‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 didn’t only bring one of the most spectacular battles of the franchise, it also subtly changed a long-held belief about the greatest seafarers in Westeros.
For years, House Greyjoy had established itself as the unbeatable masters of the sea, thanks to ‘Game of Thrones’. However, following the Battle of the Gullet, it’s difficult to disagree that House Velaryon had established the precedent long before the Ironborn ever did.
House Velaryon Ruled The Seas In ‘House Of The Dragon’
The stunning naval battle that concluded the episode was a display of strategy, bravery, and accuracy that the series has not previously delved into. Dragons roamed the skies. Yet, it was the commanders who were navigating their fleets through unimaginable waters that truly took the stage.
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The Battle of the Gullet was the perfect example of why Corlys Velaryon was known as The Sea Snake. He did not use force, but his years of experience in the treacherous waters around Driftmark. He led the Triarchy into a deadly trap through the narrow Teeth.
Even Admiral Sharako Lohar was a formidable opponent, matching Corlys’ instincts with fearless decision-making. This was no ordinary matchup between two ships; it was a showdown between two exceptional sailors, whose skill on the water made the fight truly spectacular.
In contrast, ‘Game of Thrones’ frequently mentioned the legendary seafaring prowess of the Greyjoys, but did not actually show it. Aside from Euron Greyjoy’s devastating attacks late in the series, the Ironborn’s naval dominance was more reputation than spectacle.
The Battle That Altered Westerosi History
The victory was exciting for Rhaenyra’s forces, but the Battle of the Gullet was a terrible price to pay. The majority of the Velaryon fleet was destroyed, High Tide was ravaged, and Prince Jacaerys and his dragon, Vermax, were lost.
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Those losses marked the beginning of House Velaryon’s slow decline. The family had once been the most powerful and richest family of sailors in Westeros, but they slowly lost their importance to the Targaryens.
That fall paved the way for House Greyjoy to become the leading sea power by the time ‘Game of Thrones’ starts. The Greyjoys had a legacy to build, one that was established by Corlys Velaryon.
It’s a very interesting part of Westerosi history that gives both series a new depth. The Battle of the Gullet doesn’t take anything away from House Greyjoy’s reputation; it just reminds the audience that there was another legendary house that paved the way before the Iron Fleet took over the seas.
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