The Velaryons and Targaryens aren’t the only houses with Valyrian ancestors; in House Of The Dragon season 1 finale, another ancient family is introduced.

WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 1 and George R.R. Martin’s book, Fire & Blood!

House of the Dragon’s season 1 finale subtly introduced another major Valyrian family in Westeros, who will play a significant role in season 2. The blood of Old Valyria has played an important role in the House of the Dragon’s story, especially in emphasizing the blood purity and dragon-riding abilities of Houses Targaryen and Velaryon. However, another family from Old Valyria settled in Westeros before the Doom, though they do not wield the same power and influence as the Targaryens and Velaryons.

House Celtigar, once minor lords in Old Valyria, is the forgotten Valyrian family in Westeros. The Celtigars, like the Velaryons, were not dragonriders, which is likely why they migrated to Westeros’ Claw Isle. The ancient house was finally introduced in the season 1 finale of House of the Dragon, when Lord Bartimos Celtigar (Nicholas Jones) appeared on Dragonstone. Despite the fact that Rhaenyra did not explain the Valyrian blood she shared with Lord Celtigar when they formed an alliance, Bartimos is one of the trusted members of her black council seen around the painted table. House Celtigar will become increasingly important in House of the Dragon season 2’s civil war, despite not playing a significant role in season 1.

House Celtigar’s Role In House Of The Dragon’s Story

Throughout the story of House of the Dragon, House Celtigar will be a prominent member of Rhaenyra’s black council. According to George R.R. Martin’s book Fire & Blood, Lord Bartimos Celtigar will advise Rhaenyra to use her dragon power to seize King’s Landing, but the Queen takes a more cautious approach. When Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen succeeds her brother Aegon on the Iron Throne, she appoints Bartimos Celtigar as master of coin and lord treasurer of her small council. With the series’ current pace, Rhaenyra is likely to take King’s Landing by the end of House of the Dragon season 2.

House Celtigar, despite being an important member of Queen Rhaenyra’s council, will cause problems for Queen Rhaenyra’s reign in King’s Landing. Rhaenyra desperately needed a way to replenish the crown’s wealth after Aegon had depleted it. As master of coin, Bartimos enacted many unpopular taxes first proposed by his ancestor Edwell Celtigar, but he made the taxes and fees far more onerous on the common people. Finally, Bartimos aggravates matters by advising Rhaenyra to arrest two lowborn dragonriders who remain loyal to the Blacks. Given how unpopular the master of coin was with the people of King’s Landing, it’s not surprising that House Celtigar’s role in House of the Dragon fades after a rioting mob castrates and beheads Bartimos.

Where House Celtigar Is During Game Of Thrones

The Valyrian-blooded House Celtigar, like the ambitious House Velaryon, loses most of its power and connection to the throne after House of the Dragon. While no members of House Celtigar appear in Game of Thrones, the family is still alive and well during this time period. Ardrian Celtigar pledges allegiance to Stannis Baratheon at the start of the War of the Five Kings, but is captured at the bloody Battle of the Blackwater. Lord Celtigar now swears allegiance to Joffrey Baratheon and remains in King’s Landing. Worse, a descendant of the House of the Dragon’s Celtigars later testifies at Tyrion’s trial that he once heard him threaten Joffrey.

Tag: #HOUSE OF THE DRAGON (2022)