Hugh Hammer

[FP1997]

Hugh Hammer in House of the Dragon.

• Status: Dragonrider for Team Black.

• Traits: Physically imposing, courageous and eager to prove himself.

• Family: Born to a humble blacksmith in King's Landing.

Early Life and Background

Hugh Hammer, born to a humble blacksmith in King's Landing, rose from obscurity to become one of the most controversial figures in the Dance of the Dragons. His origins were as unremarkable as his rise was extraordinary. Known for his towering stature and immense strength, Hugh was a commoner who, through a mix of ambition, luck, and daring, became a dragonrider, a knight, and a player in the bloody civil war that tore the Targaryen dynasty apart.

Hugh's rise began when he successfully claimed Vermithor, the dragon once ridden by King Jaehaerys I Targaryen. This remarkable feat earned him the nickname "Hammer," a nod to his blacksmith roots and his formidable presence. His newfound status as a dragonrider propelled him into the turbulent political landscape of the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons.

His early life as a blacksmith endowed him with exceptional strength and resilience, qualities that served him well both in battle and in his dealings with the highborn. His ability to tame Vermithor, one of the largest and most powerful dragons, speaks to his courage and audacity. However, Hugh's ambition and lack of noble upbringing often put him at odds with the aristocracy, who saw him as an upstart with dangerous aspirations.

Hugh was not content with merely being a dragonrider; he sought power and recognition, driven by a desire to rise above his humble beginnings. This ambition, however, would prove to be both his greatest asset and his ultimate downfall.

Role in the Dance of the Dragons

Hugh Hammer's involvement in the Dance of the Dragons began when he and another dragonseed, Ulf the White, were enlisted by Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen to bolster her forces against her half-brother, King Aegon II Targaryen. The dragonseeds, or dragonriders of bastard or lowborn origin, were a crucial component of Rhaenyra's strategy to claim the Iron Throne. Hugh's successful taming of Vermithor, along with Ulf's bonding with Silverwing, added significant strength to Rhaenyra's cause.

Initially, Hugh Hammer proved to be a valuable asset. His combat prowess and the might of Vermithor turned the tide in several key battles. However, as the war dragged on, Hugh's ambition grew. He began to see himself not merely as a supporter of Rhaenyra but as a potential kingmaker—and perhaps even a king. This ambition led to tension within Rhaenyra's camp, as the established nobility viewed him with suspicion and disdain.

Who plays Hugh Hammer?

• Hugh Hammer is portrayed by Kieran Bew, an actor known for Warrior and Beowulf.