While some viewers are frustrated with Daemon Targaryen’s confinement in Harrenhal in season 2 of ‘House of the Dragon’, I’m of the opinion that this setting deepens his character development, and the greater world of ‘House of the Dragons’ and 'Game of Thrones’.

I believe that it is Harrenhal itself and its eerie legends and power of the weirwood trees that compel Daemon to face his guilt about many things, including predatory behavior toward Rhaenyra and historical Targaryen depravity.

Alys Rivers' influence over Daemon appears more psychological than magical, adding depth to their dynamic. This season's portrayal of Daemon Targaryen delves into themes of redemption, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions, making it a narrative I find compelling.

[SPOILERS BEYOND THIS POINT]

8/3/2024 - We ask for character development. When Daenerys Targaryen goes mad at the end of ‘Game of Thrones,’ we are upset because we wanted to see more of her character development. We don't believe her turn was justified because it wasn't built up properly.

In ‘House of the Dragon’ season two, a good chunk of viewers are very upset about Daemon being stuck in Harrenhal, dealing with dreams and dazes. However, I find it to be intriguing character development. He's reckoning with guilt and confronting the emotional stunts that fueled his actions in season one.

In my opinion, the events at Harrenhal are neither irrelevant nor uninteresting. They drive the story in an intriguing and deeply emotional way, using the vessel of by far the most evil character on the show.

How Daemon's Guilt Shapes His Future Actions

This emotional journey will contribute significantly to his character development and influence his future actions in profound ways. Will he reunite with Rhaenyra, seeking redemption and trying to rebuild their relationship on a foundation of honesty and mutual respect? Or will he betray her, unable to overcome his darker impulses and the weight of his guilt? How will his reckoning with guilt shape his decisions moving forward? Will it lead him to make more compassionate and thoughtful choices, or will the burden of his past mistakes drive him to further isolation and destructive behavior? 

Either path he takes, it will be more complex and entertaining because of the character building and emotional examination we are doing now. His future actions will be enriched because of it, and in my opinion, the dream sequences have been fascinating.

Here are some of the most interesting things we have gotten to see unfold in the Daemon Harrenhal storyline:

• We get to see amazing cameos, like Milly Alcock's return as young Rhaenyra. These appearances don't feel cheap; they are necessary to the story because they represent critical characters within Daemon's own psyche.

• The shame Daemon feels from his dreams of Rhaenyra highlights his predatory behavior and guilt over grooming his niece. This reckoning addresses a theme that the Game of Thrones universe has not yet thoroughly explored – the public’s perspective on incest and its moral implications throughout history.

• I appreciate that House of the Dragon is analyzing this as a study into the evolution of what generations considered depravity. For example, we know Jaime and Cersei's relationship was not accepted, which is why they hid it from everyone in ‘Game of Thrones’. ‘House of the Dragon’ goes deeper, exploring when and why incest was considered normal, reflecting the societal norms of those primitive times, also evidenced by many other despicable things going on, like the child fighting pits that Aegon frequented at King’s Landing.

• His scene with his mother embodies his guilt for incest. Incest is a is quite possibly one of the biggest reasons for the turmoil within the Targaryan family. I recommend this video: House of the Dragon, The Curse of the House of Targaryen. 

• His bloody hand symbolizes his shame for choking Rhaenyra.

• Additionally, his shame for never prioritizing his brother over his own selfish wins is evident and serves as a great homage to Paddy Considine’s all-time performance as Viserys Targaryen through his cameo.

Daemon breaks down and cries after a dream where he apologizes to Viserys. This is something we have never seen him do before–apologize–and it reveals a new capability for his character..

It shows him being vulnerable and acknowledging his need for help. This vulnerability is further highlighted when he later asks Alys Rivers for help. This development could shape his character into the psyche and mindset of one of the primary characters in the story.

The Weirwood Trees of Harrenhal: Magic, Lore, and Daemon's Reckoning

Harrenhal's legend and witchcraft are explored like never before, even in Game of Thrones.

