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Daemon Targaryen’s vision on House of the Dragon, explained beat by beat

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Daemon Targaryen's vision on House of the Dragon, explained beat by beat

As a gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the season 2 finale of House of the Dragon left me utterly spellbound and slightly bewildered. The intricate web of references to its predecessor, Game of Thrones, was as complex as the politics in Westeros itself.

In the final episode of the second season of “House of the Dragon,” Alys Rivers leads Daemon to the sacred grove of Harrenhal, where she has him touch the magical weirwood tree. This act triggers a vision of future events that significantly alters Daemon’s outlook on life. Here’s a breakdown of what transpires:

Bloodraven

In the beginning, Daemon notices a figure nestled among the weirwood tree’s branches. This figure is Brynden Rivers, more commonly recognized as Bloodraven or the Three-Eyed Raven. He bears a distinctive raven-shaped, wine-colored mark on his face. You might know him better as the Three-Eyed Crow from George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, or perhaps you recognize him from “House of the Dragon,” where he is portrayed by Joshua Ben-Tovim.

Born well after the tales of House of the Dragon, Brynden Rivers is a Targaryen bastard who later assumes significant roles as Hand to multiple kings and Master of Whisperers. His journey takes him to the Wall, where he vanishes during a northern ranging. Details about his subsequent life are scarce, but it’s known that he encounters the Children of the Forest, transforming into the Three-Eyed Raven/Crow. This enigmatic figure possesses the unique ability to glimpse into time, albeit while being confined within a tree for what appears to be an eternity due to his supposed immortality. On Game of Thrones, viewers first encountered him in the portrayals by Struan Rodger and later Max von Sydow.

Daemon Targaryen's vision on House of the Dragon, explained beat by beat

Although much about Bloodraven remains a mystery, it’s clear that he plays a role in the struggle against the White Walkers. On “Game of Thrones,” he ultimately meets his end at the hands of the Night King, but not before bestowing his powers upon Bran Stark.

White Walkers

In the sight of the subsequent entity, images of White Walkers, the frozen adversaries who once posed a threat to humanity in the series ‘Game of Thrones’, appear. This occurrence takes place far beyond the timeline of ‘House of the Dragon’. The figure then traverses the remains of men and dragons before plunging into a body of water and grasping for breath.

In a prophetic vision, Daemon is witnessing a future where the White Walkers conquer Westeros, leading to the extinction of mankind – a scenario the characters from ‘Game of Thrones’ were desperately trying to prevent. This vision, presumably sent by Bloodraven, seems to imply that Daemon too has a role in preventing this apocalyptic outcome. Although Daemon might not understand what White Walkers are, he knows they are dangerous and must be kept from achieving their goals. I believe the scene where he plunges into icy waters symbolizes the dire situation humanity would face if they don’t stop the White Walkers.

Daenerys Targaryen

Afterward, I catch a glimpse of a fiery comet streaking across the heavens, reminiscent of the one that graced our skies in the last episode of Game of Thrones‘ season 1 – you know, the one that signaled Daenerys Targaryen’s (Emilia Clarke’s character) return. As the comet soared overhead, it marked the climax of season 1, with Daenerys giving birth to her three dragons. In the ensuing battles against the White Walkers, these dragons played a pivotal role, standing by their queen’s side.

Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne

In the end, Daemon catches a glimpse of Rhaenyra Targaryen seated on the Iron Throne, illuminated by a radiant golden glow. This could be a message from Bloodraven, the Children of the Forest, the cosmos, or an unseen force, hinting that to prevent the White Walker catastrophe, Rhaenyra must ascend the throne. Daemon had been uncertain in his allegiance to Rhaenyra this season, but this vision rekindled his resolve and strengthened his commitment to her cause.

In a turn of events, Helaena Targaryen, gifted with prophetic abilities, appears before Daemon and hints that he understands his role in this unfolding story. This implies that Daemon should cease his pursuit of personal accolades and instead lend his support to Rhaenyra for the welfare of the realm as a whole.

Mileage will vary on how much you enjoy this scene. It’s fun for Game of Thrones fans to get a few easter eggs, but personally, I don’t like how it diminishes Daemon’s own personal drive in favor of making him only one “part” of a greater story. I think Daemon is a more interesting character if he thinks he’s the hero of the story, even if he’s not. And I don’t like that he’s now being motivated by events that won’t happen in this universe for over a hundred years. I’d rather the drama be centered in the characters and time and place House of the Dragon has already established.

It will take some time until we find out how “House of the Dragon” unfolds next, as there is currently no specific release date. However, based on expectations, Season 3 might debut in 2026.

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2024-08-05 19:41

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