House of the Dragon fans celebrated as they watched Laenor Velaryon mount a dragon to ride it into battle in the most recent episode of the HBO series.
Played by British actor Theo Nate, the character has become the first person of color to ride a dragon not only in this show, but also in its predecessor, Game of Thrones.
The third episode saw Laenor join his father Lord Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint) and Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) in the war against the Crabfeeder.
The teenager has a few lines in an earlier scene where the military leaders discuss their failing strategy in the war, but it was not until the episode where Laenor got his chance to shine.
In a clever strategy by Daemon, his army managed to outsmart the Crabfeeder with Laenor dealing a decisive blow when he rode in on his young dragon, Seasmoke.
He hollered in celebration as he flew and soon torched their enemies by shouting the infamous command of "dracarys" to his dragon.
Fans watching at home realized he was the first Black character to ride a dragon in either of the HBO series based on George R.R. Martin's novels.
"Laenor Valaryon was riding tf outta sea smoke!!!! Never in a million year would I imagine receiving so much joy watching a Black boy ride a dragon!," celebrated one fan on Twitter.
Another said: "A Black man was on a dragon, what a Time to be alive."
A third commented: "I have NEVER seen a Black man riding a dragon in my life. the blerd in me is so f***ing grateful to this show."
And a fourth wrote: "I won't lie, seeing a Black dude ride a dragon f***ed me up as much as Obama running for president did. My imagination is not as vivid as I thought."
Laenor is able to ride a dragon because his mother is Princess Rhaenys Targaryen (Eve Best). Targaryens are recognized "dragonriders" who are able to bond with and mount dragons.
Speaking of Laenor, actor Toussaint described Lord Corlys' relationship with his fictional son.
"Laenor is basically everything that Corlys would want from a son, except for one predilection," he told EW.
"I think that's that age-old thing sometimes with parents trying to live a child's life for them. I think Corlys is guilty of that."
The predilection Toussaint referred to was the fact that in Martin's book, Laenor takes on male lovers including Ser Joffrey Lonmouth (Solly McLeod), who appeared beside him at the battle against the Crabfeeder.
"WE HAVE A BLACK GAY MAN ON A DRAGON!" rejoiced one fan on Twitter.
"Cry harder, bigoted dudebros using House of the Dragon to criticize other fantasy shows like The Rings of Power and Sandman for their diversity."
Laenor's dragon riding debut comes after Toussaint also spoke out against racist opinions about his character, Lord Corlys Velaryon.
The British-born actor said the criticism comes from notions about what characters from historical periods should like and often rely on outdated depictions.
"So many people are basing their idea of the history of this country on a few films and stuff that were made in the '50s, '60s and '70s, which don't bear any resemblance to the truth," Toussaint told Men's Health.
"Historically, people of my hue and your hue, we didn't just turn up here in the '70s or the '60s. There was a point when the ruler of his country, 'the Caesar,' was an African man."
He continued that some viewers "are happy with a dragon flying. They're happy with white hair and violet-colored eyes, but a rich Black guy? That's beyond the pale."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Shannon Power is a Greek-Australian reporter, but now calls London home. They have worked as across three continents in print, ... Read more
