Corlys Velaryon

[FP1997]

Corlys Velaryon

• Status: Head of the royal fleet and Master of Ships.

• Traits: Cunning, quick, and strong in battle. An observant warrior.

• Famous quote: "History does not remember blood. It remembers names."

• Family: Husband to Rhaenys Targaryen, cousin of Viserys I Targaryen. Has two children with Rhaenys, Laenor and Laena.

Corlys Velaryon, famously known as the Sea Snake, was the legendary Lord of the Tides and the head of House Velaryon. Renowned for his remarkable naval prowess and explorative spirit, Corlys became one of the most influential figures in Westeros. His impressive voyages and strategic acumen made him a key player during the turbulent period known as the Dance of the Dragons.

Early life and voyages

Corlys Velaryon was born into the esteemed House Velaryon, a house with ancient Valyrian roots and a proud history. From a young age, Corlys exhibited an insatiable curiosity for the seas. He designed and built the Sea Snake, a ship that would become legendary through his nine great voyages. These expeditions took him to the far reaches of the known world, from the distant shores of Yi Ti to the mysterious lands of Asshai. His travels brought immense wealth and prestige to House Velaryon, making it one of the richest houses in Westeros, surpassing even the wealth of the Lannisters and Hightowers.

Lord Corlys married Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, known as the Queen Who Never Was. Rhaenys was the only child of Prince Aemon Targaryen, and her marriage to Corlys cemented a powerful alliance between House Velaryon and the Targaryens. Their union produced two children: Laena Velaryon, and Laenor Velaryon.

The Great Council

Corlys's influence grew further when Prince Aemon died. The question of succession arose, and despite Rhaenys being Aemon's only heir, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen chose his second son, Baelon, as his successor. Angered by this decision, Corlys resigned from his position as Lord Admiral and returned to Driftmark with his wife. When Baelon died, the succession issue resurfaced, leading to the Great Council at Harrenhal. Corlys and Rhaenys advocated for their son, Laenor, to be named heir, but the council ultimately chose Baelon's son, Viserys, as the next Prince of Dragonstone.

The death of Queen Aemma Arryn prompted another pivotal moment. Grand Maester Runciter suggested that King Viserys I Targaryen marry Corlys's daughter, Laena. However, Viserys chose Alicent Hightower instead, further estranging Corlys from the royal court. Displeased by this snub, Corlys allied with Prince Daemon Targaryen. Together, they sought to control the Stepstones, which had been a thorn in Corlys's side due to the Triarchy's dominance. In a few short years, Corlys and Daemon had successfully conquered most of the Stepstones, with Daemon declaring himself King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea, a title Corlys supported by placing the crown on Daemon's head.

Dance of the Dragons

When King Viserys I died and Aegon II Targaryen usurped the throne from Viserys's named heir, Rhaenyra, Corlys became a crucial ally to Rhaenyra. He pledged his fleet and men to her cause, significantly bolstering her position in the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. Corlys's naval prowess was instrumental in securing the seas for the Blacks, Rhaenyra's faction, and he played a key role in the Black Council's strategies.

Corlys faced personal tragedies during the Dance of the Dragons. His daughter, Laena, died shortly after childbirth, and his son, Laenor, was murdered not long after. These losses did not deter Corlys from his commitment to Rhaenyra's cause.

Who plays Lord Corlys Velaryon?

• Lord Corlys is portrayed by Steve Toussaint: a Birmingham-born actor known for his roles on The Knock, Shooting Dogs and Line of Duty.