In House of the Dragon season 3, various characters are about to get a lot more important – including Hugh Hammer, played by Kieran Bew.
In season 2, Hugh was introduced as a simple blacksmith when he met King Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney). However, it soon became clear there was a lot more to him than meets the eye.
Coming into season 3, he’s one of Rhaenyra Targaryen’s (Emma D’Arcy) new dragon riders – and there’s a lot resting on his shoulders.
Here’s everything you need to know!
Who is Hugh Hammer in House of the Dragon?
Hugh Hammer is a blacksmith and a dragonseed (a Targaryen bastard) who has claimed the gigantic dragon Vermithor.
We first met Hugh when he appeared in front of King Aegon Targaryen, petitioning for blacksmiths to be paid in advance of making weapons.
To Otto Hightower’s (Rhys Ifans) dismay, Aegon granted Hugh’s request, reasoning that he needs the “small folk” onside in the war to come.
However, as the series goes on, we see that Hugh has not been paid, despite Aegon’s promise – and that he and his wife may be steadily getting more disillusioned with the king.
In episode 7, following the death of his daughter, Hugh goes against his wife’s wishes and answers the call of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, who is searching for Targaryen bastards to become dragonriders.
He reveals he has Targaryen heritage and, despite watching several of his fellow hopefuls brutally burnt to death, manages to claim Vermithor.
Speaking exclusively to Radio Times about Hugh’s loyalties in season 3, Bew said: “I think Hugh’s loyalty is to the Crown because he’s put all of his chips on that with his wife.
“I think historically he’s pushed that part of [himself] away and his inheritance and what he’s really part of, because he doesn’t trust it at all because he knows exactly what they like.”
This is your last warning that there are major book spoilers ahead, which may be adapted in House of the Dragon in future!
After claiming Vermithor, Hugh goes on to fight on the side of the Blacks in the Battle in the Gullet.
Later on, Hugh is granted a knighthood, but during the First Battle of Tumbleton, he and Ulf White, known as the Two Betrayers, defect to the Greens.
Hugh later has ambitions of becoming king, but meets his demise ahead of the Second Battle of Tumbleton, being killed by Ser Jon Roxton.
Who is Hugh Hammer’s dragon in House of the Dragon?
Hugh Hammer claims the dragon Vermithor, the second largest in the world after Vhagar.
Vermithor was previously ridden by Jaehaerys I Targaryen.
Who is actor Kieran Bew?
Bew will be recognisable to fans for various roles, especially across British TV. He started his career with roles in Spooks, The Bill and Midsomer Murders.
He went on to appear in the series Crusoe, Silent Witness, and Da Vinci’s Demons, as well as appearing in the 2017 Doctor Who episode Oxygen.
From 2017 to 2020, he starred as Ian Davis in Liar, and before his role in House of the Dragon, starred as Bill O’Hara in Warrior.
House of the Dragon season 3 will arrive on HBO Max on 22 June in the UK. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on HBO Max, Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.
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