Warning: This article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon season 2!
HBO hit series House of the Dragon season 2 is reaching its end, with the Blacks and the Greens clashing in a dramatic struggle for control of the Iron Throne. However, before the showdown between the warring factions of the Targaryens and their dragons begins, each team strengthens its army with dragonriders.
The Greens have the biggest dragon in the series, Vhagar, ridden by Aemond Targaryen, along with other dragons Sunfyre, Dreamfyre, and possibly Tessarion, though Tessarion's rider has yet to make an appearance on screen.
With the numerous new Dragonseeds and Oscar Tully's support, it seems that Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen might just be able to win this war. In House of the Dragon, season 2, episode 7, Rhaenyra hosted the Red Sowing ceremony during which Hugh Hammer from the small folks is chosen by Vermithor.
However, one question that has intrigued many fans is: why did Vermithor choose Hugh Hammer after killing almost every smallfolk with Targaryen blood, who had appeared for the trial?
Interestingly, there are a few theories that attempt to explain, but do not confirm, why Vermithor chose Hugh Hammer as his rider after staying riderless for years. Read below to explore the possibilities of Vermithor's ultimate choice.
Bloodline Connection Theory in House of the Dragon
The relationship dynamic between a dragon and its rider plays a significant role in the House of the Dragon universe. They not only fight together in battles but also ensure they have a reliable companion by their side.
Similarly, Vermithor is a majestic dragon who was first ridden by King Jaehaerys I during his rule. Vermithor is one of the largest dragons in the Targaryen house, and his bronze scales and huge size depict his fierce nature.
However, Vermithor became riderless after the demise of King Jaehaerys I and lived on Dragonstone. Years later, when the Civil War between the members of Targaryen house began, Vermithor finally chose a small folk named Hugh Hammer.
In House of the Dragon, Hugh Hammer (played by Kieran Bew) is the bastard son of Saera Targaryen, the ninth child of King Jaehaerys I and Queen Alysanne. Saera was disowned by her family due to disloyalty and wrongful actions.
So, one of the reasons why Vermithor chose Hugh Hammer as his rider might be due to the Targaryen blood that runs through his veins. His grandfather King Jaehaerys I was the first rider of Vermithor, and the two shared a respectful bond.
Following the events in House of the Dragon, Vermithor must have identified the bloodline, leading him to select Hugh Hammer.
Actor Kieran Bew's explanation of why Vermithor chose Hugh Hammer
Apart from the bloodline theory about Hugh Hammer being chosen by Vermithor, actor Kieran Bew also had an explanation. As seen in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7, Vermithor couldn't stop himself from killing all the small folks who tried to bond with him on Dragonstone.
Only Hugh Hammer and a woman were left hiding from the dragon. However, the moment Vermithor lays his eyes on the woman, he decides to kill her. But suddenly Hugh Hammer stops him yelling "Come on!".
In an interview with TVLine, Kieran Bew spoke about his character's bravery and said:
"I think there was a suggestion that Hugh is tentative, and he’s trying to coax this dragon out. I was on set and I said to Loni [Peristere, director] and to Ryan [Condal, showrunner] … “I want to be the dragon. I want to front the dragon."
Bew explained that Hugh was initially planning to be cautious about Vermithor's action, but he wanted to prove his worth of claiming the giant creature. This way, Hugh Hammer's bravery might have impressed Vermithor as the dragon calmed down and chose Saera Targaryen's bastard son to be his rider.
Hugh Hammer's dark side might have played a role in claiming Vermithor
While one explanation from Kieran Bew points at Hugh Hammer's bravery, his other statement hints at the dark side of Hugh's character. The actor talks about his character's will to survive at any cost, even if it's bonding with a dragon and joining Queen Rhaenyra's army.
In the same interview with the outlet, Kieran Bew said:
"Hugh doesn’t step forward as the first person. So, maybe I already made a mistake, because if somebody else touches that dragon, then how many more dragons are there? How many more chances have I got? So, at that very moment when everyone’s on fire, it’s interesting that you think I saved the girl. [Grins]"
So, this theory, which talks about the dark side of Hugh Hammer, suggests that he wasn't saving the girl, but initiated a calculated move only to increase the chances of his survival. While everyone was being burned up by Vermithor, Hugh was analyzing the dragon and waiting for his chance to claim the dragon.
Another incident that proves that Hugh Hammer is indeed the kind of man who only cares about his survival occurred in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6. When Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen sent food to aid the starving people of King's Landing, Hugh Hammer used violence to secure his share.
A theory that goes beyond bloodlines
While the first theory about Hugh Hammer's origin hints at the reason why Vermithor chose him, another notable theory explains more than just sharing the Targaryen blood.
Vermithor possesses the power to sense emotions, and he might have identified Hugh's urgency to survive and become a significant member of House Targaryen.
Choosing a rider isn't solely based on a dragon's emotional connection with past riders. Vermithor is a formidable creature known for his fighting skills and fierce nature. And considering these aspects, the dragon undeniably deserves a rider desperate to win and dominate others, which Hugh Hammer has proven himself to be. Various theories and incidences from the show point that a dragon's choice of rider reflects a complex interplay of factors beyond mere lineage.
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