"Of course it’s do or die"- Kieran Bew breaks down Hugh Hammer's motivation in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 7

Hugh Hammer has emerged as one of the most intriguing characters of the show in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 7, where the blacksmith stepped up and tamed the ferocious Vermithor, who was one of the largest and fiercest dragons in Dragonstone. Hammer's dedication and bravery have singled him out in the latest episode, with fans already labeling him as one of the more interesting characters in the show.

Those who have read George R.R. Martin's Fire and Blood, already know that Hugh Hammer is far more important to the story than just being the rider of Vermithor. After this episode, Kieran Bew, who plays the role of the aforementioned blacksmith, delved into the psyche of Hugh Hammer, who was seemingly uninterested in exploiting his Targaryen heritage till the time the call for the Dragonseeds came.

Discussing Hugh Hammer's motivation with TV Line, Bew said:

"Well, given that there’s this been the war on, and the famine, and the pressures of the smallfolk, the stakes are so high for him having lost his child and he’s in so much pain, the opportunity to actually stand in front of a dragon? Of course it’s do or die. The stakes are absolutely high."

He goes on to explain how this moment pushed his character to reveal his heritage to his wife in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 7, which was a well-kept secret for the blacksmith for years.

---

"It’s kind of confession, but it’s also a rousing declaration"- Kieran Bew on Hugh Hammer revealing his Targaryen heritage

A still from HOTD (Image via HBO)

Hugh Hammer, unlike his compatriot Ulf White, who had waved around his Targaryen heritage like a flag since he appeared in House of the Dragon, had kept his identity a secret. But on Rhaenyra's call, which also sounds a lot like a suicide mission, Hugh reveals to his wife that his mother was a Targaryen bastard.

This came when the character was pushed to the edge. Bew explained to TV Line:

"The stakes are absolutely high, and that’s where you find him deciding to impart to his wife. It’s like, “I want to go and do this thing, and obviously it sounds insane.” It’s pushed him to the point where, for the first time, he’s going to reveal to his wife who he really is. He’s never told her, and he has reasons for not telling her. He hasn’t been telling anyone. It’s kind of confession, but it’s also a rousing declaration that “The dice is actually stacked more in my favor than you realized. Actually, I think I can do this.”"

He further added:

"But it is extremely painful to actually reveal that information to her, because part of the reason he hasn’t said it is because of the amount of shame and anger and resentment that’s underneath that."

This makes Hugh Hammer an extremely interesting character, with many layers of great character-building. He is also set to play a big part in the Dance of the Dragons if the series sticks to the novel.

---

Does Hugh Hammer claim a dragon in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 7?

Hugh in House of the Dragon season 2 (Image via HBO)

Yes, indeed Hugh Hammer does manage to claim a dragon in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 7, and that too the fiercest one. In one of the most cinematic sequences in the show so far, Vermithor goes rogue when Rhaenyra tries to introduce the potential Dragonseeds to the mighty beast.

In the carnage that follows, many, many people are burned, stomped, or chewed to death. However, Hugh decides to stand up to the dragon, which ultimately leads to Vermithor surrendering and accepting him as the new rider.

This not only boosts Rhaenyra's side, it also gives them a strong warrior in Hugh Hammer.

---

The upcoming episode of House of the Dragon season 2 will be the finale for this season, and will likely depict an important story.

House of the Dragon season 2 episode 7 is now streaming on Max.