House of the Dragon premiered last weekend with some brutal action sequences, an intriguing storyline, and plenty of new characters. One of the new players in this Game of Thrones prequel is Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Head of House Velaryon. Corlys is also called "The Sea Snake" thanks to his reputation as the best sailor and explorer in Westeros.

Not only is Corlys the wealthiest man in Westeros, but he is also one of the most powerful. He commands the biggest navy worldwide, which is why he is the Master of Ships on the Council led by King Viserys I Targaryen. Corlys is portrayed by Steve Toussaint as a ruler of brutal honesty and principle.

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Corlys Velaryon's Backstory

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House of the Dragon is partly based on George R. R. Martin's novel about the Targaryen family, Fire & Blood, from the series A Song of Ice and Fire. The novel goes into detail on Corlys' history involving the ships he obtained, the long voyages he traveled, and the riches he brought back to his household. The treasures he collected included gold, silk, spices, animals, and other valuables. While the show will mostly focus on the Targaryen dynasty, perhaps a couple of episodes this season could unveil some info on Corlys' adventures and how he became the richest man in Westeros (even more than the Lannister family).

There have been several criticisms regarding the casting of a black man as Corlys on the show considering the character is white in the books. However, these negative remarks are invalid because other adaptations and/or versions of beloved fantasy stories such as the upcoming Amazon series, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and Denis Villeneuve's Dune film, both contain people of color in certain roles. This proves that movies and TV shows based on popular books are capable of embracing diversity and inclusion.

Corlys Velaryon has the potential to be an intriguing character on the show because he is an ambitious and intelligent ruler who has a taste for adventure and intends to tackle serious matters head-on. He's a man who would take action against opposing forces, but he doesn't celebrate or condone extreme violence that's glorified for fun, as shown when he and his wife are disengaged while watching men from various families take part in the duel tournament.

Corlys Takes His Role Very Seriously

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Corlys is a man who presents himself as a stern, no-nonsense member of the Small Council. He is also a man of action who gets straight down to business. In an early scene during the pilot episode, while King Viserys and other members of the Council are eating, drinking wine, and laughing about casual matters, Corlys jumps in with a serious tone and talks about trouble concerning pirate infestation and alliances trying to take advantage of their seaports. The King doesn't seem too anxious about the matter, but Corlys is very worried.

This scene alone shows that Corlys takes his role as Master of Ships very seriously. He is also informative when it comes to sharing important details. For instance, he mentions an alliance called the Triarchy, which is commanded by prince-admiral Craghas Drahar aka The Crabfeeder. Corlys recognizes his nemesis and knows that The Crabfeeder enjoys torturing his enemies in a particular manner.

There's also a small but essential moment in this scene in which Corlys refuses to accept wine from Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (King Viserys' daughter), revealing that Corlys doesn't like to drink on the job and refuses to mix business with pleasure. As Master of Ships, he intends to protect the people and economy of the Seven Kingdoms, and eliminate any existential threats.

Corlys Wants To Make His Wife Proud

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Corlys is married to Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, who is recognized as the "Queen Who Never Was" since she was a worthy candidate to take over the throne from her grandfather, King Jaehaerys, before her cousin Viserys was ultimately chosen. Corlys knows that his wife really wanted to be Queen, and they are both still heartbroken she isn't on the throne.

Despite this setback, Corlys continues to stand by his wife and intends to make her proud by being an impactful member of the Council. The Head of Velaryon may have disagreements with King Viserys and the Council, but Corlys will always respect whoever is leading the Seven Kingdoms.

Views On Whom Should Rule The Seven Kingdoms

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While Corlys respects Viserys, he isn't ruling out the possibility of approving the King's brother, Prince Daemon Targaryen (played by Matt Smith), as an heir to the throne. Everyone recognizes that Daemon is violent and extreme in his methods of punishing those who commit crimes. However, Corlys and Daemon both agree with the concept of taking action against their enemies when necessary.

Corlys, of course, may want the throne for himself and/or his wife if the opportunity arises. After the deaths of the King's wife, Queen Aemma Arryn, and her baby Baelon due to complications in childbirth, Corlys states to the Council that other successors are worthy of becoming king or queen after Viserys' time is up.

There are questions regarding his loyalty towards King Viserys, and whether he would want his wife or himself to claim the throne at some point in time. Corlys will surely be a part of some major battles and warfare since he is the Master of Ships and an expert on navigation and obtaining riches. His duties will be watched closely this season as the Targaryens seek to rule the Seven Kingdoms.

House of the Dragon airs Sundays on HBO Max.

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