Why Addam Doesn't Tell Rhaenyra About Being Corlys’ Son

WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7!

Summary Addam hides his true identity as Corlys Velaryon's son to avoid complications and because Corlys never claimed him.

Addam's bond with Seasmoke is separate from his relationship with Corlys, allowing him to follow his own path.

Addam embraces his dragonriding journey with Rhaenyra independently, free from the need to prove himself to Corlys.

When asked about his parentage in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7, Addam of Hull tells Rhaenyra that his father is “no one of consequence,” as he actively avoids revealing himself as Corlys Velaryon’s bastard son. After Corlys Velaryon and Rhaenys Targaryen lost both of their children in season 1, the Lord of the Tides’ past transgressions are coming to light in House of the Dragon season 2. After simply hinting at it in George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book, House of the Dragon confirms Corlys Velaryon fathered Alyn and Addam of Hull.

Though he’s occasionally been seen interacting with them, it’s implied that Rhaenys is still the only person who knows about Corlys’ other children. However, now that his wife and trueborn children are gone, Alyn is seemingly taking more command within the Velaryon fleet, and Addam has claimed the dragon Seasmoke, Corlys will soon have to reveal the truth. Additionally, since Addam refused to name Corlys as his father when questioned by Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7’s opening sequence, the Lord of the Tides will have to be the one to tell Rhaenyra about his sons.

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Addam Has Been Ignored By Corlys Velaryon His Entire Life

Why Should Addam Claim Corlys If His Father Has Never Done The Same?

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It seems the main reason why Addam doesn’t tell Rhaenyra is that Corlys has ignored him all his life and never openly claimed him. Since Corlys has never officially claimed them, Addam revealing the truth to the Queen could cause huge issues for him and his brother. Addam has essentially been trained all his life to keep his parentage hidden, so he isn’t going to expose it that quickly, even for Rhaenyra. Keeping his father a secret is both for his own sake of already having hidden it all his life and worrying about what Corlys might do if Addam exposes the truth.

Since Corlys hasn’t been around for him and may have little bearing on why Addam can ride a dragon, he really does see his father as “no one of consequence.”

Additionally, since Corlys has never claimed Addam throughout his life, Addam won’t be so eager to claim Corlys in return. Corlys has never acted as a father to Addam and Alyn, so it’s unlikely that they really consider him as such. Unlike Alyn shaving his silver hair to hide his inherited Valyrian traits, Addam’s physical traits don’t necessarily favor Corlys, making it easier to reject his parentage. Since Corlys hasn’t been around for him and may have little bearing on why Addam can ride a dragon, he really does see his father as “no one of consequence.”

Related Why Larys Strong Doesn't Believe Seasmoke Has A New Rider (He's Lying, Right?) Larys Strong seems like he's up to something in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7. Here's what we can draw from his words and actions.

Addam Wants His Purpose Of Riding Seasmoke & Serving Rhaenyra To Be Separate From Corlys

Addam Doesn't Have To Prove Himself Or Be Ignored Any Longer

Keeping his parentage hidden is also a way for Addam of Hull to embrace his purpose on his own merits and accord. Alyn had already taken up their mother Marilda of Hull and father Corlys Velaryon’s “salt and sea” calling as a skilled sailor, but this was never where Addam’s passions lied. Addam is setting out on his own dragonriding journey that he and Rhaenyra believe to be ordained by the gods, and while Corlys Velaryon is Rhaenyra’s Hand, Addam no longer has to try to prove himself or reluctantly work directly under his father in House of the Dragon.