Alyn Of Hull Gets a Dragon?
Son of Corlys Velaryon, Alyn of Hull turns down the chance to claim a dragon after his brother Addam bonds with Seasmoke in House Of The Dragon season 2. This choice departs from book lore, in which Alyn actively seeks to claim dragons. The way the show presents Alyn highlights his relationship to the sea and his need to keep a distinct identity apart from his father.
Alyn's Leave from Book Lore
Along with Addam, Alyn in George R. R. Martin's Fire & Blood answers Rhaenyra Targaryen's call to bastards with Valyrian blood to claim dragons on Dragonstone. While Addam ties tightly to Seasmoke, Alyn tries but fails to claim the wild dragon Grey Ghost. Later on he tries to claim Sheepstealer, but he comes burned and scarred.
Alyn's Rejection of Show Dragonriding
Alyn's rejection of Corlys' offer to claim a dragon in House Of The Dragon emphasizes his distaste of exposing his parentage. He has actively worked to hide his Valyrian background, cutting his silver hair. Claiming a dragon would instantly reveal his relationship to Corlys, so compromising his life and career. Alyn's inclination to the sea and his work as a shipwright at Driftmark help to explain his choice. He considers himself as "salt and sea," thus dragonriding doesn't fit him.
Alyn's Decision's Implications
Alyn's decision to refuse to claim a dragon shapes House of the Dragon's story greatly. It divides his narrative from that of his brother, who develops into a talented dragonrider. Alyn's priorities still center his maritime endeavors as well as his relationship with Corlys and Addam. The choice also removes a possible dragonrider from Rhaenyra's side, so restricting her resources in the Dance of the Dragons.
Alyn's Part in the Dragon Dance
Alyn's participation in the Dance of the Dragons mostly centers on his duty as a navy commander under Corlys. While Corlys serves as Hand of the Queen, he most certainly oversees the Velaryon fleet. Alyn's denial of claiming a dragon strengthens his bond to the sea and his wish to stay apart from the Targaryen-Velaryon strife. Navigating the political unrest without the need for dragonfire, he comes to represent loyalty and obligation inside the Velaryon family.
Alyn's narrative and the function of choice
Alyn's story on the show and the book differ, which emphasizes the need of choice and personal agency in the narrative. Although Alyn's choice to give up dragonriding seems like a little departure, it has big effects on his character arc and his relationship with his father and brother. Alyn's rejection of the dragon marks a decision to follow his own road, so rejecting the possibility for glory and authority that dragonriding presents. His narrative reminds us that there are other paths available even in a world ruled by dragons; the decision to follow them can be as strong as claiming a dragon.
