EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsHouse of the DragonHouse of the Dragon fans think the show has secretly killed off one of last season’s best characters, and the clue is in season 2 episode 6When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
EntertainmentTVFantasy ShowsHouse of the DragonHouse of the Dragon fans think the show has secretly killed off one of last season’s best characters, and the clue is in season 2 episode 6When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: HBO)

According to a new House of the Dragon fan theory, one of the best characters from season 1 may have been secretly killed or died off-screen, and the show’s most recent episode might have just backed it up…
Warning, major spoilers forHouse of the Dragon season 2 episode 6follow, so make sure you are up to date before reading on!
The most recent installment ofHouse of the Dragon season 2was packed full of drama, but the most shocking part of the episode was when Rhaenyra enlisted an apparentdragonseedto try and claim the now wild dragon Seasmoke. The beast, unfortunately, burned the man to a crisp, but later set his sights on Lord Corlys' bastard sonAddam of Hull. In thetrailer for episode 7, we can see Addam standing in front of Seasmoke, which suggests he is the dragon’s new rider.
Son of Lord Corlys and Princess Rhaenys, husband to Rhaenyra, and heir to The Stepstones, Leanor played a big role in season 1. However, his attraction to men meant his relationship with Rhaenyra never truly came to fruition, and so, in the end, the two decided to seek out their own romantic relationships. In an attempt to escape his past life and duties, Leanor faked his death and left the realm with his lover, never to be seen again.
(Image credit: HBO)

Up until now, we were under the impression that Leanor lived elsewhere. But if the show is following Martin’s rule that a dragon will not claim another rider until they are dead, he must have died off-screen. Other fans seem to think so too, asone replied, “Velaryon dragon loyalty suggests his off-screen demise,” andanother agreed, “Yes he did otherwise Seasmoke would have followed him.”
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Another fanpointed out another possible clue earlier in the season, “That’s why Seasmoke has been flying around in circles crying out. The bond with his rider was broken.” Others suggested that the reason why Seasmoke has bonded with Addam is because he “smelled his blood,” as Addam is Leanor’s half-brother.
However, it is important to note that Seasmoke may have just presumed his past rider Leanor is dead due to the fact everyone else in the realm (apart from Rhaenyra and Daemon) believes he is. But, on the other hand, as dragons are magical creatures, they could well know that their rider has died without even seeing a body. For possible confirmation of Ser Leanor’s apparent death, you’ll just have to keep on watching the show.
House of the Dragon season 2continues weekly on Sky and NOW in the UK andHBOin the US. For more on the show, check out our deep dives on:
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