House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 6 Ending Explained
House of the Dragon (2022) Season 3, Episode 6 is the first episode of the show in a while that doesn’t feel like a setup for what’s coming next. Instead, Episode 6 delivers in all respects: with the death of Criston Cole, with the promise of a big betrayal and of course, with the surprising ending that promises to—if not outright change—at least take a big detour from the source material.
A lot happens in the middle, too. Alicent and Helaena are, of course, caught. When Rhaenyra finds out Helaena is pregnant, she’s got no choice but to confine them to their quarters. That is, until Alicent offers up information about Aemond’s location. That gives Rhaenyra an idea: send Alicent to Aemond as part a trap. If he’s finally killed and Alicent doesn’t betray her, she and Helaena will go free.
With only two episodes to go in Season 3 House of the Dragon is setting up the endgame. And things don’t really look good for anyone right about now.
What Happens at the End of House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 6?
The end is as surprising as it is predictable. Corlys Velaryon is convinced by his son Alyn to send men to help reinforce Kings Landing after the death of so many members of the City Watch. Corlys, who is still mad at Rhaenyra for not legitimizing Alyn and Addam, only agrees at the behest of his son Alyn, who points out Corlys also spent years pretending the two did not exist.
But, just as Corlys is seemingly preparing to head back to Kings Landing with his men, he is attacked by a group of men sent by Ormund Hightower. Before we saw Ormund almost fall for Rhaenyra’s ruse with the fake Baratheon men, with only Gwyane Hightower’s quick thinking saving both Ormund and Daeron. This attack has, presumably, made Ormund even angrier. And it’s Corlys who pays the price.
The episode ends with the question of whether the Sea Snake is dead or if Ormund’s men merely intend to take him hostage and make sure no reinforcements get to King’s Landing. One thing is certain: the death of Corlys Velaryon would be a big departure from Fire & Blood. But then again, the show has taken its liberties before.
Does Corlys Survive House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 6?
It’s hard to tell. The hour ends with being strangled and his men attacked. But there’s no definitive answer regarding his fate. That’s likely on purpose, and we might not even learn the answer about what happened to him anytime soon. But in the books, Corlys doesn’t die now. In fact, he doesn’t die within the Dance of the Dragons at all.
House of the Dragon has kept to the big points in the book, but has taken some liberties. The biggest of those is, perhaps, the erasure of the character of Nettles, whose storyline was basically given to Rhaena Targaryen. That, and her involvement in the Battle of the Gullet and her share in the responsibility of what happened to Jacaerys Velaryon. That’s a pretty big change already, so the show deciding to make another big change isn’t impossible.
However, it’s more likely that the Corlys matter is a misdirect, just like what happened with Tyland Lannister in the first episode of this season. We all thought he was dead, despite the fact that he doesn’t die in the source material, and yet a few episodes later we found out that he had indeed survived and his book storyline continues.
If we had to bet one way or the other, we’d say it’s too early to say goodbye to the Sea Snake just yet.
Who Has Betrayed Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon Season 3, Episode 6?
Right before the Corlys scene we get one scene with Rhaenyra in King’s Landing that seems to be setting up the first Battle of Tumbleton. Indeed, Grand Maester Orwyle brings the queen a message from Tumbleton. It’s a garment, with a message written in it: “Kick this dog and it will bite your hand.”
We don’t know who sent the message, but a moment earlier in the episode gives us a pretty big clue. Daemon is undercover in the city trying to root out who has killed the men of the City Watch and runs into Ulf the White, who despite being ordered to remain in the Keep under guard, is heading to the tavern. Daemon is, of course, not amused, and proceeds to strike Ulf and threaten him, promising that if he sets foot in the city again, he’ll put out his eyes.
Ulf now has a dragon, and he also has a big ego. Rhaenyra has been unable to give Ulf and Hugh the riches they believed they would earn after claiming a dragon, because Kings Landing’s coffers are empty. With no personal loyalty to Rhaenyra and a dragon each—plus what they perceive as a lack of respect from Daemon, either of the two could easily turn and become Team Green. And if they do, well… that changes the war completely.
Two episodes to go. Criston Cole is dead. Ormund Hightower has the upper hand—and presumably Corlys. What comes next? A battle, that’s for sure. But who will come out on top?
