The following contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 1, Episode 9, "The Green Council," now streaming on HBO Max.
Since Season 1 of HBO's House of the Dragon started airing, the series has received various criticisms from fans, not all of which are informed opinions. This particular issue arises over House Velaryon -- the regents of the Driftmark kingdom -- being Black. Some critical fans believe the loss of the "Valyrian look" of white skin -- whether it be accompanied by blonde or dark hair -- is integral to the characters.
To support their arguments about the Velaryons, some critical fans referenced George R. R. Martin's source material, even though the writer -- who is part of the show's creative engine -- has said he has no problem with this change. In fact, he's indicated in the past, more of Westeros -- especially in the early days -- would have people of color. Interestingly, while criticisms persist about the alteration to the Velaryons' skin pigment, this actually makes the royal scandal even better in the show.
House Velaryon Being Black Exposes Rhaenyra's Lie
In the series, Rhaenyra gets married to Ser Leanor Velaryon, with Viserys hoping these two powerful houses would restore the glory of old Valyria. However, Leanor is gay, and while the couple tried, they couldn't conceive. As a result, Rhaenyra's sons -- Lucerys, Jacaerys and Joffrey -- were actually fathered by Ser Harwin Strong, Rhaenyra's main bodyguard.
Given their skin color (Targaryen white) and dark hair (nodding to Harwin), the kids aren't of Velaryon descent. The mixed ethnicities were obvious with Rhaenys and Corlys' children, as well as Daemon and the late Laena's (Corlys' daughter) children. As such, rumors kept swirling about Rhaenyra siring kids by Harwin. Speaking of this was also treason as it would mean Rhaenyra deceived The Iron Throne and the Velaryon empire.
The Change Gives Enemies Political Ammunition
Despite Viserys demanding no one speak out against Rhaenyra's children, people still did. Corlys' brother Vaemond calls this out when the former is presumed dead, wanting the Driftmark crown to pass from his brother to him, and not Rhaenyra's illegitimate offspring. In fact, Vaemond is so staunch in his conviction and insults, Daemon swiftly beheads him for his sedition, despite being right about the hierarchy and political landscape.
In addition to Vaemond's accusations, Alicent, the villainous Ser Criston, and her sons also keep the chatter going, taunting Team Black and legitimizing Team Green's claim along the way. It's a nuanced tactic, poking fun at the literal surface and acting as a decisive catalyst for the dissent and confusion over succession. Ironically, it's also obvious that Viserys is in denial over the lie. As a result, the Velaryons being Black build up the drama, action and chessboard in a big way before the king's death, precipitating the civil war known as The Dance of the Dragons.
Alicent was even bold enough to tell Laenor's mother Rhaenys that her grandchildren are not legitimate -- something Rhaenys simply can't deny. Once more, this falsehood helps steel Alicent up, pushing her to usurp Rhaenyra and install Aegon -- her son and legitimate heir -- as king, which wouldn't have happened so easily had the Velaryons been white. Rhaenyra would have been able to hide the truth much easier, leaving Alicent to wish she had a paternity test, as opposed to eyes that see through the DNA on tap.
The Season 1 finale of House of the Dragon airs Sunday, Oct. 23, at 9:00 pm EST on HBO and will be available on HBO Max.