What Does It Mean When a Dragon Swipes Right?

The cat distribution system is a popular meme online, though “House of the Dragon” viewers might be less familiar. The idea fits with the genuine phenomenon of pet owners who didn’t plan to be. We often witness the early stages of this coerced adoption process, from initial encounters with a cute kitten right up to the moment the person decides to take them home.

Others turn to Instagram or TikTok to announce that they always disliked kittens until one perfect furry friend appeared on their doorstep, convincing them to adopt. This concept connects to the storyline of Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty) and the riderless dragon Seasmoke, left behind by Laenor Velaryon (John Macmillan).

Seasmoke has been uneasy ever since Laenor faked his death, a fact Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) mentioned to her confidante Mysaria (Sonoya Mizuno). Mysaria theorized that maybe Seasmoke was lonely, and it turns out she was right. Addam, too, is restless, often complaining to his brother Alyn (Abubakar Salim).

Alyn saved Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) from drowning during the Stepstones campaign. Since then, Corlys has been praising and promoting Alyn, but Addam urges his brother to demand more from the Lord of Driftmark.

Clinton Liberty as Addam of Hull and Abubakar Salim as Alyn of Hull in “House of the Dragon” (HBO)

Episode 6, “Smallfolk,” unveils that Alyn and Addam are, in fact, Corlys’ unclaimed sons. With Corlys’ legitimate children and wife Rhaenys (Eve Best) gone, they are his only remaining children. Alyn prefers to stay under the radar, but Addam wants more, tired of being an unknown shipwright.

Earlier in the season, Addam gazes longingly at a dragon flying in the sky, dreaming of an inheritance that promises a better future. And then, in a twist fit for the “manifesting” crowd, a dragon lands before him, silently inviting him to ride. “Who rescued who?” indeed.

“Smallfolk” might seem uneventful to those unfamiliar with George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood.” However, it marks two important shifts. First, it clarifies why we should care about these lowborn characters like Hugh the Blacksmith (Kieran Bew) and Ulf (Tom Bennett). Second, it challenges our understanding of who gets to ride dragons.

“Game of Thrones” implied only Targaryens could bond with dragons, possibly due to the Velaryons’ absence in Daenerys’ time. But Rhaenyra also clings to this theory, only to see it unravel. Her faction has mainly dragons but no ground forces. After losing the formidable Meleys and its rider Rhaenys, only Syrax and Caraxes, bound to her uncle-husband Daemon (Matt Smith), remain.

Caraxes in “House of the Dragon” (HBO)

Rhaenyra faces disrespect from her supposed allies, making her desperate to find more dragonriders. When her son Jace (Harry Collett) suggests recruiting anyone with potential Targaryen lineage, Rhaenyra starts with her own house.

Her loyal Queensguard member Ser Steffon Darklyn (Anthony Flanagan), a distant Targaryen relative, attempts to bond with a dragon. Despite a hopeful start, their meeting ends in tragedy, with Seasmoke rejecting him, leading to Ser Steffon’s fiery death.

Eventually, Seasmoke reveals his preference for Addam, showing the deep bond between Velaryons and Targaryens. Seasmoke seems to recognize something in Addam that connects him to Laenor, reinforcing the idea that dragons have their own personalities and choices.

This aspect adds depth to the series. These dragons have moods and agency beyond merely sensing fear in potential riders. “House of the Dragon” may not develop its secondary characters as well as its predecessor, but faithful viewers are likely invested in the dragons and their impact.

Dragons and their potential for destruction keep many viewers tuning in. Even Ser Criston acknowledges their importance when he tells Alicent the war now belongs to them. Therefore, these CGI creatures, with their varied sizes, ages, and temperaments, matter more as the series progresses.

We may not have all the intricate details, but understanding Targaryen traditions helps. They often place dragon eggs in cribs with their babies, hoping for a natural bond, which isn’t always successful. Some dragons choose their riders, like Vhagar accepting Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) after Laena Velaryon’s (Nanna Blondell) death.

Daemon’s younger daughter, Rhaena Targaryen (Phoebe Campbell), didn’t get so lucky. Tasked with caring for Rhaenyra’s youngest sons and eggs, she’s taken to the Eyrie while petitioning for their wardship. In “Smallfolk,” Rhaena finds evidence of a wild dragon nearby, suggesting new possibilities for her character.

We can’t predict if the dragon distribution system will favor Rhaena as it did Addam. We do know she’s in proximity to a wild dragon, hoping for a bond. Watching to see how this unfolds makes sticking with the show worthwhile.

New episodes of “House of the Dragon” air at 9 p.m. Sundays on HBO and on Max.