‘House of the Dragon’ is getting ready for its third season, and actor Abubakar Salim revealed how Alyn of Hull‘s journey unfolded, and the emotional significance of one of his most well-known features, his shaved head.
Some fans have recently pointed out the resemblance between Alyn and Egg from ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’. However, Salim thinks it’s not just that. The change is personal to Alyn.
Alyn Is Still Fighting His Father’s Shadow, Says Salim
Alyn’s shaved head was quite noticeable when he first appeared in ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 2. At first, it was a way to hide his Velaryon heritage. There was so much more to the story, though, says Salim. “I think he hides his identity because he is ashamed of it, but there is also a sense of a ritual element to it, which is also an empowering thing.“
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The actor said that Alyn has a complex relationship with his identity as the illegitimate son of Corlys Velaryon. While he takes pride in his accomplishments as a sailor and leader, he also struggles with the stigma attached to his family history.
This inner struggle is manifested in his self-presentation. Shaving his head was a ritual as Salim says. Something that was both concealing and revealing who Alyn really is.
“He will always be in his father’s shadow. He’ll always be seen as the only reason why he got to where he got to is because of who he is. I think he will constantly fight that for the rest of his life.” It’s an emotional paradox that makes Alyn one of the more intriguing characters in the series.
Why Egg’s Story Felt So Familiar
The release of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ earlier this year unexpectedly reminded Salim of Alyn’s own journey. Egg, like Alyn, has his head shaved to hide his identity when he travels through Westeros. Salim said he could see the similarities right away and couldn’t help but make the connection.
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However, he feels both are connected to something universal that everyone can relate to. Hair is a very personal part of one’s identity, confidence, and self-image. So, it can seem like a dramatic act of reinvention, or even self-protection, when it’s removed.
“‘It’s a huge part of your identity. I think it makes such a massive impact to use it as a way of hiding yourself, an element of shame. The idea of it being almost like this kind of ritualistic thing that Alyn does, it’s a mixture of shame, but also a mixture of pride.” That is a lifelong battle for Alyn. Even if he becomes successful, he is always going to be seen as his father’s son.
When ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 returns, Alyn’s emotional battle is still central to his story. It would seem that Salim’s quest for identity, acceptance, and self-worth will continue to be one of the show’s most interesting storylines, if his comments are any indication.
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