What Daemon’s Vision of Daenerys Means for House of the Dragon

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As a seasoned movie critic with a knack for spotting intricate storylines and prophetic foreshadowing, I must say that the latest turn of events in House of the Dragon left me utterly spellbound. The revelation regarding Daemon Targaryen’s connection to the Prince That Was Promised was a masterful twist, one that has left fans buzzing like dragons over a fresh kill.

Warning: This post contains spoilers for the Season 2 finale of House of the Dragon.

After spending almost an entire season observing Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), who seemed melancholic at Harrenhal and was plagued by specters from his past, subtly hinting that he, not his niece-wife Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), should rule the Seven Kingdoms, we eventually received an explanation for Daemon’s time in the Riverlands.

On Sunday’s Season 2 finale, it appeared that Daemon discovered the truth about the prophecy known as the Prince That Was Promised or Song of Ice and Fire, by touching a Weirwood tree reminiscent of his initial vision at the old, run-down castle. This tree displayed a rapid sequence of visions to Daemon, some directly connecting to the world of Game of Thrones during its era. He glimpsed fleeting images of a young, blonde Three-Eyed Raven (supporting the widely held fan theory that Bran Stark’s mentor, the greenseer, was actually future Targaryen bastard Brynden Rivers), the White Walkers, and notably, Daenerys Targaryen following the hatching of her three dragons.

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In the scene, the Daemon appeared to verify that Daenerys, rather than Jon Snow, was indeed the Prophesied Prince. This was a debatable matter in the world of ‘Game of Thrones’, as Jon too was a Targaryen and played a crucial role in mobilizing the living army against the White Walkers. It’s also worth noting that Arya Stark was the one who ultimately defeated the Night King.

In contrast, the series “House of the Dragon” underscores that the Targaryens’ claim to the Iron Throne hinges on a prophecy Aegon the Conquerer had in a dream about a future threat. This idea is established early in the show when Viserys (played by Paddy Considine) shares this knowledge with Rhaenyra, his chosen heir, mirroring how King Jaehaerys passed it to him and Rhaenyra later passed it to Jace (Harry Collett).

Viserys shared with her that according to Aegon, the world of men is destined to end. He described it as a catastrophic winter approaching from the northern regions, accompanied by an all-encompassing darkness that will bring about destruction. This impending doom will affect every corner of Westeros. To ensure the survival of humanity, Rhaenyra, a Targaryen ruler must be in power, someone strong enough to rally the realm against the cold and the darkness. Aegon named this prophecy the Song of Ice and Fire. This secret has been passed down from one monarch to their heir since Aegon’s time, and now it is your responsibility to safeguard it.

In the realm of “Game of Thrones”, it’s true that Daenerys never physically claimed the Iron Throne. However, her daring act of entering Khal Drogo’s funeral pyre marked a pivotal moment, as it was this action that resurrected dragons and offered a glimmer of hope against the imminent army of the dead. Given that Daenerys fits the prophecy of the Prince That Was Promised, her unique ability to withstand fire becomes less surprising, as no other Targaryen before her possessed such power.

In the final episode of Season 1 in House of the Dragon, it’s clear that Viserys never shared the Song of Ice and Fire with Daemon, even though Daemon was his apparent heir for many years. When Rhaenyra pointed out Daemon’s distrust towards him, Viserys responded by brutally strangling her.

“He explained that his brother was ruled by signs and prophecies, trying to give his aimless rule some meaning. He said, ‘We don’t become kings through dreams, but through the power of dragons.'” (or more informally: “‘He was a slave to signs and omens,’ he said, ‘trying to make his weak reign seem meaningful. It’s not dreams that make us kings, it’s dragons.'”)

It appears that Daemon has become convinced about the authenticity of the prophecy and his part in helping Rhaenyra to eventually fulfill it. When Rhaenyra confronts Daemon at Harrenhal regarding the mutiny she suspects he is orchestrating against her, he swears allegiance to her instead. Daemon reveals to Rhaenyra that he witnessed the Song of Ice and Fire vision and the approaching White Walker danger. According to him, only Rhaenyra can guide them towards a future where a hero safeguards Westeros from impending peril.

In the initial Harrenhal vision, when Alys (Gayle Rankin) informed Daemon that he would expire in that location, her prediction held true – although it was a figurative demise rather than a physical one. It essentially meant a loss of self-importance or pride, not his life.

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2024-08-05 06:09