Lore

What happened in the Battle of the Honeywine?

The first battle of Prince Daeron the Daring.

Published

2 months ago

October 21, 2024

Ved Prabhudesai

Credits: HBO

The Battle of the Honeywine was a significant conflict during the Dance of the Dragons. George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood details this battle, which may feature in future seasons of House of the Dragon. Fans of Game of Thrones can expect to see this pivotal moment brought to life on screen.

What happened at the Battle of the Honeywine?

Credits : Generated with Leonardo AI

The Battle of the Honeywine took place in the Reach during the Dance of the Dragons. Lord Ormund Hightower’s army faced attacks from rebel forces supporting the Blacks. Prince Daeron Targaryen arrived on his dragon Tessarion, turning the tide in favor of the Greens.

Quick facts

Honeyholt Map

Wiki of Thrones Interactive Map

1. The battle took place along the banks of the River Honeywine. (Books)
2. Prince Daeron Targaryen rode the dragon Tessarion in this battle. (Books)
3. Lord Ormund Hightower knighted Daeron after the battle. (Books)
4. The battle resulted in a victory for the Greens. (Books)
5. Daeron earned the nickname “Daeron the Daring” from this battle. (Books)

In House of the Dragon

Credit: HBO

Setup for the battle

House of the Dragon Season 2 sets up the Battle of the Honeywine. Otto Hightower sends Daeron to Oldtown to aid the Greens. The Green Council discusses unleashing Daeron and Tessarion to subdue the Riverlands. Daeron accompanies the Hightower army as it marches, riding Tessarion above the host.

Daeron’s character development

Alicent inquires about Daeron’s well-being. Gwayne describes him as a stalwart and clever sixteen-year-old. He is skilled with both the lute and sword. This characterization builds anticipation for Daeron’s role in the upcoming battle.

How does Fire and Blood describe the Battle of the Honeywine?

Daeron the Daring and Tessarion by Jota Saraiva

Credit: Jota Saraiva

Prelude to the battle

Fire and Blood describes the complex political landscape leading to the battle. The Reach houses were divided in their loyalties. Houses Tarly, Caswell, and Rowan declared for the Blacks. The Hightowers faced opposition from their own vassals, Houses Beesbury and Costayne.

Initial skirmishes

The Black forces used guerrilla tactics against the Hightower army. The “Two Alans” (Alan Tarly and Alan Beesbury) raided Hightower camps. Lord Owen Costayne attacked the baggage train. These actions slowed the Hightower advance for months.

The battle begins

Lord Ormund Hightower’s forces were attacked from front and rear. The Hightower lines began to crumble against the larger rebel armies. Prince Daeron and Tessarion arrived, dramatically changing the course of the battle.

Daeron’s impact

Daeron and Tessarion inflicted heavy losses on the rebel armies. Lord Owen Costayne was mortally wounded. The Two Alans were captured. Lord Thaddeus Rowan retreated north with his forces. Daeron’s arrival secured victory for the Greens.

Key figures

1. Prince Daeron Targaryen: Rode Tessarion and turned the tide of battle. (Books)
2. Lord Ormund Hightower: Led the Green forces. (Books)
3. The “Two Alans” (Alan Tarly and Alan Beesbury): Led rebel raids. (Books)
4. Lord Owen Costayne: Attacked the Hightower baggage train. (Books)
5. Lord Thaddeus Rowan: Led the northern rebel forces. (Books)

Aftermath

1. The Blacks lost their offensive capability in the Reach. (Books)
2. Prince Daeron was knighted and dubbed “Daeron the Daring”. (Books)
3. Lord Thaddeus Rowan later bent the knee to the Greens. (Books)
4. The Hightower army marched north to crush the remaining rebel forces. (Books)
5. Daeron’s victory strengthened the Green cause in the war. (Books)

Quotes

“Tessarion was the true hero of the battle.” – Prince Daeron Targaryen (Fire and Blood)

“Daeron accompanies the Hightower army as it marches, riding above the host on his dragon Tessarion.” – House of the Dragon, Season 2

Quick answers

Who won the Battle of the Honeywine?

The Greens won the Battle of the Honeywine, thanks to Prince Daeron’s arrival with his dragon Tessarion. (Books)

Why was the Battle of the Honeywine important?

The battle ended Black offensive operations in the Reach and established Prince Daeron as a key player in the war. (Books)

What dragon was involved in the Battle of the Honeywine?

Tessarion, ridden by Prince Daeron Targaryen, was the dragon involved in the battle. (Books)

How does House of the Dragon set up this battle?

The show depicts Daeron being sent to Oldtown and joining the Hightower army as it marches north. (Show)

What nickname did Daeron earn from this battle?

Daeron earned the nickname “Daeron the Daring” for his role in the Battle of the Honeywine. (Books)

Fire & Blood: 300 Years Before A Game of Thrones (The Targaryen Dynasty: The House of the Dragon)

~~$22.00~~ $19.19

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

12/20/2024 11:27 am GMT

If you have any important filming news about House of the Dragon, or if you want to collaborate with us or want to write for us, please drop us a message here.

Related Topics:Daeron Targaryen Hightower

Up Next

The Battle at the Red Fork — Everything we know about the Dance of the Dragons battle

Don't Miss

Everything we know about the Taking of Stone Hedge from the Dance of the Dragons

Ved Prabhudesai

Ved Prabhudesai is an avid enthusiast of all things pop culture. He has a special interest in the field of animation and art, with a background in Fine Arts and Digital Media Arts. He has begun his first into the field of Entertainment Journalism with Wiki of Thrones, and has been writing for them since 2023. He also has experience working as a screenplay writer, animator and comic book artist. His hobbies include holding discussions and organising events focused around pop culture, dissecting the importance of media in today's world. He began reading A Song Of Ice And Fire shortly before Game of Thrones debuted on HBO. He has followed the series religiously and has spent hours reading Wikis learning about Targaryen history and possible plot points we will see in the Winds of Winter.