Laena

Biodata

Background / History

Laena is the eldest daughter of Lord Corlys Velaryon and Princess Rhaenys Targaryen. Before turning twelve, she tamed Vhagar, the oldest and largest living dragon; five years later, she is regarded as a mature Dragonrider. 25

Her arranged marriage becomes a source of personal and political strain. Harrold Nollton is identified as her betrothed, while Laena later tells Aemon that her fiancé’s declining political position has made the alliance untenable. 61 62

Appearance

Laena is a tall Valyrian beauty whose composed bearing contrasts sharply with her martial presence while riding Vhagar. 25 39

• Silver-gold, wavy hair falling to her waist 25
• Violet eyes and pale skin 25
• Tall, striking figure; described as taller than many men 105
• Often wears a black-and-red Dragon Riding Suit while flying Vhagar 39

Personality

Laena is poised, intelligent, and highly conscious of the political value of dragons, marriage, and alliances. She candidly presents the Velaryons’ naval plans to Aemon, but also pursues her own goals rather than merely obeying her father’s designs. 105

She is proud of being a Dragonrider and refuses to reduce herself to an accessory in another person’s ambitions. Though she recognizes Rhaenyra as a rival for Aemon’s affection, she ultimately seeks coexistence and offers Rhaenyra practical guidance on trust, politics, and their shared future. 146 181

Laena can be ruthless when necessary. At Stone Anchor City, she uses Vhagar’s dragonfire to destroy a garrison and compel Earl Yilan Morko’s submission, while explicitly framing further bloodshed as unnecessary. 158

Abilities & Skills

Dragonriding

Laena rides Vhagar, an ancient dark-green dragon whose size and age make her one of the most formidable Dragonriders of her generation. 25 39

• Tamed Vhagar before the age of twelve. 25
• Commands Vhagar in High Valyrian and can restrain the dragon when it prepares to attack. 155
• Used Vhagar to destroy a Three Daughters pirate ship and kill its surviving crew. 39
• Used Vhagar’s dragonfire to force Stone Anchor City into submission. 158
• Her bond with Vhagar is not entirely seamless: Aemon believes Laena’s guarded nature prevents the full heart-to-heart connection required for complete mutual understanding with such an old, self-willed dragon. 151

Political Leadership

Laena is an active political actor for House Velaryon rather than a passive marriage prospect.

• Offered Aemon Velaryon ships and attempted to recruit him into a naval coalition with Houses Graffson and Celtigar. 105
• Recognized the risks of Aemon’s moves against Vale nobles and warned that strength could invite exclusion as well as fear. 120
• Supported Rhaenyra’s political maturation by urging her to recognize that the two women needed allies who understood the burdens of dragon blood. 146
• Swore to join Aemon’s proposed Dragonrider Legion. 336

Equipment

• “Dragonrider” — A Fire Essence Ore-infused one-handed sword. Laena adopts its name as a personal Dragonrider legacy. 189 217
• Dragon Riding Suit — Black-and-red riding attire used while commanding Vhagar. 39

Relationships

• Corlys Velaryon — Father. Corlys values Laena above Laenor as a potential heir, but repeatedly treats her marriage and descendants as central to Velaryon succession plans. 203 377
• Rhaenys Targaryen — Mother. Rhaenys protects Laena from Corlys’s pressure and later supports the union between Laena and Aemon as a restoration of their Targaryen branch. 107 182
• Laenor Velaryon — Younger brother. Laena comforts him after Aemon punishes Joffrey and remains involved in the family’s succession disputes. 155 203
• Vhagar — Dragon and mount. Laena’s bond with the ancient dragon gives her exceptional military and political weight. 25 158
• Aemon Targaryen — Husband. Their relationship develops from guarded familiarity into betrothal and marriage; they later have twin daughters, Baela and Rhaenys. 37 181 234 263
• Rhaenyra Targaryen — Friend, rival, and co-wife of Aemon. Their early friendship is strained by their shared relationship with Aemon, but Laena eventually offers Rhaenyra companionship and political counsel. 25 146 263
• Baela and Rhaenys Targaryen — Twin daughters with Aemon. Laena is protective and affectionate toward them. 234 288

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Kingswood Hunt and voyage to the Vale — Laena reunites with Rhaenyra at the hunt, then travels with Aemon toward Runestone at Rhaenyra’s request. Vhagar later destroys a pirate slave ship near their vessel. 25 37 39
• Driftmark marriage politics — Laena reveals her unhappiness with her arranged match and becomes increasingly entangled with Aemon amid the worsening divide between the royal and Velaryon families. 62 105 107
• Vale consolidation — She assists Aemon’s campaign in the Vale, using Vhagar to devastate Stone Anchor City’s garrison and secure Earl Morko’s allegiance. 158
• Union with Aemon — Laena and Aemon formalize their relationship through betrothal, with Aemon promising marriage on his next Name Day. Their union joins the bloodlines of Baelon the Brave and Prince Aemon Targaryen. 181 182 203
• Motherhood and succession — Laena gives birth to Baela and Rhaenys. The Velaryon succession later becomes contested over the longstanding agreement that one of her children would be adopted into House Velaryon; the eventual settlement designates Mecha Targaryen as Driftmark’s heir if Laenor remains childless. 234 377 383

Notable Quotes

“I am a Dragonrider. A Dragonrider standing above all others!” 181