the end of Season 6. Still, in the blink of an eye—rather throughout Seasons 7 and 8, one by one, she lost many of these titles, and ultimately, her death signified that power is not enough. Whether rightful or not, who stands behind you matters to the least. It’s how you play the Game of Thrones, and she played it poorly.