Here’s how ‘House of the Dragon’ sets up Laenor’s return

HBO’s Game of Thrones spin-off House of the Dragon is based on George R. R. Martin’s prequel book Fire and Blood. However, a small change may have significant ramifications. 

In the latest episode, ‘Driftmark’, Daemon and Rhaenyra hatch a plan to have Laenor murdered by his secret lover Ser Qarl Correy so that they can wed and strengthen their claim to the throne. 

The plan seems to go down without a hitch, with Laenor’s parents finding his burnt remains. 

However, in a last second twist we discover Laenor actually faked his death and escapes with Correy. Whether this was the intention of Rhaenyra and Dameon remains to be seen. But regardless, there is sure to be huge consequences in the future. 

But for once, the people who read the books couldn’t actually tell you what those consequences are, because in Fire and Blood, Laenor actually just dies. 

In the original book, Ser Qarl does indeed murder him over what is suggested to be a lover’s feud. But like the series, the rumour was that it was Daemon who ordered him to murder Laenor. 

If Laenor’s survival ever reaches back to the throne, there could be dire consequences that would destroy Rhaenyra’s plan to rule Westeros. 

But Laenor’s return may already be certain, as there is one character from the books that could be the perfect reintroduction. Sometime later in Fire and Blood, Addam of Hull who also had silver hair, became a knight for House Velaryon. When Jacaerys decided they needed more dragonriders they encouraged people to attempt bonding. One of those was Addam with none other than Laenor’s dragon Seasmoke. 

After his impressive battles, the throne removed the taint of bastardy from Addam and he became Addam Velaryon and the heir to Driftmark. In the book, this is done as an act of affection. But perhaps in House of the Dragon, Corlys becomes aware that Addam’s true identity is in fact, Laenor.

But, maybe the decision to have him survive was simply made because the character starting a new life somewhere doesn’t have to have any ripple effect on the rest of the show. 

Make sure to check out our recap of the latest House of the Dragon episode. 

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