Who Could Be Hugh’s Mother?

House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 7 provided viewers with a deeper look into the character Hugh, but left many questions about his origins and family. While the show may not give explicit answers, George R.R. Martin’s book, Fire & Blood, offers insights that allow us to piece together some of the puzzle. Fair warning: spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon!

This episode highlighted two significant characters from low-born backgrounds, with Hugh (Kieran Bew) stepping into the spotlight. He demonstrated his bravery by claiming Vermithor, a dragon, thanks to his Targaryen lineage. Speaking to his wife (Ellora Torchia), Hugh revealed that his mother was a Targaryen by blood, having been a sex worker in a “pleasure house.” He even knew his place within the Targaryen family tree.

“She used to tell me I was no different than her brother’s boys – Viserys and Daemon,” Hugh mentioned. This connection implies that Hugh’s mother was the sister of Baelon and Alyssa, the parents of Viserys (played by Paddy Considine) and Daemon (Matt Smith), effectively making Hugh their cousin.

Given this lineage, it seems likely that Saera Targaryen is Hugh’s mother. Baelon and Alyssa were siblings, the fourth and fifth children of King Jaehaerys I and Queen Alyssane Targaryen. Jaehaerys and Alyssane had thirteen children in total, but the only sister older than Baelon and Alyssa died without offspring. After Alyssa, there were five more sisters – Maegelle, Daella, Saera, Viserra, and Gael. Saera, known as the most rebellious, eventually became a sex worker.

According to Fire & Blood, Saera caused a significant scandal as a teenager by engaging with multiple men outside of marriage. She defended her actions, claiming her Targaryen blood and royal status granted her such liberties. Following this scandal, she was kept under guard while her parents pondered their next move. Saera attempted to establish herself by bonding with a dragon but was ultimately apprehended and returned.

Eventually, King Jaehaerys and Queen Alyssane sent Saera to Oldtown to become a Septa, but Saera had other plans. She escaped after a year and a half, fleeing across the Narrow Sea to Lys, a city with Valyrian ancestry. Lys, known for its pleasure gardens and sex trade, revered individuals with Valyrian features like Saera. Saera found a home there, living out her life without reconciling with her family. She later moved to Volantis, another city with Valyrian roots.

It’s plausible that Hugh is Saera’s son, especially given his Targaryen attributes, like silver-blonde hair. An alternative theory is that his mother was an unrecorded half-sister of Baelon and Alyssa, but this raises complex questions about Targaryen genetics that likely won’t be explored by Martin or the show.

There are still many gaps in Hugh’s backstory. While Saera was a respected and wealthy sex worker, it’s unclear why her son ended up in King’s Landing as a blacksmith, struggling with poverty. This suggests that Saera may not have been as prosperous in the show’s continuity as she was in the books. Hugh might reveal more about his past in future episodes, shedding light on his and Saera’s fate.

In Fire & Blood, Saera had three sons who returned to Westeros, vying for the Iron Throne during the Great Council. Ultimately, Viserys was chosen over Rhaenys (Eve Best). These sons were treated peacefully, suggesting Hugh might also be met with courtesy. He may disclose more about his lineage in upcoming episodes, but for now, fans remain curious.

The House of the Dragon Season 2 finale airs Sunday, Aug. 4 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. Martin’s books are available in print, digital, and audiobook formats.

Source: HBO, George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood