Who is Hugh Hammer in House of the Dragon? Kieran Bew character explained
He's about to become a lot more important!
*Warning: Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon season 2 episode 7 and the novel Fire & Blood.*
As House of the Dragon season 2 nears its end, Hugh Hammer, played by Kieran Bew, has become a lot more important.
While fans' attention may have been on the brutal Blood and Cheese scene, Hugh Hammer was introduced in episode 1 and is steadily getting more important.
Played by Kieran Bew, he first appeared in the show at King's Landing in front of King Aegon Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) to represent the blacksmiths.
However, in the most recent episode, he's only gone and claimed one of the biggest dragons in the world.
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, in the latest episode, claimed the 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 (Emma D'Arcy), 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.
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.
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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 2 continues on Sky Atlantic and NOW on 24th June 2024 – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.
Check out more of our Fantasy coverage or visit our TV Guide to see what's on tonight. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Louise Griffin is the Sci-Fi & Fantasy Editor for Radio Times, covering everything from Doctor Who, Star Wars and Marvel to House of the Dragon and Good Omens. She previously worked at Metro as a Senior Entertainment Reporter and has a degree in English Literature.
