Seasmoke choosing his rider in House of the Dragon is everything

Rhaenyra needs more dragonriders in House of the Dragon. That means looking out for dragonseeds, and she thought she had one in the new episode. It went horrible wrong, but that doesn’t mean the idea is over.

Caution: This post contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 6

After the death of her top choice, Rhaenyra stepped back from finding another dragonrider for Seasmoke. Her (not dead) husband’s dragon wasn’t happy with the idea, either, and he decided to fly off. After all, the dragons on Dragonstone aren’t locked in a pit the way the dragons in King’s Landing are.

Seasmoke didn’t just fly away and leave Rhaenyra behind, though. He does want to bond with a rider. It could suggest that Leanor is dead somewhere or that Seasmoke just believes that so, but he is ready to find someone to ride him. And he’s found it.

Seasmoke wanted to keep it in the family in House of the Dragon

Seasmoke flies to Driftmark, which scares everyone. That’s not surprising when you consider the civil war that’s going on right now. Everyone knows that Vhagar is dangerous and could attack for no reason. The people of Driftmark weren’t going to give her that chance.

Even Addam of Hull ran away. It was harder for Addam, though, as it turned out this dragon was specifically after him.

Seasmoke will sense that Addam is Corlys’s son. That makes Addam Leanor’s half-brother. Seasmoke likely doesn’t care about the fact that Addam isn’t legitimate. All Seasmoke can sense is that he has Velaryon blood. The fact that his former rider is Addam’s half-brother is just a beautiful twist as it shows Seasmoke is loyal to the family.

In fact, I do wonder if it means Seasmoke knows Leanor isn’t actually dead. Dragons are supposed to only have one rider, but could Seasmoke make an allowance for a man who is of the same blood and a similar build to his former rider?

Seasmoke also offers something that Addam has always wanted. Addam wants to be part of the Velaryon line. He wants his father to recognize him. Becoming a dragonrider gives him that chance, and maybe that is something Seasmoke could sense. Maybe Seasmoke wants Corlys to recognize Addam.