Let me tell you, the way Corlys Velaryon is handling this mess right now is a masterclass in emotional restraint. You ever notice how some people can be completely unshaken by chaos? That’s Corlys. He’s the guy who just watched his entire world unravel—literally, with that finger incident—and yet he’s still standing. But here’s the kicker: he’s not exactly thrilled about it. Steve Toussaint’s take on Corlys’ post-finale feelings? It’s like watching a seasoned sailor finally throw up his hands and say, ‘This ship is sinking, and I’m not rowing anymore.’
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Corlys has evolved from a man desperate to make amends with his son to someone who’s just... tired. Tired of the bloodshed, the betrayal, the endless power struggles. He tried to broker peace with Daemon in that last-minute parley, and it backfired. But here’s the thing: he didn’t even try to save Daemon afterward. He just dragged the guy back to King’s Landing. It’s like he’s saying, ‘I’ll help you survive, but don’t expect me to care about your war.’ That’s not just apathy—it’s a calculated distance. And honestly, I think that’s the most human part of him. We all have limits, right? Corlys has crossed his.
Now, let’s talk about Rhaenyra. The woman who once seemed like a beacon of hope is now closing shutters on her dead sister’s memory. Emma D’Arcy’s performance in that scene? It’s chilling. There’s a hardness there, a transformation that’s both tragic and inevitable. Corlys, who’s spent his life navigating political waters, must be seeing the writing on the wall. Rhaenyra isn’t the same person who left King’s Landing. She’s become a ruler defined by ruthlessness, and that’s not something Corlys can stomach. But here’s the rub: he still believes in her claim to the throne. It’s a paradox that’s going to haunt him. He’s torn between loyalty and disillusionment, and I think that tension is going to explode in Season 4.
And then there’s the whole Alyn and Baela situation. Corlys’ son, Alyn, referring to himself as ‘Lord of the Tides’? That’s not just a title—it’s a declaration of independence. But would Corlys approve of his son’s relationship with Baela? On the surface, it’s scandalous. But if you think about it, Corlys has a history of making questionable alliances. Remember when he tried to marry off his 12-year-old daughter to Varys? Yeah, that’s the same kind of pragmatism. He’s not a moralist; he’s a strategist. If Alyn’s union with Baela serves a political purpose, Corlys might just shrug and say, ‘If it keeps you safe, go for it.’
But what really gets me is the dynamic between Corlys and his children. Alyn’s taking on the mantle of Lord of the Tides, but Corlys is still the one who holds the real power. It’s like watching a parent watch their child grow up and realize they’re not the center of the universe anymore. And yet, Corlys is still tied to this family. His children are embroiled in the war, and he can’t just walk away. That’s the tragedy of it all—he’s a man who’s outlived his usefulness, yet he’s still expected to play a role in this deadly game.
Looking ahead, I think Season 4 is going to be a reckoning for Corlys. He’s going to have to decide whether to stay in the game or cut his losses. And honestly, I’m betting on the latter. He’s seen too much, lost too much. But here’s the thing: even if he walks away, the Targaryens will still need him. They can’t afford to lose a man like Corlys, no matter how disillusioned he is. It’s a toxic cycle, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out. One thing’s for sure—Corlys Velaryon isn’t done yet. He’s just tired of being everyone’s pawn.
