In “House of the Dragon,” even the youngest members of the sprawling Targaryen household tree can have a significant function to play. While younger Lucerys Velaryon begins out as a minor participant in a warfare fought by adults, his ultimate moments are something however minor. The guide “Fire & Blood,” which kinds the premise for the TV sequence, revealed he’s concerned in a significant turning level within the battle lengthy earlier than that fateful second performed out on display screen within the “House of the Dragon” season one finale. Here’s the whole lot the “Fire & Blood” guide reveals about Lucerys’s character.
Lucerys’s Childhood
Nicknamed “Luke,” Lucerys Velaryon is formally the second son of Rhaenyra Targaryen and Laenor Velaryon, her first husband. Although he’s publicly mentioned to be Laenor’s son, nonetheless, Luke (like his brothers) is definitely the son of Rhaenyra and her lover Ser Harwin Strong. The boys’ parentage is an open secret, notably since they resemble the Strongs, not the Targaryens or Velaryons.
Luke and his brothers develop up with a simmering enmity between them and the sons of their grandfather, King Viserys, and his second spouse, Alicent. The Targaryen boys insult the Velaryons and mock them for his or her rumored parentage. It involves a head when Aemond, one in every of Viserys and Alicent’s sons, makes an attempt to bond with the dragon Vhagar. When his actions are found, a battle erupts that leads to Luke slashing one in every of Aemond’s eyes out. Luke has his personal dragon, Arrax, who hatched from an egg positioned in Luke’s cradle when he was an toddler.
Lucerys and Rhaena’s Relationship
When Luke is 3 years outdated, he’s betrothed to his cousin Rhaena Targaryen, who’s the youthful daughter of Daemon Targaryen and Laena Velaryon. By the time the Dance of the Dragons plunges Westeros into civil warfare, Luke is just 13 years outdated and Rhaena is just 12, each nonetheless too younger to formally marry.
Near the beginning of the warfare, Luke is shipped on a mission by his mom: as an envoy to Storm’s End to talk with Lord Borros Baratheon. While there, Borros asks Luke if he’ll marry one of many 4 Baratheon daughters, however Luke declines, explaining that he’s already promised to Rhaena.
How Does Lucerys Die?
Although it’s purported to be a comparatively protected diplomatic mission, Luke’s journey to Storm’s End proves to be a deadly one. When he arrives, his cousin Aemond is already there negotiating with Borros as properly. Luke makes an attempt to hold out his mission and depart, insisting to his cousin that he’s there solely as an envoy, to not battle, and refuses to be drawn into battle.
Aemond, nonetheless, has completely different plans. As quickly as Luke leaves on Arrax, Aemond goes after him on Vhagar within the midst of a storm. No one sees precisely what occurs, however no matter battle happens doesn’t final lengthy. The storm prevents Arrax from flying quick sufficient, and he’s overwhelmed by the older and bigger Vhagar. The our bodies of each Arrax and Luke are discovered washed ashore, and Luke’s household vow revenge for his dying. His stepfather, Daemon, arranges for one of many sons of Aegon II (Aemond’s elder brother and Rhaenyra’s rival for the throne) to be murdered to “even the rating.” Although hostilities have already begun, Luke’s dying marks the true level of no return within the warfare.
Differences in “House of the Dragon”
“House of the Dragon” stays fairly true to the occasions specified by “Fire & Blood,” nevertheless it does reveal how Lucerys died as soon as and for all. The starting of the story stays the identical — with Aemond pursuing Lucerys on dragonback after he leaves Storm’s End. While within the air, Aemond intimidates Arrax and Lucerys together with his a lot greater dragon, Vhagar. His intimidation ways work, however with unintended penalties: Lucerys loses management of Arrax, who, of his personal accord, blasts Vhagar with fireplace. This angers Vhagar, inflicting Aemond to lose management of his beast as properly, and it swings round and devours Lucerys and Arrax in midair.
While Aemond seemingly by no means meant to kill Lucerys, it issues not. He instantly understands the implications of what he is finished primarily based on the look on his face within the moments after Vhagar’s lethal actions. In killing Rhaenyra’s beloved son, he is kicked off the Dance of the Dragons, and there isn’t any turning again.
Sign up for HBO Max now to observe “House of the Dragon.”
