In Westeros, being born a bastard has serious implications. Bastards often receive names that reveal their origins, but some manage to avoid this fate. In “House of the Dragon,” Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy) tries hard to prove her sons are Laenor Velaryon’s (John Macmillan), even though they look nothing like him.
Jacaerys (Harry Collett), Lucerys (Elliot Grihault), and Joffrey (Oscar Eskinkanzi) face embarrassment because people call them “strong,” a reference to Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr), whom they resemble. Throughout Season 2, Jace feels bitter about his true parentage and grows frustrated with his mother.
He fears what will happen as dragons claim dragons and worries about the rumors of his illegitimacy. Baela (Bethany Antonia) tries to comfort him, reminding him that many bastards have been raised as nobles and it does not change who he is. Looking at history, Baela’s point holds true.
How Is Orys Baratheon Like Jace Velaryon?
Jace’s situation is not unique. Long before him, Orys Baratheon faced similar issues. During Aegon I’s conquest of Westeros, Orys made a mark as the founder of the noble house that eventually ruled the realm. Despite his significant achievements, his birth was surrounded by uncertainty.
Orys was rumored to be the son of Aerion Targaryen and an unnamed woman, making him the bastard brother of Aegon I and his sister/wives, Visenya and Rhaenys. Although “Fire & Blood” does not confirm this, King Jaehaerys I believed Orys was his great-uncle. Orys was very close to Aegon I.
When Aegon rejected a marriage pact with the Storm King, Argilac Durrandon, he suggested Orys marry Durrandon’s daughter to strengthen ties between the Targaryens and the Durradons. The proposal was refused, leading to Aegon’s Conquest.
During the war and Aegon’s reign, Orys Baratheon was Aegon’s top ally, aside from his dragonriding sisters. Orys led ground forces while Aegon fought from the skies. Aegon made Orys his first Hand of the King.
Orys and Rhaenys captured Storm’s End, and after Orys defeated the last Storm King, Aegon made him the first Lord Paramount of the Stormlands.
Orys married Durradon’s daughter, adopting the banners and words of the now-defunct house to start the Baratheon line. Even though he was never officially legitimized, Orys’ descendants became nobility and eventually royalty.
Orys Baratheon and Jace Velaryon share similarities despite their differences. Jace is not a warrior like Orys, and Orys never claimed to be a true-born Targaryen or a dragonrider. However, both faced rumors about their birth. Jace was raised as an heir, while Orys gained a castle and lordship as an adult, yet both transcended their origins.
Orys rose to power and became a key figure in Westeros despite his birth status. His story shows that Jace can overcome his challenges with great achievements. Orys’ tale will be shown further in the upcoming Aegon the Conqueror spin-off, deepening the connection between these two characters.
“House of the Dragon” is available for streaming on Max in the U.S.
