Who was Daemon Blackfyre?

Daemon Blackfyre shaped the history of Westeros through rebellion and war. George R.R. Martin’s writings detail his rise as a legitimized bastard and his bid for the throne. This conflict influences events in Game of Thrones and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Quick details

Who was Daemon Blackfyre?

Daemon Blackfyre (Credits: Mike Hallstein)

Daemon Blackfyre began as Daemon Waters, a royal bastard born to King Aegon IV and Princess Daena Targaryen. His exceptional martial skills and possession of the Conqueror’s sword Blackfyre made him a significant figure. He founded House Blackfyre and led a rebellion against his half-brother Daeron II Targaryen.

Quick facts

From the books

1. Won a squire’s tournament at age twelve
2. Received the sword Blackfyre from King Aegon IV
3. Had seven sons and two daughters with Rohanne
4. Created his sigil by reversing Targaryen colors
5. Died at the Battle of Redgrass Field

Early life and rise

Aegon IV gives Blackfyre to Daemon (Credits: Marc Simonetti)

Birth and training

Daemon grew up in the Red Keep under King Aegon IV’s patronage. Ser Quentyn Ball trained him in combat. His mother named him after Prince Daemon Targaryen, a legendary figure from the Dance of the Dragons. King Aegon IV knighted him at twelve after winning a tournament. The king gave him the ancestral Targaryen sword Blackfyre.

Rise to prominence

After receiving Blackfyre, Daemon took the name House Blackfyre. King Aegon IV arranged his marriage to Rohanne of Tyrosh. The king promised Daemon multiple wives, though this never materialized. Daemon wanted to marry his half-sister Daenerys, but King Daeron II prevented this match. Instead, Daeron married her to the Prince of Dorne.

The Blackfyre Rebellion

The Great Bastards (Credits: Jota Saraiva)

The path to war

Daemon launched his rebellion in 196 AC, eight years after Daenerys’ marriage. He created a new sigil – a black dragon on red, reversing the Targaryen colors. Half the realm supported his claim, though no Great Houses joined him. He controlled enough territory to mint his own coins. His supporters mainly came from houses opposing Dornish influence.

Final battle and death

The Battle of Redgrass Field ended Daemon’s rebellion. He proved unstoppable in combat, defeating many knights including Ser Gwayne Corbray. Bloodraven’s archers killed Daemon’s son Aegon to draw him out. Seven arrows struck Daemon when he rushed to save his son. His other son Aemon died trying to retrieve Blackfyre.

Quotes

“Daemon was the name Daena gave to this child, for Prince Daemon had been the wonder and terror of his age, and in later days that was seen as a warning of what the boy would become.” —Yandel

“With ax or lance or flail, he was as good as any knight I ever saw, but with the sword he was the Warrior himself. When Prince Daemon had Blackfyre in hand, there was not a man equal him … not Ulrick Dayne with Dawn, no, nor even the Dragonknight with Dark Sister.” —Eustace Osgrey, to Duncan the Tall

Quick answers

Why did Daemon Blackfyre rebel?

He believed he had a better claim to the throne due to possessing the sword Blackfyre and opposition to Dornish influence under Daeron II. (Books)

What was Daemon’s relationship with Aegon IV?

Aegon IV favored Daemon, knighting him young and giving him the sword Blackfyre. He later legitimized him along with his other bastards. (Books)

How did Daemon die?

Bloodraven’s archers killed him with seven arrows at the Battle of Redgrass Field when he tried to save his son. (Books)

What was House Blackfyre’s sigil?

A black dragon on a red field, reversing the Targaryen colors of a red dragon on black. (Books)

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12/20/2024 11:27 am GMT