House of the Dragon spoilers ahead.
Seasmoke's rider has finally been revealed, and it's not anyone who Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) saw coming.
The second episode of House of the Dragon follows Rhaenyra as she enacts a dragon rider recruitment plan. Seeking out members of other houses with Targaryen ancestors, her hope is that despite their weaker Targaryen lineage they'll still be able to claim one of the riderless dragons: Vermithor, Silverwing, and Seasmoke, former dragon to Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan).
However, despite earnest efforts from Ser Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan), rather than bonding with Seasmoke, the Queensguard is burnt to a crisp after the dragon reacts violently to him.
With Seasmoke unclaimed and Steffon dead, Rhaenyra is forced to rethink her plan. That is, until the dragon is spotted flying over Spicetown with a new, unknown rider.
Though Rhaenyra believes Seasmoke's dragon rider to be a member of Team Green, episode 6 has already revealed their identity, and let's just say things are looking up for Team Black.
Sunfyre. Meleys. Vhagar. A breakdown of all the dragons dueling it out on season two of the Game of Thrones prequel series.
Who is Seasmoke's rider?
Seasmoke's new rider is Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty). While we never actually see Addam getting on the dragon, episode 6 of House of the Dragon shows Seasmoke following Addam through Driftmark's beaches before cornering him against a rock, though seemingly inquisitively.
The scene cuts away before we see the bond being sealed, however given that we see Seasmoke being ridden later in the episode we think it's fair to assume that it's a done deal for Addam. Side note – if you've read Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, you'll know it is in fact confirmed to be Addam.
Brother to Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim), the two sailors are bastard sons to Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint). Though Corlys has shown Alyn recognition in the form of progressing him to first mate, he's yet to extend any similar treatment to Addam. However, with Addam having just claimed his true-born son's dragon, we'd be willing to bet that he might finally feel like warming up to him.
How can Addam of Hull be a dragon rider?
Contrary to Rhaenyra's grand plan, Addam of Hull isn't Targaryen by blood, but rather a Velaryon through Corlys.
Similarly to the Targaryens, the Velaryons are a family from Old Valyria, with Addam therefore having Valyrian blood. Vitally, however, Velaryons were never dragonlords, so it doesn't make sense that Addam should be a dragonrider.
While it's possible that Corlys Velaryon has some amount of Targaryen blood from a previous Targaryen-Velaryon marriage or Addam's mother has Targaryen ancestry, it also feels like Seasmoke is searching for a similar bond with another of Corlys's sons.
Bear in mind that we previously saw Seasmoke circling over Addam in episode 2 of House of the Dragon season 2, with him seemingly seeking Addam out, giving the impression that he senses his connection to Laenor.
It's likely that the sailor reminds Seasmoke of his former rider who he no doubt misses. Though the dragon regarded Steffon Darklyn as unfamiliar, Addam has an existing link that he can relate to via Laenor.
It seems the Dance of the Dragons isn't over yet…
