What is velaryon?

The Velaryons are a noble house in the world of George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" book series and its television adaptation, "Game of Thrones." They are of Valyrian descent and were one of the "great houses" of the Valyrian Freehold prior to its downfall.

Following the Doom of Valyria, the Velaryons migrated to Dragonstone, where they became closely associated with House Targaryen. The Velaryons are best known for their expertise in naval warfare, with their coat of arms featuring a black ship on a silver sea.

Notable members of House Velaryon include Lord Corlys Velaryon, also known as the Sea Snake, who was a famous explorer and admiral. His wife, Rhaenys Targaryen, was one of the so-called "Queen Who Never Was," who briefly attempted to claim the Iron Throne during the Dance of the Dragons civil war.

In the "Game of Thrones" television series, Lord Monterys Velaryon is briefly mentioned as being part of Daenerys Targaryen's council, while his nephew Aurane Waters becomes a pirate and eventually seizes control of the Iron Throne's fleet.