Laenor Velaryon is dead, ‘House of the Dragon’ – How does Laenor Velaryon die in the House of the Dragon?

At the end of Sunday’s episode, “House of the Dragon” takes a fresh look and takes on George R.R. Martin’s fictional history book about House Targaryen. Instead of preserving the “historical” details of Laenor Velaryon’s death as in Fire and Blood, the TV version says that Laenor actually helped fake his own death.

The final minutes of the episode have viewers thinking that Rhaenyla and Damon paid Carl to kill Leno — that’s what happened in Fire and Blood. But in the last shot, we see Laenor and Qarl jumping into a boat together, and the two set off, presumably living happily ever after in Essos for the rest of their lives.

So why change the event for a TV adaptation? It’s just another change from Fire and Blood’s historical record that gives viewers more of a feel for Rhaenyra’s fight for the Iron Throne.

Instead of a ruthless murderous adulterer, Rhaenyra’s character is a loving mother, good friend and ally of Rano. Rhaenyra is threatened in court by loyalists to Queen Allison, who is politically savvy enough to marry Damon and his daughters to her cause.

“Princess Rhaenyra’s husband and presumed father of her children, Sir Leno Valerian, was killed while visiting the Carnival in Spicetown and was stabbed to death by his friend and companion Sir Carl Corey. Individuals argued loudly before pulling out the blade, said the merchant at the bazaar when Lord Valerion came to retrieve his son’s body. Corey had fled by then, injuring several who tried to stop him. Some claimed there was a boat Waiting for him at sea. He was never seen again.”

The book’s historical narrative goes on to explain that the circumstances of Leno’s assassination have remained a mystery, like a modern unsolved case with different theories. A feud between jealous lovers turns to murder. An assassination initiated by Daemon to clear the way for a marriage to Rhaenyra (this is the story of the mushroom, the court jester seen at the wedding reception in episode 5).

Historical accounts state that Karl was known for his extravagant taste, so it is plausible that he would kill the future king’s consort and transport her to Essos for a handsome reward.