Laena Velaryon

[FP1997]

Laena Velaryon in House of the Dragon

• Status: Lady Laena Velaryon,  

• Traits: a loyal and brave dragon rider, a fiery young girl whose beauty took after both parents. 

• Famous Quote: “Her ladyship shows far more interest in flying than boys”  

• Family: Eldest daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess  Rhaenys Targaryen; Second wife of Prince Daemon Targaryen; Mother to Baela and Rhaena Targaryen.  

As the eldest and only daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon, the Sea Snake, and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Lady Laena was destined for a life of privilege and responsibility. Her childhood was marked in matters of etiquette, diplomacy and preparing her for the interwinding politics of the Seven Kingdoms.  

Laena’s mother, Rhaenys, daughter of Aemond Targaryen was passed over as heir to the throne due to her being a female. Instead, her brother Viserys Targaryen was voted to rule. During the pregnancy of Laena, also referred to as “the boy in the belly” was subject to many debates on her succession until her birth. Laena’s claim to the Iron throne was too dismissed due to her sex, just like her mother.  

Marriage  

At the age of 13, Laena claimed Vhagar, the largest of the Targaryen dragons, and from a young age Laena faced the pressures of expectation and duty. Not long after the death of Aemma Targaryen, Laena was proposed by her parents as a marital figure for King Viserys Targaryen. Both Viserys and Laena met, where they had conversations about the different dragons Balerion and Vhagar, and how she wouldn't have to sleep with the king until the age of 14. Despite the political demand for the marriage, Viserys declines and instead, weds Alicent Hightower. 

Laena was instead engaged to a son of a Sealord of Braavos, which did not sit well with the Small Council. An alliance between the House Velaryon and one of the Free cities was not favoured, therefore this wedding did not take place. At the wedding of Laena’s brother Laenor Valeryon and Rhaenyra Targaryen, a dance between Laena and Deamon Targaryen set them up for romance, with them eventually getting married.  

Death 

Laena and Daemon both decide to settle in Pentos, where they lived with their twin daughters Baela and Rhaena Velaryon, they remained in Pentos for a period of time whilst Laena was pregnant with their third child. At 6 months, Laena sailed the twins back with Drift mark, whilst Daemon flew the dragons. 

The third pregnancy did not go as planned, with Laena having complications where a caesarean was advised to save the baby. With the wish of wanting to die a dragon riders death, Laena made the decision to be incinerated by her dragon, Vhagar. She is buried at High Tide with her stone coffin dropped into the sea, and eulogy delivered by her uncle Vaemond Velayron.  

Who plays Laena Velaryon? 

• Child Laena is portrayed by Nova Foueillis-Mosé; this was the young star’s first ever TV role.  

• Adolescent Laena is portrayed by Savannah Steyn; a London born actress known for her role in The Crawl and 5lbs of Pressure. 

• Adult Laena is portrayed by Nanna Blondell; a Swedish actress making her debut role in Sci-Fi drama Real Humans. Nanna’s film credits include Black Widow and Red Dot. Her determination within the arts showcases through her portrayal of Laena.