House of the Dragon Finale Introduces Admiral Lohar: Key New Character

*House of the Dragon* introduced a compelling new character in its season two finale, who may prove to be highly significant.

In the episode that aired on Sunday, August 4, Tyland Lannister (played by Jefferson Hall), King Aegon II’s Master of Ships, is dispatched to Essos with a critical mission. He is tasked with recruiting Triarchy pirates to dismantle the Velaryon blockade, which has been starving King’s Landing.

Upon his arrival, Tyland promises to cede the Stepstones in exchange for the Triarchy’s assistance. The three leaders of the Triarchy inform him that he must first earn the respect of their admiral, to whom their sailors are fiercely loyal.

The admiral is unveiled as a woman named Sharako Lohar, portrayed by Abigail Thorn. Lohar asserts that she will not sail with a man who cannot best her. What follows is a mud-wrestling match between Lohar and Tyland. Although Lohar demonstrates herself to be the stronger combatant, Tyland gains her respect by tripping her and landing a decisive blow to her face. Later, over dinner, Lohar shocks Tyland by asking him to father her children, clarifying that she desires him to engage with her multiple wives.

In the episode, members of the Triarchy use he/him pronouns when referring to Lohar, despite her personal identification as a woman. According to the show’s official podcast, *House of the Dragon* showrunner Ryan Condal explains that these boundaries were intentionally blurred. Lohar is in a traditionally masculine role as a fleet commander in a highly patriarchal society.

In George RR Martin’s book *Fire & Blood*, on which the series is based, Lohar is referred to with he/him pronouns. Lohar plays a critical role in The Battle of the Gullet, one of the bloodiest battles in Westerosi history.

*Warning – Possible spoilers ahead for ‘House of the Dragon’ season three*

The Battle of the Gullet results in the death of Prince Jacaerys Velaryon, played by Harry Collett in the series, after his dragon Vermax crashes into the sea. Of Lohar’s 90 ships, two-thirds were lost, which was a significant blow to the Triarchy. Similarly, the Velaryon fleet lost almost a third of its strength. During the battle, Prince Viserys Targaryen was taken hostage.

Although Rhaenyra lost her eldest son and a critical dragon rider, the greens failed to break the Velaryon fleet’s hold on the east coasts of Westeros. Corlys Velaryon is quoted saying, “If this be victory, I pray I never win another,” in the book.

In *Fire & Blood*, Martin goes on to describe Lohar’s later fate, stating that Lohar was murdered, which eventually sparked The Daughters’ War between the Triarchy after years of peace.

Regarding the actor who brings Admiral Lohar to life, 31-year-old British actor Abigail Thorn has also appeared in the Star Wars spinoff *The Acolyte* as Ensign Eurus, making her the franchise’s first out trans actor.

Outside of her acting career, Thorn is well-known for her YouTube channel Philosophy Tube. She started the channel in 2013 to provide free philosophy lessons following the increase in university tuition fees in England. The channel now boasts 1.5 million subscribers.

*House of the Dragon* season two is currently streaming on Max.

Source: Various