Corlys Velaryon, better known as the Sea Snake, has proven himself to be one of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s greatest commanders in her pursuit of the Iron Throne. His leadership helped secure victory at the Battle of the Gullet, though it came at a devastating cost.
In the current season of House of the Dragon, Corlys is still struggling with the loss of Rhaenys Targaryen. As a veteran sailor, warrior, and naval commander, his abilities remain unmatched. During the Battle of the Gullet, his illegitimate son, Alyn of Hull, ultimately defeated Sharako Lohar. Yet House Velaryon has suffered so many losses that they have clearly taken their toll. The latest episode explores Corlys’ determination to legitimize his two bastard sons.
The losses that shaped Corlys Velaryon
From the very beginning of House of the Dragon, Corlys has endured disappointment and tragedy. In the series premiere, he stands beside Rhaenys Targaryen during the Great Council of 101 AC, where the lords of Westeros pass over her claim and choose Viserys Targaryen as King Jaehaerys’s successor. Despite the setback, the Sea Snake remains fiercely ambitious.
Years later, the ailing King Viserys arranges the marriage between Rhaenyra Targaryen and Ser Laenor Velaryon. Corlys readily accepts the alliance, believing it will eventually place his bloodline on the Iron Throne.
His ambitions suffer another blow when everyone believes Laenor has died. Even then, Corlys chooses to recognize Rhaenyra’s “Strong” sons as true Velaryons, preserving his family’s place in the line of succession.
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When the Greens seize the Iron Throne, Corlys ultimately sides with the Blacks at Rhaenys’ urging. Then the Battle of Rook’s Rest claims Rhaenys’ life. The loss of his wife and closest companion changes him forever.
Why Westerosi politics has become too gray for Corlys
The latest season portrays a man worn down by years of grief. Corlys continues to fight for Rhaenyra’s cause, but personal loss increasingly shapes his decisions. Above all else, he wants to secure the future of his illegitimate sons, Alyn and Addam, by having them legitimized.
Rhaenyra refuses for now. Granting Corlys’ request could once again cast doubt on the legitimacy of her own sons, something she cannot risk so soon after claiming the Iron Throne. Corlys does not take the rejection well.
Speaking on the official House of the Dragon Season 3 podcast, actor Steve Toussaint explained Corlys’ frustration:
“I haven’t asked you for anything.. I’ve just gone on and done what I was supposed to do. And now the one time I ask you a favor, you give me this nonsense.”
Toussaint went on to describe Corlys as a man from a different era—one guided by honor rather than political calculation.
“A man’s word was a man’s word, and there was none of this shilly-shallying, and if you made a mistake, if you did something wrong, you’d go into the drawing room and you’d go in there with a loaded pistol, and that would be the end of it, ’cause of your honor.”
According to Toussaint, modern Westerosi politics has become “a bit too gray for him.”
Corlys’ own actions reflect that mindset. In his determination to legitimize Alyn and Addam, he repeats the very accusation that once led to his brother Vaemond Velaryon’s execution. He openly calls Rhaenyra’s sons – Jacaerys, Lucerys, and Joffrey – bastards, risking yet another confrontation with the queen he has loyally served.
Whether Corlys can convince Rhaenyra to legitimize his sons remains uncertain. One thing is clear: in a world where politics increasingly outweighs honor, the Sea Snake is finding it harder than ever to navigate the shifting tides of Westeros.
