RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourceson Google Preferred Source Google News Link copied to clipboard By Patricia Hernandez Published Aug 10, 2026, 2:14 PM EDT Explainer Spoilers ahead!
Roddy the Ruin was the best part of House of the Dragon's Season 3 finale Roddy the Ruin was the best part of House of the Dragon's Season 3 finale HBO’s House of the Dragon replacement officially arrives in 1 week What happens to Ulf the White in House of the Dragon? House of the Dragon Sign in to your Polygon.com account For viewers who haven't read the Fire & Blood books, Ulf the White's narrative might be one of the most surprising turns in House of the Dragon 's season 3 finale . Those familiar with George R.R. Martin's historical tragedy may still be wondering when or how the dragon seed's fate plays out. Here's what we know thus far, and what to expect for HOTD season 4.
Warning: Spoilers ahead for the entire plot of House of the Dragon including season 4.
Ulf the White is one of the handful of common folk who answer Team Black's call for new dragon riders. In season 2, the binge-drinking, potentially secret Targaryen bastard manages to mount a dragon called Silverwing and rides it to glory. However, in season 3, Ulf quickly realizes that being a noble knight isn't nearly as fun as having a pint with the lads. Tensions come to a head when Ulf is instructed to limit himself to the duties assigned to him. Ulf doesn't listen and sneaks off to the tavern anyway. When he's found by Daemon Targaryen, the prince strikes him down and humiliates Ulf in front of the people of King's Landing.
Later on in season 3, Ormund Hightower uses these class tensions to his advantage. He tells Ulf that he knows Team Black doesn't really appreciate him, and reassures him that all men need to let off steam. Hightower proposes that Ulf could be the new lord of Driftmark, which tempts the disgruntled dragon rider to switch sides in the war.
In the finale, Team Black finally attacks Tumbleton — and Ulf's dragon-riding services are needed. Both sides spend much of the episode trying to find Ulf, who has mysteriously disappeared. Near the end of the episode, Ormund tracks Ulf down only to find him passed out in the latrine after some heavy drinking. Furious that Ulf may have cost Team Green the war, Ormund denigrates Ulf as a baseborn and demands that the dragon rider do as he's told.
Now realizing that Ormund is no different than Daemon, Ulf goes rogue and begins attacking both sides. It's a big departure from what happens in the books, where Ulf simply sleeps through the entire battle. Perhaps that's for the better: in George R.R. Martin's depiction, the character is known as Ulf the Betrayer, and he is a serial rapist who sounds awful. HBO's adaptation added some drama and gave Ulf's turn a more satisfying arc.
Hopefully, we don't have to wait a couple of years to watch House of the Dragon 's fourth season — and learn what happens to Ulf. Whatever the show runners decide, it'll probably be funny. Much like Roddy the Ruin, Ulf has been a welcome source of comic relief in what is otherwise a deeply sad story.
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