What Happened to Driftmark in Game of Thrones? Where is Driftmark in Game of Thrones?

What Happened to Driftmark in Game of Thrones?

The conflict between the Targaryen families took a toll on the Velaryons, reducing their naval power to less than half and causing devastation across their territories, including Spice Town and High Tide. Nevertheless, Lord Corlys Velaryon lived to witness the resolution of the war and even played a role as the head of the navy and a regent for Rhaenyra's (Emma D’Arcy) son, King Aegon III.

Following his passing, his illegitimate son Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim) inherited Driftmark, along with Addam of Hull, both legitimized as Corlys' heirs after Princess Rhaenys' passing. Alyn Velaryon, later known as Alyn Oakenfist, fought and emerged victorious against the Stepstones and the Greyjoy navy, undertaking six significant expeditions. He eventually became the Master of Ships for King Daeron I Targaryen, son of Aegon III. Alyn married into the Velaryon family by marrying Lord Corlys’ granddaughter, Baela Targaryen (Bethany Antonia), through whom he passed on the Velaryon legacy, thriving well into the Game of Thrones era. In that time, Lord Lucerys Velaryon served as the Head of the Navy to King Aerys II Targaryen (the Mad King), father of Rhaegar Targaryen and Daenerys Targaryen.

Where is Driftmark in Game of Thrones?

Driftmark is a small island situated in Blackwater Bay, close to Dragonstone within the Game of Thrones world. It is governed by the Velaryon family, one of the rare families in Westeros that can trace its roots back to the Valyrian Freehold. The island is inhabited by several communities, including the fortresses of Driftmark and High Tide, as well as the cities of Hull and Spice Town.

In the TV show "House of the Dragon," Driftmark is shown as the setting for the fortress High Tide. The island fortress was represented by St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall. In the Game of Thrones era, the leader of Driftmark was Monford Velaryon, who backed Stannis Baratheon's bid for the Iron Throne. Sadly, Monford was killed in the Battle of Blackwater Bay, and his young son, Monterys Velaryon, took over. Aurane Waters, the illegitimate daughter of Monford, also played a significant role as the head of the naval forces before escaping to King's Landing.

What is Driftmark?

The ancestral castle of Driftmark was wet and small, so Lord Corlys Velaryon decided to build a new castle on the other side of the island named High Tide. This castle is situated on a tidal island that is only accessible to Driftmark during low tide. As the island flourished due to Lord Corlys's riches, two major port cities developed along Driftmark's shores: Hull, located under Castle Driftmark, and Spice Town, situated under High Tide. While the Targaryen family dominated the skies with their dragons, the Velaryon family controlled the oceans. Their connection lasted through the ages and earned them a significant position in the Dance of the Dragons.

Why is Driftmark Significant?

Driftmark holds significance in the Game of Thrones universe for several reasons:

House Velaryon and Naval Power:

Driftmark stands as the traditional home of the House Velaryon, a formidable aristocracy renowned for its skill in naval warfare. The House Velaryon has an extensive lineage in dominating the middle of the small sea and keeping a strong army of vessels. Their prowess at sea and knowledge of naval tactics position them as an important figure in the political and military affairs of Westeros.

Strategic Location:

Driftmark is strategically positioned in Blackwater Bay, a bay that is an arm of the Narrow Sea. It is located to the west of Dragonstone and north of Massey's Hook, with the mainland to its east, divided by the Gullet. Its close proximity to Dragonstone, the traditional home of the House Targaryen, along with other significant places in the area, positions it as a crucial center for commerce, maritime activities, and diplomatic relationships.

House Velaryon's Role in the Dance of the Dragons:

Driftmark and House Velaryon are crucial in the Targaryen civil conflict, the Dance of the Dragons. Lord Corlys Velaryon, also referred to as the Sea Snake, stands out in this battle. His contribution from the sea and tactical actions significantly influence the result of the conflict.

Depiction in House of the Dragon:

Driftmark and House Velaryon are crucial in the Targaryen civil conflict, the Dance of the Dragons. Lord Corlys Velaryon, also referred to as the Sea Snake, stands out in this battle. His contribution from the sea and tactical actions significantly influence the result of the conflict.

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is a television series from America that blends fantasy and drama, created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss for HBO. It's based on the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin, with the first book being A Game of Thrones. The series debuted on HBO in the U.S. on April 17, 2011, and wrapped up on May 19, 2019, featuring 73 episodes across eight seasons.

The series is set in the imaginary worlds of Westeros and Essos and features a large cast of characters. It explores various storylines throughout its run. The initial major storyline revolves around the struggle for the Iron Throne in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, amidst political turmoil among noble families seeking the throne or fighting for their freedom from its current occupant. The second major storyline centers on the last heir to the throne, exiled to Essos, planning his return to reclaim his rightful place. The third storyline follows the Night's Watch, a military group protecting the realm from threats from beyond Westeros's northern edge.

Streaming Platforms

"Game of Thrones" is available for streaming on several platforms such as HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.