House of the Dragon Alters Ulf the White Character Arc From Books

For viewers who have not read the Fire & Blood books, Ulf the White’s narrative might be one of the most surprising turns in the House of the Dragon season 3 finale. Those familiar with George R.R. Martin’s historical tragedy may still be wondering when or how the dragon seed’s fate plays out. Here is what we know thus far, and what to expect for HOTD season 4.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for the entire plot of House of the Dragon including season 4.

Ulf the White is one of the handful of common folk who answer Team Black’s call for new dragon riders. In season 2, the binge-drinking, potentially secret Targaryen bastard manages to mount a dragon called Silverwing and rides it to glory. However, in season 3, Ulf quickly realizes that being a noble knight is not nearly as fun as having a pint with the lads. Tensions come to a head when Ulf is instructed to limit himself to the duties assigned to him. Ulf does not listen and sneaks off to the tavern anyway. When Daemon Targaryen finds him, the prince strikes him down and humiliates Ulf in front of the people of King’s Landing.

Later on in season 3, Ormund Hightower uses these class tensions to his advantage. He tells Ulf that he knows Team Black does not really appreciate him, and reassures him that all men need to let off steam. Hightower proposes that Ulf could be the new lord of Driftmark, which tempts the disgruntled dragon rider to switch sides in the war.

In the finale, Team Black finally attacks Tumbleton, and Ulf’s dragon-riding services are needed. Both sides spend much of the episode trying to find Ulf, who has mysteriously disappeared. Near the end of the episode, Ormund tracks Ulf down only to find him passed out in the latrine after some heavy drinking. Furious that Ulf may have cost Team Green the war, Ormund denigrates Ulf as a baseborn and demands that the dragon rider do as he is told.

Now realizing that Ormund is no different than Daemon, Ulf goes rogue and begins attacking both sides. It is a big departure from what happens in the books, where Ulf simply sleeps through the entire battle. Perhaps that is for the better. In George R.R. Martin’s depiction, the character is known as Ulf the Betrayer, and he is a serial rapist who sounds awful. HBO’s adaptation added some drama and gave Ulf’s turn a more satisfying arc.

By the end of the finale, Ulf is still alive and well. Whenever season 4 rolls around, Ulf’s deception will likely be found out. In the books, he actually tries taking over the Iron Throne but dies after drinking far too much poisoned wine. Based on how things are going, the show may take some creative liberties for Ulf’s future. Showrunner Ryan Condal might still find a way to kill him, and drinking himself to death sounds like something Ulf would do. It is equally possible Ulf might send both sides to hell and just run away, never to be seen again.

Hopefully, we do not have to wait a couple of years to watch House of the Dragon‘s fourth season and learn what happens to Ulf. Whatever the show runners decide, it will probably be funny. Much like Roddy the Ruin, Ulf has been a welcome source of comic relief in what is otherwise a deeply sad story.

Source: Polygon