In House of the Dragon Season 2, we see how the Blacks are at a disadvantage after the loss of Rhaenys and her dragon Meleys. In the penultimate episode of Season 2 of the show, titled "The Red Sowing," Rhaenyra calls for potential candidates amongst the small folks to tame the dragons. Upon hearing of the massive event, Hugh Hammer shows up and manages to claim one of the largest dragons, Vermithor.
Hugh Hammer (Kieren Bew), is introduced to House of the Dragon as a blacksmith. But Hugh comes with a backstory, he is a Dragon Seed. Dragon seeds are known to be illegitimate children of Valyrian descent. Although his father's identity is unknown, according to the books, his mother is Saera Targaryen.
House of The Dragon: How is Hugh related to Viserys and Daemon?
The dragon seeds will evolve to be one of the best assets for Rhaenyra Targaryen in the upcoming episodes and seasons of House of the Dragon. Rhaenyra Targaryen recruits Targaryen and Valeryon lowborn dragonriders as it is widely believed that only people with Valyrian blood can bond with a dragon.
Episode 7 focuses mainly on two new dragon riders, Ulf the White and Hugh Hammer. Viewers know that Ulf is still unaware of how he is related to the Targaryens, but that's not the case with Hugh. After losing his daughter, Hugh decides to go to Dragonstone, but before he leaves, he apologizes to his wife for hiding his identity.
“I never knew my father. That much is true,” he said. “But I did know my mother. I hid it from you. And I’m sorry for that.”
Hugh's mother worked in a pleasure house, but she was a Targaryan. She often told him that he was no different from her brother's sons, Viserys and Daemon. This confirms his mother's identity as Saera Targaryen, the daughter of King Jahaerys I, who disowned her for her scandalous deeds.
How does Hugh Hammer claim Vermithor?
Hugh Hammer has chosen to live the life of an underpaid blacksmith in King's Landing, regardless of being a significant descendant of the Targaryens. This point is brought to focus in House of The Dragon season 2, when he explains his mother's identity to his wife.
Hugh has kept his identity a secret all these years in House of The Dragon because he wants to create his own legacy. Learning of Rhaenyra's summoning proves to be the opportunity he has been waiting for. But it is important to keep in mind that being a descendant of and having Targaryen blood is not enough to form a bond with dragons; Ser Steffon Darklyn's fate is the perfect example of this fact.
Vermithor has not been ridden since the death of its last rider, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. As the first dragon seed moves forward to touch Vermithor, the dragon unleashes havoc by blowing fire on numerous dragon seeds, turning them to ash. But instead of running away, Hugo bravely stands in front of Vermithor, preventing him from burning a woman.
Seeing Hugo bravely stand in front of Vermithor to face death, the dragon accepts him and deems him worthy of being a true dragon rider.
The eighth and final episode of House of the Dragon season 2 will air on 4th August, 2024.
