'House of the Dragon': who is Alyn of Hull, the mysterious character related to House Velaryon

With scenes as exciting as the one from The Wall in Winterfell, Rhaenyra and Jace's embrace, or the brutal plot of Blood and Cheese in the return of House of the Dragon, others like the one featuring the introduction of Alyn of Hull, a new character related to Lord Corlys Velaryon, may go unnoticed.

Portrayed by British actor Abubakar Salim (Assassin's Creed, Raised by Wolves), the first time he appears on screen he is speaking with Sea Snake, making it clear that they know each other previously although it is never specified from what or how long ago. 

In the particular scene, Corlys thanks him for saving his life by pulling him out of the water in the Battle of Stepstones. Alyn, on his part, offers his condolences for the death of Prince Lucerys and hands him a package with the sword he had commissioned for his heir before his fateful death at the hands of Aemond.

This is all that is known so far about a character that could be episodic, but that will play a very important role later in the season, as recorded in the Fire and Blood records, which also reveal the origin of his relationship with Sea Snake. 

Do not continue reading if you do not want spoilers from the book and the series.

Who is Alyn of Hull in the novel

Alyn appears in several novels by George R.R. Martin, such as The World of Ice and Fire, Fire and Blood, The Rise of the Dragon, The Princess and the Queen, and Dance with Dragons.

This is the final warning, spoilers for future plots of House of the Dragon follow. Read on at your own risk.

Alyn of Hull in 'The House of the Dragon'

In the books, Alyn of Hull and his brother Addam are sailors from Driftmark and bastard sons of Marilda of Hull with a parent of Valyrian descent, so they are considered "dragon seeds," which during this war will become very important because they might have the ability to claim and ride dragons.

Their mother initially tells them that their father was Ser Laenor Velaryon. However, it is later revealed that their true father is Lord Corlys Velaryon.

During the Dance of the Dragons, Prince Jacaerys Velaryon orders the search for more dragonriders. Many men from Dragonstone will try to mount a dragon, including Alyn and his brother Addam. We will not say which dragons they will try to claim to not give away the death of their riders, but we will say that only one of the brothers will succeed.

Alyn and Addam Velaryon will receive their legitimate surnames and lose their bastard status by order of Rhaenyra and at the request of Lord Corlys Velaryon. The first will become Lord of the Tides and Lord of Driftmark, and his younger brother his heir.