dragon house episode 7 seen the funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon at high tide. We saw the tension between greens and blacks rise with the tides of the sea. But the funeral we witnessed in episode 7 of House of the Dragon was vastly different from the funerals of Queen Aemma Targaryen and Baelon Targaryen in Episode 1 of House of the Dragon. The Targaryens and the Velaryon share a number of similarities, including the beauty of their silver hair and blood. of old Valyria. But their customs are quite different from each other.

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in the House of the Dragon
Velaryon’s funeral wasn’t specifically depicted in Fire and Blood and there wasn’t much difference noted there. However, we’re very happy that the House of the Dragon showrunners decided to give Laena Velaryon a proper Velaryon funeral. House Velaryon has a rich history and culture and it’s pretty cool to be able to see that on screen.
Difference Between Velaryon and Targaryen

Rhaenyra and Daemon speak of fire and sea
The very obvious difference between the Targaryens and the Velaryon is that one has the gift of fire while the other has the sea. Princess Rhaenyra herself says that they are born of fire and are always destined to burn. It is something that can be seen in their funerals. While the Velaryons are from the sea. Rhaenyra even says how fire is a prison while the sea offers an escape. The showrunners even stage this escape both during the release of Laena and that of Laenor. They both let the sea take them to their next destination as they escape the present. So let’s explore some of the main differences between their funeral procedures.
Targaryen funeral of Queen Aemma and Prince Baelon

The funeral of Queen Aemma and Baelon Targaryen in the House of the Dragon
We saw a Targaryen burial after the death of Queen Aemma Targaryen and her son Baelon Targaryen. Houses from all over the kingdom had gathered. The participants were all dressed in black because black is the color of mourning. It is said that on certain occasions they tear their clothes as a sign of mourning. The funeral was conducted by the Septons and a pyre was created where Queen Aemma Targaryen lay. In an open area, the dragon keepers brought Syrax, as she awaited Rhaenyra’s order.

Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen commands Syrax to breathe dragon fire at Queen Aemma’s funeral
After being comforted and encouraged by her Uncle Daemon, Rhaenyra finally uttered Dracarys and immolated the bodies of Aemma and Baelon. It was Targaryen tradition that their own were burned by the very fire that gave them all power in the realm. Then their ashes were collected and buried in the septs of Red Keep. Even the ashes of King Jaehaerys were kept under the red keep along with those of his sister wife.
Velaryon’s funeral of Lady Laena

The funeral of Lady Laena Velaryon at the House of the Dragon
Lady Laena’s Velaryon funeral was held near the cliffs of High Tide. The funeral was celebrated by his uncle Vaemond Velaryon instead of a Septon. Lady Laena had a beautiful coffin built for herself that reflected her own beauty as she lived. She was said goodbye with a nice personal eulogy from her uncle. That’s if we ignore the flippant remarks about the parentage of Rhaenyra’s sons.

The coffin made for Lady Laena Velaryon
Eventually she was let out into the sea where the waves would take her wherever they could for one last trip. As Vaemond said, to the sea they belong and to the sea they return. This line is repeated in several other religious texts. Another point to note is that when Lady Laena’s coffin sinks to the bottom of the ocean, we see several coffins of the Velaryon family there.
The main difference between the two funerals is in the elements – fire and sea. The Velaryon ebb and flow for one last journey while the Targaryen go to the flames.