House of the Dragon's season 3 finale delivered a brutal Battle of Tumbleton, with Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) playing a pivotal and chaotic role. After defecting from Rhaenyra Targaryen's forces, Ulf's ultimate actions left both armies in disarray and secured his survival, but his fate remains uncertain.
Ulf's Betrayal and the Battle
Ulf, a Targaryen bastard, had grown frustrated with the constraints imposed by Rhaenyra, particularly restrictions on drinking and carousing. His defection to House Green was sealed after public humiliation by Daemon Targaryen, with Ormund Hightower promising him a grand title.
However, when the battle commenced, Ulf was nowhere to be found. Ormund eventually discovered him drunk on a public latrine, sparking a furious tirade. In response, a hungover Ulf mounted his dragon Silverwing and unleashed fire upon both armies, incinerating Ormund before flying away, leaving devastation in his wake.
Ulf's Survival and Book Spoilers
As of the finale, Ulf is alive and well, suggesting he will return next season to face consequences. In George R.R. Martin's novels, Ulf survives the First and Second Battles of Tumbleton, but his ambitions to rule the Seven Kingdoms are ultimately cut short by Hobert Hightower, who poisons him with a cask of wine, dying alongside him.
House of the Dragon season 3 is available on HBO Max UK & Ireland and Sky Atlantic.
