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Who Inherits Driftmark in House of the Dragon? Corlys Velaryon's Heir Explained

House of the Dragon: Complicated Succession of Driftmark

A major storyline point in House of the Dragon has been who will inherit Driftmark, the ancestral house of House Velaryon. Strategically important island Driftmark is close to Dragonstone; its lord, Corlys Velaryon, sometimes known as the Sea Snake, is among the most powerful and rich men in Westeros.

The Heir Apparent: Lucerys Velaryon

Laenor Velaryon, Corlys's original heir, is thought to be dead, although this is later on shown to be a ruse. Laena Velaryon, Corlys's daughter, also passed away leaving just grandchildren as possible heirs. At first, Corlys chose to designate Lucerys Velaryon—also known as Luke—his grandson as heir. Given Lucerys's son Laenor's inheritance from Rhaenyra Targaryen, heir to the Iron Throne, this decision made sense.

Lucerys was killed in a dragon attack, though, thus Corlys lacked a clear successor.

Baela Targaryen: An Unconvenient Decision

Corlys's wife Rhaenys Targaryen proposed their granddaughter Baela Targaryen as the next heir. Laena Velaryon and Rhaenyra's brother Daemon Targaryen's daughter Belsa is Although Baela is a strong and competent woman, she showed no desire in inheriting Driftmark. Since they were both Targaryen descendants, she considered herself as a Targaryen rather than a Velaryon and felt her future lay with Jacaerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra's son.

Alegitimized bastard Alyn of Hull

Corlys decided at last to name Alyn of Hull, his bastard son, his heir. Corlys and Rhaenyra validated Alyn when his brother Addam started riding a dragonrider, so rendering them legitimate Velaryons.

Although Alyn might not have been the perfect fit, he was a strong and competent sailor who demonstrated Black loyalty during the Dance Of The Dragons. After Jace Velaryon passed away, Baela finally wed Alyn and took on Lady of Driftmark title.

A Lyn Velaryon: Tides' Lord

Following Corlys's death, Alyn came to be Lord of the Tides. He participated actively in the Dance Of The Dragons and kept serving the crown as a naval commander. Alyn supported Blacks faithfully and was a talented sailor.

The legacy of Driftmark

A strong island, Driftmark has been crucial for Westerosi history. Long a major presence in the field, House Velaryon is well-known for their military and sailing prowess. The Velaryons kept Driftmark as their ancestral seat notwithstanding some setbacks following the Dance of the Dragons. Still a strong and powerful house in the Seven Kingdoms.

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