Everything you need to know about Daemon Targaryen’s Assault on Harrenhal

House of the Dragon brings to life the epic events of the Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons. The Assault on Harrenhal was a key moment that kicked off the war. This article explores this important event from George R. R. Martin’s rich fantasy world.

What happened during the Assault on Harrenhal?

Prince Daemon Targaryen attacked Harrenhal, securing a vital stronghold for the Blacks in their war against the Greens. The assault was quick and bloodless, with the castle surrendering without a fight.

Credit: HBO

Quick Facts

• Location: Harrenhal, Riverlands
• Attacker: Prince Daemon Targaryen
• Defender: Ser Simon Strong
• Outcome: Bloodless victory for the Blacks
• Significance: Provided a rallying point for Rhaenyra’s supporters

In House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Season 2 of House of the Dragon shows Daemon’s tactical brilliance in taking Harrenhal. He arrives during a storm, easily overpowers a guard, and claims the castle for the Blacks. Ser Simon Strong, the castellan, submits to Daemon and declares allegiance to Rhaenyra.

Daemon plans to use Harrenhal as a gathering point for Riverlords supporting Rhaenyra. He intends to negotiate with Lord Grover Tully and eventually march on King’s Landing.

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In Fire and Blood

Credit: Ruben de Vela

In Fire and Blood, Daemon flies Caraxes to the top of Harrenhal’s Kingspyre Tower. Ser Simon Strong, remembering the burning of Harrenhal by Aegon I and Balerion, surrenders the castle without a fight. Daemon takes hostages, including Simon and his grandsons, and claims the wealth of House Strong.

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Key Figures

• Prince Daemon Targaryen: Leader of the assault
• Ser Simon Strong: Castellan of Harrenhal
• King Aegon II: Green claimant to the Iron Throne
• Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen: Black claimant to the Iron Throne

Aftermath

The capture of Harrenhal had major consequences:

1. Provided a mainland stronghold for the Blacks
2. Encouraged more lords to declare for Rhaenyra
3. Alerted Aegon II to the true threat of Rhaenyra’s claim
4. Became a gathering point for the Blacks’ allies
5. Led to the planning of future Black operations

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Quick Answers

Why was Harrenhal important to the Blacks?

Harrenhal provided a strategic mainland location for Rhaenyra’s supporters to gather and launch operations against the Greens.

How did Prince Daemon capture Harrenhal?

Daemon flew Caraxes to the tallest tower of Harrenhal, intimidating Ser Simon Strong into surrendering without a fight.

What was the immediate impact of Harrenhal’s capture?

The capture of Harrenhal shocked King Aegon II, making him realize the serious threat Rhaenyra posed to his reign.