Hugh Hammer

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Hugh Hammer
Hugh Hammer.jpeg
Art by Enife

Aliases
  • Hugh the Hammer[1]
  • Hard Hugh[1]
  • The Betrayer[2]
  • Lord Hammer[3]
  • Hard Hugh Hammer[3]
Titles
Allegiances
Race Uncertain (Valyrian descent)
Culture Crownlands
Born Dragonstone
Died In 130 ACTumbleton
Books

Played by Kieran Bew
TV series House of the Dragon: Season 2

Hugh Hammer, called Hugh the Hammer, Hard Hugh, and Lord Hammer, was a dragonseed who became a dragonrider during the Dance of the Dragons.[1]

In the television adaptation House of the Dragon, Hugh is portrayed by Kieran Bew.[4]

Appearance and Character

Hugh was tall and huge, with hands strong enough to twist steel bars. He wielded a warhammer. Hugh was not able to read or write.[3]

History

Hugh was a blacksmith's bastard on Dragonstone when the Dance of the Dragons began.[5] When Prince Jacaerys Velaryon called for dragonriders in 129 AC, Hugh was allowed to mount Vermithor, the dragon of the late King Jaehaerys I Targaryen.[6] Hugh fought valiantly for the blacks in the Battle in the Gullet.[1] Hugh began to call himself Hugh Hammer.[3]

After the fall of King's Landing, Prince Daemon Targaryen suggested that Hugh be wed to the daughter of the late Lord Rosby, but Rhaenyra declined. The queen instead granted knighthood to Ulf White and Hugh and granted them lands on Driftmark.[3] According to Mushroom, Hugh beat to death one of Rhaenyra's knights in a dispute over a maiden in the Street of Silk. When Daemon suggested that Houses Baratheon and Lannister should be destroyed for their support to King Aegon II Targaryen, he proposed granting Casterly Rock to Hugh, but after Lord Corlys Velaryon opposed the idea, Rhaenyra refused the suggestion.[3]

In 130 AC, Ulf and Hugh were sent to help the blacks defend the town of Tumbleton from Lord Ormund Hightower's approaching host. During the First Battle of Tumbleton, however, the Two Betrayers defected to the greens.[3]

Calling himself Lord Hammer, Hugh desired to become a king. He gained support from the soldiery who believed a prophecy which spoke of a new king arising once a hammer falls on a dragon.[3][N 1] Prince Daeron Targaryen threw wine in his face when he made his claim known, and Hugh threatened to beat the boy. The next day Hugh wore a crown of black iron, which Ser Roger Corne knocked off. Hugh nailed three horseshoes to Roger's skull, and the ensuing fight between Hugh's and Roger's supporters led to three dead and twelve wounded. Hugh slept with the widow of a knight whom he had killed during First Tumbleton.[2]

The Caltrops conspired to kill Hugh and Ulf, but their plans were interrupted by the Second Battle of Tumbleton. While Hugh was preparing for battle, Ser Jon Roxton killed the dragonseed with his Valyrian steel blade, Orphan-Maker. Jon was killed in turn by Hugh's men, allegedly after slipping on one of Hugh's entrails.[2]

Quotes by Hugh

Why be a lord when you can be a king?[3]

—Hugh to his supporters

We need a strong man to lead us, not a boy. The throne should be mine.[2]

—Hugh to the greens

Jon: Lord Hammer, my condolences.
Hugh: For what?
Jon: You died in the battle.[2]

Jon Roxton and Hugh

Quotes about Hugh

A crown does not make a man a king. You should wear a horseshoe on your head, blacksmith.[2]

Roger Corne to Hugh

Notes

  1. The prophecy was not fulfilled by Hugh during the Dance. However, it did come true a century and a half later when Lord Robert Baratheon led a rebellion against the Targaryens and used his warhammer to kill Prince Rhaegar Targaryen at the decisive Battle of the Trident.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Triumphant.
  4. Deadline: Season 2 Cast and Teaser Trailer (December 2, 2023)
  5. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  6. Fire & Blood, The Red Dragon and the Gold.