Who is Hugh Targaryen's mother in the House of the Dragons?
Hugh, also known as Hugh the Hammer in George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood, is revealed to be a Targaryen bastard in House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 7. He claims the dragon Vermithor, and his past is revealed, including his daughter's sad death and his knowledge that his mother was Targaryen. While the show does not clearly state who his mother was, Fire & Blood presents a strong candidate.
Is Saera Targaryen Hugh's mother?
Hugh's mother is quite likely Saera Targaryen, the daughter of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen and Queen Alysanne. Hugh says his mother compared him to his "brother's boys, Viserys and Daemon," implying her brother was Baelon Targaryen. Saera matches the description because Baelon is unlikely to have any bastards. Furthermore, Hugh describes his mother worked in a pleasure house, which is consistent with Saera's historical past. Saera was known for her wild and rebellious personality, and she was sent to Oldtown following a court case involving a brothel. She eventually escaped and worked in a pleasure house in Lys. While Hugh is not one of Saera's acknowledged offspring who contested the throne, she most likely had more children. Hugh may very well be her son.
Does Hugh's claim to Vermithor have any significance?
Hugh becoming Vermithor's dragonrider has a deeper meaning, especially given his apparent relationship to Saera. Hugh's kinship with Vermithor, Jaehaerys I's dragon, is a direct link to his grandpa. However, there is a strong sense of irony. Jaehaerys rejected Saera and labeled her a "whre" after learning her involvement in sex trade. Her son claiming his dragon decades later may be interpreted as a defiant act, a "fk you" to his grandfather. However, it also implies a potential reunion between Jaehaerys and Saera. In his later years, Jaehaerys became confused and frequently confused Alicent Hightower with Saera, indicating his love for his daughter. Hugh claiming Vermithor might be regarded as a symbol of reconciliation, with the dragon acknowledging its relationship to Saera.
How crucial is Hugh's lineage in the story?
Hugh's background as a Targaryen bastard enriches his character and bond with Vermithor. It emphasizes Saera's legacy and serves as a painful reminder of the Targaryen family's history and intricate relationships. His story provides another element to the dragonseeds plot, demonstrating the spread of Targaryen blood and the possibility of powerful individuals emerging from unexpected places. As the story progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how Hugh's heritage effects his behavior and his role in the larger struggle in Westeros.
