House of the Dragon's Season 3 Episode 7 unveiled critical plot developments, including Ormund Hightower's machinations to secure the Battle of Tumbleton for the Greens and the unexpected survival of King Aegon II's dragon, Sunfyre. The episode, which streamed on HBO Max, sheds light on how two of Rhaenyra's key allies are set to betray her, a storyline rooted in George R.R. Martin's "Fire & Blood."
Hightower's Gambit for Tumbleton
Ormund Hightower, played by James Norton, is shown to be orchestrating a betrayal by secretly meeting with Ulf the White (Tom Bennett), one of Rhaenyra's dragonriders. During these clandestine encounters, Ormund flatters Ulf, offers him fine ale, and exacerbates his resentment towards Daemon Targaryen's public humiliations. The Green commander promises Ulf Driftmark and the title of Lord of the Tides, a move designed to sway the dragonrider to the Greens' side.
This strategy directly aligns with events described in "Fire & Blood," where Ulf and his fellow dragonseed, Hugh the Hammer (Kieran Bew), are known as the "Two Betrayers" for switching allegiances during the Battle of Tumbleton. Their actions are pivotal in turning the tide of the battle, leading to the destruction of a market town. While it is confirmed that Ormund has been actively influencing Ulf, his outreach to Hugh remains uncertain. The episode suggests that Hugh's own recent rejection by his wife could further fuel his animosity towards Rhaenyra, potentially pushing him toward the Greens.
Sunfyre's Miraculous Return
In a separate development, King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney) finds himself in peril when a ship carrying him, Larys Strong (Matthew Needham), and Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall) is intercepted by forces loyal to Rhaenyra. Facing overwhelming odds, Aegon makes a stand, aided only by Tyland Lannister. Just as the situation appears dire, Aegon's dragon, Sunfyre, dramatically reappears and incinerates the approaching enemy soldiers.
Aegon had previously expressed his conviction that Sunfyre was still alive, drawing parallels between a dragon rider's connection to their dragon and his bond with his dog. Despite skepticism from others, Aegon's belief proved correct, as Sunfyre, having survived the Battle of Rook's Rest, arrived to rescue his rider. The season finale of "House of the Dragon" is scheduled to air on HBO and HBO Max on August 9.