House Velaryon in 'House of the Dragon': Genetic Cohesion and Visual Clarity

The portrayal of House Velaryon in House of the Dragon has sparked intense discussion, particularly regarding their physical appearance and the implications of their intermarriage with House Targaryen. The decision to depict the Velaryons with predominantly black actors, especially in the cases of Corlys Velaryon and his family, can be analyzed through a lens of both creative choice and visual clarity.

Historical Context and Genetics in A Song of Ice and Fire

In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, the Targaryens are known for their distinct Valyrian traits, including silver hair and purple eyes. Similarly, the Velaryons share these traits due to their own Valyrian ancestry. However, the decision to depict the Velaryons with black actors in the show is a creative choice aimed at diversifying the cast and offering a fresh perspective on the narrative. While this may not align with the traditional descriptions found in the source material, the series has taken some liberties in character representation.

Genetic Uncertainty in Westeros

Within the context of the story, genetics can be unpredictable, and the outcomes of intermarriage can result in a range of appearances. The Targaryens, despite their strong Valyrian lineage, had instances of offspring who did not conform to the expected traits. This is reflected in the show, where characters from noble houses may not always visually represent their lineage in a straightforward manner.

Visual Clarity in a Visual Medium

As a visual medium, every decision in the show is given significant consideration to ensure clarity. There are several reasons for certain visual choices:

House sigils are often prominently displayed to identify characters easily. Members of certain noble houses are consistently portrayed with specific physical traits to aid audience recognition. Character traits, such as hair color and skin tone, are used to denote lineage and status.

For instance, many Lannisters are blonde, all Baratheons have dark hair, and Rhaenyra's bastards are brunettes while none of the children of Alicent and Otto have their hair color. These visual choices are meant to help the audience quickly identify and differentiate between characters, especially when introduced to a myriad of new houses and individuals.

Implications of Genetic Representation

The race change of House Velaryon raises questions about the series' portrayal of genetic representation. On one hand, the diversity added by black actors can be seen as a positive representation of the show's commitment to inclusivity. However, this change may also blur the line between genetic lineage and family identity.

For example, when Rhaenyra’s children with Laenor are introduced, their dark hair and skin color stand out, making their parentage more ambiguous. This visual contrast helps to emphasize Rhaenyra's infidelity, making the plot clearer for the audience. Additionally, the frequent changes in actors early in the season highlight the need for visual aids to distinguish characters.

Conclusion

While the genetic representation of House Velaryon in House of the Dragon may seem unreasonable from a literal standpoint, it serves a practical purpose within the narrative. The series uses visual clarity to ensure that the audience can follow the complex relational dynamics, especially among the powerful houses of Westeros. The choice to depict the Velaryons with black actors, while potentially deviating from the source material, serves the broader goal of making the story accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

Keywords: House Velaryon, House Targaryen, genetic representation, Westeros, visual clarity