Why Alyn of Hull shaves his head in House of the Dragon

There are many illegitimate children in House of the Dragon. It isn’t too surprising to find out that Addam and Alyn of Hull are both illegitimate and thanks to a scene with Rhaenys, we know that Corlys Velaryon is their father.

Addam wants to embrace that part of his lineage, knowing that it could open doors for him. All he wants is for his father to recognize him, but Corlys doesn’t. However, Corlys does pay attention to the younger of the two, Alyn.

Alyn doesn’t want people knowing he’s a Velaryon in House of the Dragon

From the start of Season 2, we’ve seen Alyn cover his head. Sometimes, he has his bald head on show, but there are times when he has a wrap to cover it. This is strategic. It’s a way to cover his hair as it starts to grow through.

You see, while Addam has black hair from their mother, Alyn has the white hair of their father. Alyn doesn’t want that to be on show, though, as it makes it clear to others that he is of Velaryon blood. The last thing he needs is for people to believe that he is gaining things due to nepotism rather than because he has earned the right.

He didn’t even want to become First Mate, believing that there are others who are more capable. However, we know that Corlys is looking for an heir, and it seems he has his eyes set on Alyn.

So, Alyn continues to shave his head. He doesn’t want people looking at him differently due to his hair color. Addam pointed out in the recent episode that Alyn should show off the hair color with pride. If he had that color hair, he definitely would.

Things will change thanks to Seasmoke in House of the Dragon

So far, Addam has been consistently overlooked by his father. That’s surely about to change. After all, Seasmoke has selected his new rider, and it is Addam of Hull.

This is the first stage of bringing the brothers to Dragonstone. It arguably helps that Rhaenys is no longer alive. In the book, many assumed that Rhaenys’s anger was the reason the illegitimate sons were not brought close to Dragonstone. However, we saw Rhaenys show compassion for Alyn. It’s Corlys she is understandably and rightfully angry with. However, people will make their assumptions, and it’s easy to see why Rhaenys would be used as a scapegoat as to why the brothers were never brought to Dragonstone.

Now that Seasmoke has chosen Addam, it’s time for Addam to meet Rhaenyra. This is a chance for Corlys to view his other illegitimate son with pride, and this could be the first step in legitimizing both of them, which will help Corlys in his hunt for an heir.