“He’s heroic and villainous in equal parts,” says Ryan Condal about Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon Season 2

We seldom come across characters like Daemon Targaryen who frequently oscillate between the goodness of their heart and the meanness of their actions. In some scenes, we see his pure love for Rhaenyra while in others, we see him despise her for taking what’s his.

In House of the Dragon season 2, we dive deeper into Daemon’s psyche as he faces the brunt of his sins. Rhaenyra does not seem to forgive him for the Blood and Cheese debacle even though he intended well.

Also Read: Alys Rivers might explain the curse of Harrenhal to Daemon in upcoming House of the Dragon episode

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Ryan Condal explains Daemon’s visions

Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO

We already know what a treacherous time it has been for the Targaryen Rogue Prince. Despite meaning well and having the best intentions, Daemon’s actions have often put him in hot waters with Rhaenyra, among others. In a fit of rage, he leaves Dragonstone and travels to capture Harrenhal in her name. In the meantime, he has been experiencing visions that have left him deeply troubled. The behind-the-scenes video for House of the Dragon season 2 episode 4 features showrunner Ryan Condal talking about Daemon’s visions.

“George always said about Daemon, he’s heroic and villainous in equal parts. And that’s what makes him fascinating as a character. Part of Daemon’s story at Harrenhal this season is having to face and atone for the sins of his past.”

Daemon’s past sins have come to roost as he faces the truth of his actions. He has surfed through life without a worry in the world. But now, things are changing as he is feeling guilt and remorse like he has never felt before. All the feelings from a deep, dark cave in his heart are bubbling to the surface.

He sees young Rhaenyra, his ex-wife Laena, and his nephew Aemond in his visions. All of these characters are connected to Daemon’s innermost feelings since Rhaenyra is the one who stole what he thought was his – Viserys’s love and the Iron Throne. On the other hand, he feels he is responsible for instilling that evil seed in Aemond since he looks up to his uncle the most.

Talking about the scene where Daemon cuts Rhaenyra’s head off in his vision, Matt Smith shares, “It’s the blood of the dragon. They’re connected in such a deep way. And the idea that he could harm her is, you know, really alien.”

What’s brewing between Daemon and Alys Rivers?

Credits: Ollie Upton/HBO

Another fascinating aspect involving Daemon is his relationship with Alys Rivers. He meets the woods witch in the middle of the night as she tells him the reason behind his visions. The intriguing exchange between the two of them sparks curiosity among viewers who want to know what happens next.

Gayle Rankin shares, “She’s not afraid of him, and I think that he recognizes that, and that’s unusual for him. I think it’s really up for debate whether Alys is shaping Daemon’s journey, in terms of his kind of spiritual awakening, or if he’s doing that himself.”

Daemon is truly on a different path this season. He has to feel all of his emotions and confront his past in order to peacefully move on and face the future. He really needs to buck up because the Blacks need him if they are going to win the ultimate war.

Also Read: Alys Rivers could be older than Harrenhal and Vhagar

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