Corlys Velaryon in "House of the Dragon": A Comprehensive Overview

Corlys Velaryon, played by Steve Toussaint, is a character in the TV series “House of the Dragon”, a prequel to the famous “Game of Thrones” series. Corlys Velaryon is known as the Sea Snake, he is the lord of House Velaryon, one of the oldest and richest houses of Westeros. He also has a versatile function in the series as a lord, a naval officer, and a political figure of the kingdom.

Corlys Velaryon is introduced as a seasoned and ambitious leader with a storied past. His moniker, the "Sea Snake," is derived from his legendary voyages across the known world, which have made him one of the wealthiest men in Westeros. His wealth and naval power make him an indispensable ally and a formidable adversary. In "House of the Dragon," Corlys's primary role is to support the claim of Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen to the Iron Throne, setting the stage for the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons.

As the Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark, Corlys Velaryon wields significant influence. His marriage to Rhaenys Targaryen, the "Queen Who Never Was," further cements his position in the Targaryen dynasty. This union is not just a personal alliance but a strategic one, aimed at strengthening his house's claim to power. Throughout the series, Corlys's loyalty to Rhaenyra and his strategic acumen are crucial in the unfolding conflict.

Corlys is not just a political player, however, she has more to her than meets the eye. He is one of the major assets to the Targaryen side given his knowledge in naval battles. His own Velaryon fleet is one of the strongest in the realm, which can dictate the terms on the sea, regulate the supply of necessary goods and people and seal off the necessary areas if necessary. This naval might is one of the important aspects of the power relation in the series, which has impact on the results of the fights and battles.

Corlys Velaryon is a character who is not entirely black and white, and there is more to him than what meets the eye. His motives are not merely selfish but also have responsibility and even a family tradition involved. He wants to guarantee the stability and wealth of his house and to make sure his heirs will be remembered as important in the history of Westeros. This drive often results in his conflict with other influential characters, making him have numerous rivalries and allies.

Steve Toussaint shows how to play a character that is not black, not a knight, not poor, not in a wheelchair, not an orphan, and not a rapist, but still has layers and flaws. Toussaint has a tall and imposing figure and is able to bring out different layers of Corlys’ character, such as his power, desire for more power, and subtlety. From his introduction, there is a sense of seriousness and authority that accompanies Corlys Velaryon, a man whom Toussaint has created as a formidable figure. He is a very tall man, muscular, and it is obvious that he is a man of great physical strength, which corresponds to the image of a pirate called the “Sea Snake” who has subjugated the seas and became a billionaire.

Another thing that I find very important about Toussaint’s acting is the way he manages to embody the character of Corlys, who is depicted as a very smart person. When it comes to strategy and thinking ahead, Corlys is shown as a master tactician and naval commander, and this is brilliantly portrayed by Toussaint with his measured and deliberate speech. Whether he is involved in political discussions, trying to forge political alliances or strategizing battles in council, the Corlys that we see is always composed and calculating.

Toussaint also has the ability to add passion and feeling to the character. Corlys is not only a power-motivated lord but a man who strives to make his family’s history continue and become a part of the story. This motivation is evident in Toussaint’s character especially as depicted in his relations with his wife Rhaenys Targaryen and his children. Toussaint’s chemistry with Eve Best, who portrays Rhaenys, brings depth to Corlys – viewers get to see his sensitive side.

It is for this reason that Corlys is motivated to take House Velaryon to a level of power and prominence that has never been seen before. nicknamed Sea Snake for his seafaring and his skills in naval warfare, Corlys has accumulated a great fortune and a significant fleet. It is not his own gain that he seeks but the honor of his own house. He wants to make sure that House Velaryon is not only included in the history of Westeros but also respected by the people of the kingdom.

There is another major driving force in Corlys – his allegiance to Rhaenyra Targaryen, the Dragon Prince. During the Targaryen civil war, Corlys supports Rhaenyra Targaryen because he knows that she has the right to inherit the throne. It is not simply political betrayal to side with Rhaenyra but rather a genuine belief in her as a ruler and in the Targaryen cause. This loyalty is evident in his actions throughout the series, in areas such as forming alliances and planning military operations.

This naval aspect is an important part of Corlys’s objectives. He is the Lord of the Tides and Master of Driftmark, which means he is in control of one of the strongest fleets in the land of Westeros. Control of the seas means he can manipulate commerce, secure resources, and even demonstrate force throughout the kingdom. This naval dominance is not just a tool for achieving victory but a symbol of achievement and proof of his abilities as a captain. Corlys’s ambition is to preserve and strengthen this naval hegemony, so that Velaryon will continue to play a major role.

Corlys Velaryon’s romance with Rhaenys Targaryen is one of the key aspects of the plot in “House of the Dragon.” The couple is not only lovers but also political and military allies that have a significant impact on the course of the Targaryen conflict. Rhaenys Targaryen, also known as the “Queen Who Never Was,” was not chosen to sit on the Iron Throne; instead, her cousin Viserys I Targaryen became the king. This slight affects Rhaenys and Corlys in a way that goes beyond anything that can be described as ordinary. For Rhaenys, it is a cause of her suffering and motivation for her actions or goals. The act of piracy becomes a driving force for Corlys to ensure that his family obtains the power and fame he thinks they should.

The connection between Corlys and Rhaenys also contributes to the emotional appeal of the plot. It is a loving relationship based on respect and understanding of each other and their vision of how they want their family to be. This is depicted with a lot of depth and detail, showing the human element of the conflict that defines the political struggle. Their relationships show that power struggle has a human face, and the audience can easily understand why the characters act in certain ways.

In conclusion, Corlys Velaryon in “House of the Dragon” is a wise and cunning planner, a devoted follower of Rhaenyra Targaryen, and a skilled admiral. He is an important character who plays a key role in determining the direction of the Targaryen civil war. Steve Toussaint’s performance does justice to this rich character and imbues the historical figure with necessary depth and intrigue to the grand saga of “House of the Dragon.”