In House of the Dragon, the Velaryons hold an honored place alongside the Targaryens — they are wealthy, influential, and respected. Lord Corlys Velaryon, known as the Sea Snake, is a symbol of naval power and boundless bravery. Their lineage, like that of the Targaryens, traces back to ancient Valyria, and their fleet was once considered the best in the Seven Kingdoms. But why did this great house seem to vanish from the political landscape by the time of Game of Thrones?
The Decline of the Velaryons After the Dance of the Dragons
The fate of House Velaryon began to worsen after the tragic events of the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Although Corlys Velaryon retained his influence and even became one of the regents for young King Aegon III, his death marked the beginning of the house's gradual downfall. The Sea Snake’s heirs inherited his title but failed to achieve greatness.
Corlys' bastard son, Alyn Velaryon, was legitimized and became lord. Despite his successes in suppressing piracy and maritime exploration, he could not prevent the family’s economic collapse. The bankruptcy of the Rogare Bank, where the Velaryons kept much of their wealth, proved catastrophic. Without capital and allies, their power quickly faded.
The Velaryons in the Shadow of New Rulers
By the time the Targaryens were overthrown and the Baratheon dynasty took the throne, the Velaryons no longer played a significant role in politics. Their stronghold, Dragonstone, came under the control of Stannis Baratheon. Nevertheless, they remained his vassals and displayed loyalty in the war for the Iron Throne.
During the Battle of the Blackwater, the Velaryon fleet, led by Lord Monford Velaryon, fought on Stannis' side. However, Monford perished in the wildfire. After his death, his son Monterys Velaryon took over leadership, continuing to serve Stannis and participating in the battle at the Wall. The rest is history.
The Fall of the Velaryons
By the events of Game of Thrones, the Velaryons had already lost their former glory. Their influence had waned, their wealth had dwindled, and their fleet was no longer a dominant force. Even their connection to the royal dynasty had been severed. The only remaining figure was Monford’s bastard, Aurane Waters, who, after captivity and a brief service to Cersei Lannister, turned to piracy.
Thus, while the Velaryons did not disappear completely, they transformed from mighty maritime rulers into a minor house. Their story is a stark reminder of how even the greatest house can lose everything due to political miscalculations and economic turmoil.
