For much of House of the Dragon, Corlys Velaryon has been chasing something. Wealth, glory, legacy, power, adventure. The Sea Snake built one of the greatest reputations in Westerosi history by always looking toward the next horizon.
But after everything Corlys has lost, Steve Toussaint believes his character wants something much simpler now: happiness.
The problem is, Corlys may no longer believe he can have it.
Quick read:
- Steve Toussaint reflects on Corlys’ future.
- He believes Corlys has given up on happiness.
- Rhaenys’ death changed everything for him.
Corlys no longer dreams of power or glory
Speaking to CBR, Toussaint was asked what he hopes for Corlys before House of the Dragon comes to an end.
The actor didn’t mention titles, victories, or political influence. Instead, his answer centered on the emotional toll Corlys has endured over the years.
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“It’s going to sound sort of trite, but I would love… I think Corlys has given up on being happy. Once his wife died, there were certain things that he felt he had to fulfill, and then I guess he could go on his ship and just go off into the sunset.”
It’s a poignant assessment of a character who has lost nearly everything that mattered to him.
Over the course of the series, Corlys has buried children, grandchildren, and ultimately Rhaenys Targaryen, the person who grounded him throughout his life. Season 3 only added to that burden as he became increasingly disillusioned with the cost of the war.
Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO
Toussaint just wants Corlys to find peace
What stood out most about Toussaint’s answer was its simplicity.
Rather than hoping for some grand ending, he wants Corlys to know his family is safe and secure.
“I’d like him to be happy. I’d like his children to be secure in whatever they’re doing so that he can go, ‘Well, at least I did that.’”
The actor then admitted that the hope might be unrealistic given the setting.
“I’m trying to think of something really profound to say, but I can’t. I just want Corlys to be happy. We’ll see. I don’t hold out much hope. This is Westeros, after all, but you never know.”
Considering where season 3 left Corlys, it’s hard to disagree.
The Sea Snake enters the final season carrying grief, doubts about the war, concerns about Alyn, and growing questions about Rhaenyra’s leadership. Happiness isn’t exactly abundant in Westeros. Still, if anyone has earned a peaceful ending, it might be the man who’s spent a lifetime surviving storms.
Read next: Will Corlys betray Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon season 4? Steve Toussaint isn’t so sure
