House of the Dragon enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats, piecing together the mysterious fate of one elusive character. Followers of HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel are buzzing with theories after picking up on a crucial hint in the tale of Laenor Velaryon’s disappearance. Let’s rewind to season one, circa 2022, where in episode seven we watched Laenor sailing away—yes, it was an overcast scene, but it’s etched in our memories, right?
To refresh your recollection, Laenor was wedded to Rhaenyra Targaryen in a union arranged for political convenience. Laenor, who is gay, and Rhaenyra struggled to have children together. This is where Ser Harwin Strong enters the picture, falling for Rhaenyra and fathering three children who Laenor had to claim as his own, amidst widespread skepticism about their paternity.
After a particularly tumultuous period, and despite his attachment to his loyal dragon Seasmoke, Laenor vowed to be a better spouse. Nevertheless, he later vanished, leaving everyone wondering about his fate.
In a conversation with Venture, John MacMillan, the actor portraying the adult Laenor, shared his thoughts on the character’s complex relationships: “I found the writing of that scene really moving. There might not be romantic love between Laenor and Rhaenyra, but there’s undeniable compassion and friendship. They’ve known each other since childhood, been married for a decade, and have supported one another through thick and thin.”
However, it’s a subtle observation about Seasmoke’s distress that has sparked intense speculation among fans on Reddit. Could the dragon’s unease suggest something more sinister about Laenor’s fate?
One forum user pondered, “Seasmoke being restless might mean Laenor has already passed away. I hope it was serene, as I really liked him. It was a relief to see him escape the incessant family drama.”
In response, another countered, “If dragons truly reacted this way to their rider’s death, wouldn’t Seasmoke be more unsettled when Laenor faked his death? This subreddit is too quick to conclude that he’s dead just as tensions are escalating and war looms.”
Another added, “I’m betting on his return to soothe his father. Perhaps Seasmoke senses Laenor’s presence, not his absence.”
Meanwhile, another theorist suggested, “What if Viserys, the youngest son of Daemon and Rhaenyra, is raised by Laenor after getting lost in the free cities?”
What are your thoughts on Laenor’s mysterious fate? Could these theories hold a grain of truth, or is there another twist awaiting us? Only time will tell.