TV

House of the Dragon introduces gay character and fans are ecstatic: ‘The gay angst is palpable’

Laenor Velaryon in House of the Dragon.(HBO)

Laenor Velaryon. (HBO)

House of the Dragon has introduced gay character Laenor Velaryon in the most epic way possible.

In episode three of the hit HBO series we saw a significant time jump and the introduction of some aged-up characters, as Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) escalated the battle for the throne. 

Among the new regulars is Laenor Velaryon (Theo Nate). He is the son of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, and the twin brother of Laena, memorably introduced in the previous episode as her parents attempted to have the king make her his bride, despite her being just a child.

Laenor is swept into House of the Dragon in style on his dragon Seasmoke during the battle of Stepstones.
He was joined in the episode by Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (Solly McLeod) who in George RR Martin’s book series is all but confirmed to be his lover.

His appearance as he saved Daemon from fatal defeat delighted fans.

“We have a Black gay man on a dragon!” one fan wrote, “Cry harder bigoted dudebros using House of the Dragon to criticise other fantasy shows like The Rings of Power and Sandman for their diversity.”

The outburst comes after backlash from some viewers about the diversity in Amazon’s Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power and Netflix’s The Sandman. Both feature characters of different races and sexualities.

However, as Laenor joins the fold of epic fantasy characters, the majority are thrilled to see such a powerful dragon-rider.

“Laenor Velaryon, the man, the myth, the legend,” one fan wrote. Another added: “Laenor Velaryon and Seasmoke absolutely dropping dimes on the battlefield.”

“A strong gay character riding a dragon! Laenor Valeryon saved the day!” read another tweet.

Although Laenor is destined to marry Princess Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock), she was giving off more sapphic energy in the latest House of the Dragon episode.

When her father told her: “I wish to see you contented,” Rhaenyra simply replied: “You think a man will do it?”.

If Rhaenyra and Laenor do end up getting together in the series, we might have a challenge for the queerest couple in Game of Thrones history.

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