House of the Dragon star Clinton Liberty is loving all your Seasmoke memes!
By Ashley Hurst
House of the Dragon season 2 has been a massive success. The Dance of the Dragons is fully underway, and Rhaenyra is looking to the smallfolk to become dragonriders to balance the scales against Alicent Hightower and Aemond Targaryen. The first sueprise dragonrider happened to be Addam of Hull, shipwright and bastard son of Lord Corlys Velaryon.
In episode 6, "Smallfolk," the dragon Seasmoke chose Addam of Hall to become his rider, an event that completely changed the game. The moment Seasmoke looms over Addam was powerful and poignant... and has already inspired countless fans to create memes. Step aside Daemon, Addam of Hull is the real king of memes in Westeros. Check out some of the most popular memes:
In the weeks following the moment, star Clinton Liberty is loving seeing all the memes. "They keep getting funnier and funnier," he told Entertainment Weekly. "You think that eventually you'll get used to them and run out of the jokes, but new ones keep popping up. I just think it's so funny, but it's a beautiful way for me to also connect with the fans of the show in a different kind of way. It's been absolutely amazing."
Liberty was certainly surprised by the reception of the scene, especially how quickly it became the internet's number one trending meme. "The fact that it went crazy, it was such a surprise and such a shock, but in the best possible way," he explained. "The most interesting thing is how widespread it goes. People are just as aware of the memes as they are of whatever's going on in the show."
On a more serious note, Liberty went on to explain what bonding with Seasmoke means to Addam, particularly in terms of his relationship with his father Corlys:
""Addam always wanted more for his life. He always wanted to do great things, but the reasoning behind him wanting to do great things is to have the opportunity to be able to have some kind of connection with his father. He always wanted to matter to Corlys. The only way he feels that he can be seen — as we know Corlys as the wealthiest man in Westeros — is maybe if I become wealthy, as well. The fact that he's bonded with Seasmoke is another way for him to be seen by his father.""
There's no better way to draw attention to yourself than bonding with a dragon. And by becoming a meme in the process, Addam of Hull is truly an unstoppable force.
House of the Dragon returns for its season 2 finale on Sunday, August 4 on HBO.
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