Is Ulf Really a Targaryen?
In House Of The Dragon, Ulf claims to be a grandson of Jaehaerys I and a brother to Viserys and Daemon. But, in the book, Fire and Blood, he's just a Dragonseed. So, is Ulf actually a Targaryen?
The show changes the book's version of Ulf, making him claim to be a son of Baelon the Brave. The thing is, the books are a bit unreliable and can't be taken at face value, so it's possible that he is actually a grandson of Jaehaerys. But based on the books, Baelon was known for being faithful to his wife, so it's unlikely that he'd father a bastard. So, it's a toss-up! The show might be giving us a different version of the story, which is something that it's done before.
How Does Ulf Get a Dragon?
In the Sowing of the Seeds, a ceremony where bastards of Valyrian descent can try to bond with dragons, Ulf ends up stumbling upon Silverwing, a big, gray dragon. She's really docile compared to other dragons and quickly bonds with Ulf. Pretty lucky, right?
Silverwing was previously ridden by Queen Alyssane Targaryen, and there's a special connection between Silverwing and Vermithor, which reflects the relationship between their previous riders. So, Ulf claiming Silverwing makes him a powerful player in the game.
What Happens to Ulf in the Dance of the Dragons?
Ulf fights for the Blacks in the Dance of the Dragons, but eventually betrays them. He helps the Greens by aiding them in the Battle of the Gullet. Then, he betrays the Blacks during the First Battle of Tumbleton and sides with the Greens. He does this because he wants to become Lord of Bitterbridge by Daeron Targaryen. Ulf also fights in the Second Battle of Tumbleton, but he's so drunk that he doesn't do much. Then, he makes a big play for the Iron Throne, but ends up getting poisoned! How dramatic!
Who Are Dragonseeds?
Dragonseeds are bastards of House Targaryen. They usually have some Valyrian blood in them, but aren't considered "true" Targaryens. Even though they might not be a part of the main Targaryen line, they are still considered powerful because of their Valyrian blood.
In the show, Dragonseeds have been involved in many major events and have been really important to the story. They also usually have some sort of connection to dragons.
Who is Baelon the Brave?
Baelon the Brave was the son of Jaehaerys I Targaryen and the brother of Viserys and Daemon, the ones who were in the show. He was known as a kind and just ruler who was very loved by the people. He also had a very strong claim to the throne, but he died young after a short reign. He's considered a bit of a tragic hero in the Targaryen history.
He's also mentioned in the show, but his death isn't quite as dramatic as it is in the books. In the books, he dies after a terrible illness. That is probably why Ulf is so easily able to claim that he is Baelon's son, because not many people would know for sure if he actually is!
Why is Ulf Important?
Ulf is a key player in the Dance of the Dragons. He's a strong warrior and a skilled dragon rider, who plays a role in changing the outcome of many battles. Even though he's a bastard, he's still a powerful player in the game, who could potentially influence the fate of Westeros. He's a reminder that even someone with no "real" claim to the throne can still have a big impact on the events that take place.
Plus, he has the ability to control a dragon, which is super rare and powerful. So, he's not to be underestimated. He might even have the potential to claim the Iron Throne for himself!
