Status: Supposed bastard son of Prince Baelon Targaryen.
Traits: Drinker, charismatic storyteller, assertive
Famous Quote: "A dragonseed must watch his own neck, when he has no white-cloaked guardsmen to do it for him"
Ulf the White, also known as Ulf the Sot, is one of the more colourful and controversial figures of King's Landing during the tumultuous period known as the Dance of the Dragons. His claims of noble blood, boisterous personality, and questionable habits make him a unique character in the intricate tapestry of Westerosi politics.
Background and Claims
Ulf is a resident of King's Landing, the sprawling capital of the Seven Kingdoms, and claims to be the bastard son of Prince Baelon Targaryen. If his claims are true, this would make him the half-brother of the late King Viserys I Targaryen and the infamous Prince Daemon Targaryen. Such a lineage, if proven, places Ulf within the tangled branches of House Targaryen, though his legitimacy and parentage remain topics of speculation and gossip.
In George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, Ulf is described as a man-at-arms in the garrison of Dragonstone, characterized by his pale white hair and heavy drinking. Despite the grandeur of his claimed heritage, his exact lineage remains ambiguous, with no concrete proof of his alleged noble birth. Many dragonseeds, individuals claiming Targaryen blood, are often the descendants of other dragonseeds rather than direct offspring of the Targaryens themselves.
Life in King's Landing
Ulf is well-known among the people of King's Landing for his storytelling and heavy drinking. His reputation as a raconteur makes him a familiar face in the city’s taverns, where he often regales patrons with tales of his supposed noble lineage and adventures. His favorite haunt is Sylvi’s tavern, a bustling establishment where he spends much of his time.
One notable incident that showcases Ulf’s roguish nature involves his theft of a potato from another man's basket while strolling through the streets of King's Landing. This petty crime is a testament to his resourcefulness and his willingness to bend the rules to suit his needs.
Support for Rhaenyra Targaryen
Despite his questionable habits and dubious claims, Ulf’s political stance is clear: he supports Rhaenyra Targaryen's claim to the Iron Throne and champions her son, Jacaerys Velaryon, as her rightful heir. His allegiance to Rhaenyra places him firmly on the side of the Blacks in the civil war against the Greens, who support King Aegon II.
Ulf’s encounter with King Aegon II in Sylvi’s tavern is a moment that underscores his boldness and flair for drama. When Aegon II arrives at the tavern, Ulf is the first to herald the king’s arrival, a risky move considering his allegiance to Rhaenyra. This act highlights Ulf’s ability to navigate the dangerous political waters of King's Landing with a mix of bravado and cunning.
Who plays Ulf the White?
Ulf the White is portrayed by Tom Bennett, an actor known for Rocketman and Phoneshop.
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