'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 4: Who is Alyn, and why might he be important?

There's more to this sailor than meets the eye.
By Sam Haysom  on 
A man in medieval clothing stands on a dock.
Alyn (Abubaker Salim) seems like he'll be influential down the track. Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

A new season of House of the Dragon usually means a few new faces — and while none of the new characters in Season 2 have had huge roles to play yet, there are a couple who certainly fall into the "ones to watch" category.

One of the new guys getting a fair bit of screen time? Alyn (Abubaker Salim), a sailor working on Lord Corlys' (Steve Toussaint's) Velaryon fleet. But who exactly is he, and why might he be important?

Who is Alyn?

Alyn is first introduced to us in House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 1, when the Sea Snake himself heads down to the docks to meet him.

"They tell me that you're the one that dragged my body out of the sea," Corlys says, which Alyn confirms. Both seem a little awkward about the whole interaction, but Corlys makes it clear that he's in Alyn's debt before leaving.

We also learn that Alyn has a brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty), who is a shipwright.

Two men in medieval clothing stand talking to each other on a dock.
Addam (Clinton Liberty) and Alyn (Abubaker Salim). Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO

Why might Alyn be important?

Clearly Alyn is getting screen time for a reason, but that reason doesn't start to emerge until Season 2, episode 4. This time it's Rhaenys (Eve Best) who also pays a visit to the docks, pulling Alyn aside and telling him she's heard he saved her husband's life.

Mashable Top Stories
Stay connected with the hottest stories of the day and the latest entertainment news.
Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

"But I was not told his saviour was so comely," she adds. "Your mother must have been very beautiful."

Again, Alyn seems awkward about the whole thing. Rhaenys appears to be a mixture of stern and sad. When their meeting is interrupted by Corlys, we start to get an idea why that might be.

"I just had a word with your captains. He was the sailor who plucked you from your watery grave," Rhaenys says to Corlys after Alyn has left them.

"I know who he is, Corlys. Alyn's past is no fault of his. He saved his lord's life, he should be raised up and honoured, not hidden beneath the tides."

There's obviously more to Alyn than first meets the eye. Given Rhaenys' pointed comment about the beauty of his mother, as well as what she says to Corlys about knowing who Alyn is, our best bet is that he's Lord Corlys' son — and that his mother is someone the Lord had an affair with during his time at sea.

As for what will happen to Alyn next? Maybe he'll be given a key role in the upcoming war, helping led Corlys' fleet into battle.

New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

Mashable Image
Sam Haysom

Sam Haysom is the Deputy UK Editor for Mashable. He covers entertainment and online culture, and writes horror fiction in his spare time.


Recommended For You
The 'Gladiator II' trailer hits the internet like a truck
Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal going head to head in 'Gladiator II.'

Donald Glover and Jordan The Stallion link up for lookalike TikTok
Donald glover posing for a camera


Why Twitter is suddenly coconut-pilled for Kamala Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks on reproductive rights at Ritchie Coliseum on the campus of the University of Maryland on June 24, 2024 in College Park, Maryland. Harris is speaking on the two year anniversary of the Dobbs decision, the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade and struck down federal abortion protections.

Internet Princess Rayne Fisher-Quann left TikTok in search of something beyond the algorithm
Rayne Fisher-Quann walking down the aisle of a church in a red dress.

More in Entertainment

Samsung Galaxy deals are plentiful ahead of Prime Day
woman using S Pen with Samsung Galaxy Tab S9

Microsoft made an AI voice so real, it's too dangerous to release
Microsoft logo on building

Apple issues yet another 'spyware' iPhone warning to users in nearly 100 countries
iPhone 15


Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 11
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 11
a phone displaying Wordle


Webb telescope may have just revealed an alien world with air
A super-Earth orbiting a red dwarf star

'The Acolyte' keeps referencing 'The Last Jedi' — here's why
The Stranger on the unknown planet.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!