Why do ulf and hugh betray rhaenyra

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Ulf and Hugh betrayed Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons civil war (129-131 AC) by defecting to Aegon II's side after being promised lands and titles. Their betrayal occurred in 130 AC, specifically after the Battle of the Gullet, where they abandoned Rhaenyra's cause. This significantly weakened Rhaenyra's dragon-riding forces, as Ulf and Hugh were dragonriders of Silverwing and Vermithor respectively, two of the largest dragons in her faction.

Key Facts

Ulf and Hugh were dragonriders who initially fought for Rhaenyra Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons (129-131 AC)
Their betrayal occurred in 130 AC, after the Battle of the Gullet
They were promised lands and titles by Aegon II's faction in exchange for switching sides
Ulf rode Silverwing and Hugh rode Vermithor, two of the largest dragons in Westeros
Their defection significantly weakened Rhaenyra's military strength during the civil war

Overview

The betrayal of Ulf and Hugh occurred during the Dance of the Dragons (129-131 AC), a brutal civil war between Rhaenyra Targaryen and her half-brother Aegon II for control of the Iron Throne. Both men were common-born dragonriders who had bonded with dragons during the war - Ulf with Silverwing and Hugh with Vermithor, two of the oldest and largest dragons in Westeros. Initially loyal to Rhaenyra's Black faction, they fought in several key battles including the Battle of the Gullet in 130 AC. The Dance of the Dragons represented a succession crisis following the death of King Viserys I, who had named Rhaenyra as his heir despite traditional male-preference inheritance customs. The war involved numerous dragon battles and resulted in the deaths of most Targaryen dragons, fundamentally weakening House Targaryen's power for generations.

How It Works

The betrayal mechanism involved political manipulation and broken promises. After the Battle of the Gullet in 130 AC, Ulf and Hugh grew dissatisfied with their treatment under Rhaenyra's command. Aegon II's Green faction, recognizing the strategic value of their dragons, offered them lands, titles, and wealth to defect. Specifically, they were promised lordships and castles that would elevate them from their common-born status. The betrayal process unfolded through secret negotiations, culminating in their public switch of allegiance. This followed a pattern of opportunistic defections during the civil war, where various lords and knights changed sides based on shifting military advantages and personal rewards. The psychological factors included resentment over perceived lack of recognition and the temptation of social advancement in a rigid feudal system.

Why It Matters

The betrayal had significant military consequences, as Silverwing and Vermithor were among the most powerful dragons in Rhaenyra's arsenal. Their loss contributed to Rhaenyra's eventual defeat and death in 130 AC. Historically, this event illustrates how the Dance of the Dragons weakened House Targaryen's monopoly on dragon power, as control of dragons extended beyond royal family members. The betrayal also demonstrates the fragility of loyalty during civil conflicts and how social mobility could undermine traditional allegiances. In George R.R. Martin's fictional history, this episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of expanding dragonriding beyond carefully controlled bloodlines.