Who is Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon?

House of the Dragons gives fans a glimpse into the mighty Targaryen dynasty that conquered the Seven Kingdoms. Having ruled Westors for decades, they have a lay of the land and can envision the future accordingly. They have a keen eye for detail and a cunning to win wars effortlessly. While they prove to be a formidable foe to the outsiders, things get extremely tricky when in-fighting is involved.

Each smarter than the other, the Targaryens prove to be fatal enemies especially when a power dynamic is in play. Moreover, keeping track of who betrayed whom might get easier when we understand who’s who in one of the most powerful dynasties of Westeros. Hunger for power is in their genes while betrayal runs in their veins. Here’s a descriptive character guide on Daemon Targaryen, one of the central characters in HBO House of the Dragons.

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Who is Daemon Targaryen?

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Matt Smith takes on the challenging role of Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon. His charm and a hint of villainous attitude prove to be beneficial in playing the antihero of the series. Daemon is the younger son of Prince Baelon and Alyssa Targaryen, and brother to King Viserys I Targaryen. Grandson to King Jaehaerys I, he seems to be a worthy heir to the throne. However, at the beginning of House of the Dragon, we see the king choose Viserys I to sit on the throne after him. This harbors a sense of resentment in Daemon, who feels he is more deserving of the crown. Known as the Rogue Prince, we see him go into a rebellious phase, even more so than before.

He refuses to attend meetings or take his role in the Small Council seriously. As the episodes premiered, we unraveled his intricately woven personality. Complex and complicated to the very core, Daemon Targaryen is not a predictable character. He values family and values but in most situations, his personal desires and ambitions cloud his judgment. Daemon is valued for his cunning and mastery in wars. A courageous warrior and dragonrider, his support in a battle can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

His position in the Small Council

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To smooth things over, King Viserys tried multiple times to extend a hand of support and friendship. Daemon only saw that as pity and condescension and refused to pay any heed to it. His older brother made him Master of Laws and Master of Coins at first. However, the Hand of the King, Otto Hightower saw Daemon as the biggest threat to the realm and removed his titles. With his older brother’s support, Daemon later became Commander of the City Watch, a title he took in his stride to exhibit his skill in war.

His arrogance and inability to focus on the bigger picture led to everyone despising him. What people did not understand was that his arrogance was a result of his low self-esteem and more deep-seated emotional issues. He felt like nobody liked him for him, so he chose to use his name and position in society to do whatever he desired. On the other hand, fans loved his unencumbered attitude that was governed by nobody. Daemon always kept his head held high and owned up to his actions.

Daemon Targaryen’s Dragon

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Being a Targaryen, dragon-riding is in Daemon’s blood. He chose to claim Caraxes, an enormous beast who was as smart and brave as Daemon. The ferocious beast listened to no one except his companion, and the two formed an unbreakable bond. Aemon Targaryen used to mount Caraxes in the past but after he died, Daemon claimed it for himself.

The Rogue Prince entered many battles on the back of Caraxes and came out victorious. Their stand on the battlefield was feared by all. Titled Blood Wyrm, Caraxes protected Daemon while defeating his enemies in no time. The dragon’s nickname also comes from his dark red hue that blends in the bloody battleground.

Weapon of choice

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While the strongest weapon in Daemon’s armory is his sharp mind, he wields Dark Sister, a Valyrian steel sword. After being knighted by his grandfather, he was given Dark Sister as his sword. It used to belong to Queen Visenya at first, who came to Westeros with Aegon the Conqueror. Daemon is the perfect combination of brains and physical strength as his skill in every aspect put him a cut above the rest.

Also Read: House of the Dragon season 2’s final episode will reportedly take Daemon and Rhaenyra to Harrenhal

Relationships and marriages

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King Viserys wanted to help his younger brother be more calm and centered. He thought marriage and the subsequent responsibility might knock some sense into him. King Viserys arranged Daemon’s marriage to Rhea Royce, the Lady of Runestone. Both of them despised each other and did not find any solace in each other’s company. To move on and break away from any strings, Daemon kills Rhea and makes it look like an accident. This frees him to marry again and take a wife of his choice.

When King Viserys names his daughter Rhaenyra the heir to the throne, Daemon throws a fit. He elopes to Dragonstone with his mistress Mysaria after growing tired of the King and the Council’s disrespect. He claims Dragonstone as his own with the City Watch defending the fortress. Mysaria soon learns how Daemon is using her as a pawn in his tug-of-power war.

After Daemon wins the Battle of the Triarchy, he returns to King’s Landing and flirts with his niece Rhaenyra. A night in the lowly streets of Fleabottom, the duo realizes their passion for each other. However, they remain silent due to the differences between their positions in the family. Daemon urges Viserys to marry Rhaenrya to him but he disagrees since he believes Daemon only wants the marriage to claim the throne. Soon after, Rhaenyra is married to Laenor while Daemon tries to disrupt the ceremony.

A ten-year time jump shows Daemon living in Pentos, married to Laena Velaryon, and father of two daughters. Their time of peace and comfort is short-lived as Laena dies in childbirth and Daemon returns to King’s Landing. Rhaenyra, who always saw Daemon as his supporter and adviser expresses dismay over him abandoning her. The two soon get into a relationship and get married eventually. Out of all the partners Daemon has had, Rhaenyra seems to be the sole subject of his love and respect. The two are equal in the relationship as they both want the throne and will do anything to achieve it.

King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea

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A month-long battle persisted between the Crabfeeders and Daemon’s fleet. After winning the Battle of Triarchy with the Sea Snake, Daemon claimed the Stepstones and the surrounding islands. He single-handedly killed the Crabfeeder without any help from Viserys. He crowned himself the King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea. Even though he could not get the Iron Throne, he was still a king in his own right.

His ambition for the throne combined with his love for Rhaenyra will be exciting to see in the second season of House of the Dragon.

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