Ulf the White, one of the dragonseeds called upon by Team Black to bolster their ranks with new dragon riders in House of the Dragon, experiences a significantly altered fate in the television adaptation compared to George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood books. In season two, Ulf, a character depicted as fond of drink, successfully mounts and rides the dragon Silverwing. However, his journey takes a different direction in season three as he chafes under the strict duties assigned to him.
When Ulf disregards orders and seeks solace in a tavern, he is confronted and publicly humiliated by Daemon Targaryen. This incident sows seeds of discontent, which Ormund Hightower of Team Green exploits. Hightower appeals to Ulf's frustrations, suggesting that Team Black does not truly value him and offering him the potential lordship of Driftmark, a temptation that causes Ulf to consider switching allegiances.
During the Team Black assault on Tumbleton in the season three finale, Ulf's dragon-riding abilities are urgently needed, yet he has vanished. Ormund Hightower eventually finds Ulf passed out drunk in a latrine, leading to a furious confrontation where Hightower berates Ulf. This moment of realization, that Ormund's treatment mirrors Daemon's, prompts Ulf to turn against both sides, a stark departure from the book's narrative where he sleeps through the battle.
In George R.R. Martin's original text, Ulf the White is known as Ulf the Betrayer and is portrayed as a serial rapist. The HBO series has adjusted his character, adding dramatic flair and a more defined arc. By the end of the season finale, Ulf remains alive. His deceit is expected to be revealed in season four, and while the books detail his death from poisoned wine after an attempted bid for the Iron Throne, the showrunners may opt for a different conclusion. Showrunner Ryan Condal might still steer Ulf towards a death by excessive drinking, or perhaps he will escape unscathed after causing chaos for both factions.
Like Roddy the Ruin, Ulf has provided moments of dark humor amidst the tragic events of House of the Dragon, and his future path, whether book-accurate or creatively reimagined, promises further intrigue.