House of the Dragon episode 7 saw the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon at High Tide. We saw the tension between the greens and the blacks rise along with the tides of the sea. But the funeral we witnessed in House of the Dragon episode 7 was extremely different from the funeral of Queen Aemma Targaryen and Baelon Targaryen in House of the Dragon episode 1. The Targaryens and Velaryons share a number of similarities including their silvered hair beauty and the blood of Old Valyria. But their customs are quite different from one another.
Velaryon funerals were not specifically described in Fire and Blood and there wasn’t much difference noted there. However, we are very glad that the House of the Dragon showrunners decided to give Laena Velaryon a true Velaryon funeral. House Velaryon has a rich history and culture and its pretty cool to be able to see that on screen.
Difference between Velaryons and Targaryens
The very obvious difference between the Targaryens and Velaryons is that one has the gift of fire while the other has the sea. Princess Rhaenyra herself says that they are born from fire and are always meant to burn. That’s something which can be seen in their funerals. Whereas Velaryons are of the sea. Rhaenyra even says how fire is a prison while the sea offers an escape. The showrunners even portray this escape during both the exit of Laena and that of Laenor. They both let the sea take them to their next destination as they escape the present. So let’s explore some of the key differences between their funeral proceedings.
Targaryen funeral of Queen Aemma and Prince Baelon
We saw a Targaryen funeral after the death of Queen Aemma Targaryen and her son Baelon Targaryen. Houses from all over the realm had gathered. The attendees were all wearing black as black is the color of mourning. Its said that on some occasions they tear their clothes in mourning. The funeral was conducted by the Septons and a pyre was created where Queen Aemma Targaryen lay. On an open field, the dragonkeepers brought Syrax, as she waited for Rhaenyra’s command.
After consolation and encouragement by her uncle Daemon, Rhaenyra finally uttered Dracarys and immolated the bodies of Aemma and Baelon. It was Targaryen tradition that there own were burned by the very fire that gave them all the power in the realm. Then their ashes were collected and interred in the septs of Red Keep. Even the ashes of King Jaehaerys were kept under the Red Keep with that of his sister wife.
Velaryon funeral of Lady Laena
The Velaryon funeral of Lady Laena took place near the cliffs of High Tide. The funeral was conducted by her uncle Vaemond Velaryon instead of a Septon. Lady Laena was built a beautiful casket that reflected her own beauty as she lived. She was bid goodbye with a beautiful and personal eulogy by her uncle. That is if we ignore the offhanded remarks regarding the parentage of Rhaenyra’s sons.
Eventually she was let go into the sea where the waves would take her wherever it could for one last journey. As Vaemond said, to the sea they belong and to the sea they return. This line is echoed in several other religious texts. Another point to note is that when the Lady Laena’s casket sinks to the ocean floor, we see several such caskets of the Velaryon family there.
The main difference between the two funerals is the elements- fire and sea. The Velaryons ebb and flow for one last journey whereas the Targaryens surrender to the flames.
