In the last episodes of season 2 of House of the Dragonand especially episode 5, Daemon Targaryen is terrorized by visions. But what do they mean exactly? Explanations.
If Daemon Targaryen has always been a tormented character in House of the Dragonin this season 2, he experiences particularly unpleasant situations. In the last episodes broadcast on Max (HBO’s platform), he thus takes control of Harrenhal, to ensure new support for the Black camp. But in return, he is haunted by mysterious visionscrucial to understanding Daemon Targaryen’s future destiny.
Warning, the rest of this article contains spoilers for season 2 ofHouse of the Dragon.
Who is the strange woman of Harrenhal?
From episode 3, Daemon launched himself solo to conquer Harrenhal, an immense fortress which plays a crucial role in this season 2. While he easily seizes the place, the nobles present immediately joining Rhaenyra’s camp, he meets a young woman with long black hair, in episode 4.
This would probably be Alys Rivers, known in George RR Martin’s books as the witch of Harrenhal. Her meeting with Daemon plunges the latter into turmoil, prisoner of hallucinations that seem premonitory, especially after having ingested a mysterious potion prepared by the sorceress. She then announces to him: “You will die in these places.” Namely, this prophecy of death foreshadows important events to come in House of the Dragonand notably a clash between Aemond and Daemon.
Why does Harrenhal cause Daemon to have visions?
This castle, one of the most imposing in Westeros, was built by Harren the Black, before being attacked by the Targaryens. The building was reduced to ruins. It is said that Harrenhal would be haunted by the one who destroyed it: Balerion the Terror, the dragon of Aegon the Conqueror. The fortress, reputed to be cursed, has already been seen in season 1 ofHouse of the Dragon. It is there that Harwin Fort, Rhaenyra’s lover and the true father of her children, dies in the flames.
To these mystical characteristics are added the magic of Alys Rivers, as well as The properties of Barrals treesvery present in Harrenhal. Already seen in Game of Throneslinked to Bran’s powers, these plants are known to induce powerful visions.
Why does Daemon see Rhaenyra as young?
In episode 3, Daemon’s visions focus on Rhaenyra, in a rejuvenated version, as we knew her in season 1. He sees her taking care of the body of Jaehaerys Targaryen, the heir of Aegon II, killed in the first episode of season 2.
This sequence reflects the conflicts that have opposed Daemon and Rhaenyra since the beginning of season 2, and particularly their disagreements concerning the assassination of Jaehaerys. This dream thus shows an idealized representation of his current wife, at a time when she was in some way more easily controllable. After this vision, Daemon wakes up in the sacred wood of Harrenhal, where there are Barral trees.
In episode 4, his hallucinations intensify: he sees young Rhaenyra again, whom he coldly decapitates. The Prince then wakes up with a start, his hand bloodied for a few moments, before the vision dissipates. Again, these illusions accentuate the seriousness of the differences between Daemon and Rhaenyra in real life, suggesting that Daemon does not know how to manage conflicts other than through violence — he has already murdered his first wife. But also, that he might want to kill his current wife in the future.
Why does Daemon see Aemond?
In one of his hallucinations, Daemon follows Aemond Targaryan, who is eventually revealed to be… Daemon himself, wearing his nephew’s eyepatch. This reflects the many similarities between these two characters: they are both sons who would have been kings, great fighters who command fearsome dragons, and men who will do anything to get what they want.
This mirror effect between Daemon and Aemond also hints at one of the most important events to come in House of the Dragon : their intense battle for power.
Who is Alyssa Targaryen?
In episode 5 of season 2, Daemon is once again seized by hallucinations, this time even more disturbing. He then dreams of his mother, Alyssa Targaryen, with whom he begins to have a sexual relationship. This sequence, moreover deeply gratuitous in its crude representation of incest, is part of the disturbing history of the Targaryen family, accustomed to the fact. The relationship between Daemon and Rhaenyra is also the perfect example.
During this scene between Daemon and Alyssa, the latter confesses to him that he has always been her favorite son and that he should have been king instead of Viserys. These words obviously resonate with Daemon, who has always felt belittled by his brother and who has always claimed the crown. This vision has a crucial impact on the Prince, who makes a radical decision in episode 5: to stop supporting Rhaenyra’s rise to power, and to consider taking the place of the King, himself. The rest of House of the Dragonbroadcast until August 5 on Max, promises to be particularly explosive.
Source: www.numerama.com
