The truly barbaric meaning behind Ormund’s ‘gelded’ punishment in House of the Dragon

*Warning: Spoilers ahead for House of the Dragon season three episode four*

House of the Dragon season three episode four sees Ormund (James Norton) order for one of his soldiers to be gelded – and while that in itself is as gruesome as it comes, there’s an even darker undertone to his barbaric punishment. 

After the Daeron Targaryen imposter plot, we catch up with Ormund and his forces as they take over Tumbleton, and he’s got the real Daeron (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) with him. 

Ormund reveals at the end of this week’s episode his true intentions: to see the young prince sit on the Iron Throne as a Hightower rather than a Targaryen. In short, Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) got even more competition heading her way. 

Prior to this, his forces break into the homes of the Tumbleton residents to stay. A soldier named Garrick of Whitegrove sexually assaults Kat (Ellora Torchia), the wife of dragonseed Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew). 

When her brother’s wife pushes him off her, he breaks her arm. Kat’s brother Leo (Abhin Galeya) then goes in to attack, but he’s pulled off by Garrick’s (Douglas Russell) men. 

The next scene shows all parties involved in front of Ormund, who doesn’t mess about when it comes to handing out punishments. Without hesitation, he tells Garrick, “You have violated guest right. You have debauched yourself upon a woman and injured another.”

He then announces a sentencing to fit his crime: “You will be gelded. And you will have your own arm broken.” And if he tries any of this again, he will be hanged. 

Although Garrick tries to beg, saying he has a wife, Ormund’s decision is made and the soldier is dragged away. 

What gelded actually means

You may be wondering what having a wife has to do with this, but it makes sense when you learn what a gelding is: it’s another word for castration, aka the removal of a person’s testicles. 

Usually, the word is associated with the castration of equine species such as horses, donkeys or mules, but it can be used in other cases. 

There are painkillers in George R.R. Martin’s world – milk of the poppy – but we can almost guarantee that Garrick’s procedure was conducted without any relief. Thankfully, it happens off screen. 

But what’s really interesting here is what it says about Ormund. It’s a fair punishment for the crimes Garrick committed, but that’s most likely not the reason he picked it. 

The real reason for Ormund’s punishment

As said, at the end of the latest House of the Dragon episode, Ormund finally reveals to Daeron his true intentions: to train him up and have him take the throne as a Hightower. “Your brothers are lost but you remain a Hightower,” he says. “Now, you must be king.”

Ironically, Daeron was sent away to protect him from ruthless court politics. But Ormund never took Daeron under his wing out of concern for his wellbeing – it was merely a political move. 

His punishment for Garrick was merely a lesson to teach Daeron, and a way to maintain order. There are no genuine concerns about the people of Tumbleton.

This becomes clear when Garrick is dragged away and Ormund turns to Daeron and says, “We must keep a firm grip. Tensions are high. Lawlessness and disorder claw at our gates.”

But at the end, Ormund brings Leo back, this time in chains. “I thought you let him go,” says Daeron, to which Ormund responds, “A righteous king must demonstrate he upholds many virtues. Honour. Wisdom. Justice.”

Daeron demonstrates he’s a fair, empathetic soul, noting that Leo only acted when Garrick attacked his sister. However, Ormund argues he “laid hands on a Hightower,” saying the soldier is an extension of him and the crown. 

“Is not mercy a kingly virtue?” Daeron asks, but Ormund retorts, “That sounds like something your father would say.”

The young prince apologises to Leo before reluctantly driving his sword into the man’s chest, killing him despite clearly believing he deserves mercy.

It’s what makes Ormund’s earlier sentencing of Garrick so revealing. At first it appears he’s acting out of genuine concern for Leo and his family, but he later orders Leo’s execution anyway. 

Every move he makes is for his overarching strive for power, suggesting he’s one of the most calculating, ruthless characters in House of the Dragon season three. In other words, watch out, Rhaenyra.

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Featured image credit: HBO