The weirwood trees and lore, and the fact that Daemon sleeps on a weirwood bed, implies under one interpretation that the old gods are putting him through these guilty reckonings to help him heal. Ultimately, this spiritual seance actually has potential to be healthy for him if he decides to take accountability, as it would exercise some of his darkest demons and possibly provide clarity for him.

Weirwood trees have been cut down in King's Landing, so in concept this could be why more depravity is perceived to be taking place in King’s Landing. It's a cool way to incorporate magic and lore into the story underneath the main storyline. 

They make it seem as though Alys Rivers is causing him to have illusions with magic or poison, but I prefer the interpretation that she isn't doing anything magical to him at all. Instead, she's manipulating him with tactics similar to Littlefinger or Varys, though she seems to be more like Varys, concerned about the small folk.

I think she has the power to affect him magically, but her deep connection with the history of the land and the old gods implies she doesn't even need to use magic with Daemon. The magic of the land is enough to disturb Daemon, allowing her to win arguments and political power with him based on her emotional maturity outmatched his. 

I like the interpretation that, so far in the show, she has only taken actions achievable by a cunning individual, even though she is capable of performing magical feats as well.

*Editorial aside: I wrote everything above this editorial aside only having seen all of season one through episode six of season two of ‘House of the Dragon’. The next section, below this editorial aside, was written one day following my first viewing of episode seven of season two.

These are my reaction thoughts to episode seven of season two:

Character Work Made the Beheading Scene Super Interesting

This is what I was talking about. The scene where House Blackwood and House Bracken are finally coming to a resolution that Daemon Targaryen must oversee is fascinating. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the scenario since it is pretty complicated: 

(Thank you to this excellent deep dive on Screen Rant: Daemon's Willem Blackwood Decision Explained & What Means For His HOTD Future where I confirmed a lot of details.)

• House Blackwood vs. House Bracken: In "House of the Dragon" season two, episode seven, the show dives into the complex feud between two ancient rival families in the Riverlands—House Blackwood and House Bracken.

• Loyalty Pledge: After the Battle of the Burning Mill, Ser Willem Blackwood swears his loyalty to Daemon Targaryen and Rhaenyra, setting the stage for a pivotal alliance.

• Manipulating Rivalries: Daemon cleverly exploits the deep-seated enmity between House Blackwood and House Bracken (who are loyal to Aegon’s Greens) by ordering Willem to lead brutal assaults across the Riverlands.

• Riverlords' Outrage: The Riverlords are incensed by these tyrannical actions, leading to a confrontation spearheaded by Oscar Tully, the young Lord Paramount of the Trident. Oscar demands Daemon to take a stand and deliver justice.

• Public Reckoning: Oscar Tully forces Daemon to face the music in front of the other houses, pushing him to publicly address the fallout from his commands.

• Strategic Execution: Realizing the necessity of winning the Riverlords' support for Rhaenyra's cause, Daemon agrees to Oscar's demand. By executing Willem, Daemon uses him as a scapegoat for the war crimes, thereby placating the Riverlords and securing their loyalty.

• Power Play: This bold move is crucial for Daemon to consolidate power and strengthen Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne, demonstrating his ruthless but calculated approach to leadership.

My Thoughts: Daemon Targaryen’s Unexpected Growth and Oscar Tully’s Bold Demand

Normally, Daemon would not bat an eye at beheading Ser Willem Blackwood, because in this scenario it quickly accelerates his efforts in raising an army. However, the fact that Daemon has the emotional maturity (bare minimum) to not behead Oscar Tully for his demeanor and insults shows direct results of the magical, and therapeutic-al effects of the old gods.

He gets mad at Oscar, but does not kill Oscar, the young Lord Paramount of the Trident, for mocking him or bluntly stating the facts of the situation. Oscar was especially straightforward regarding their dislike of Daemon and knowing he is a war criminal.

This is the only way forward for these people, and Daemon has to face this retribution and humble himself. It is fascinating to see this young boy capable of such shrewd and Stark-like actions of accountability and courage to stand up to Daemon. 

This scene shows that Daemon has been changed through his weirwood dreams and trippy therapy sessions, which I believe are caused by the old gods, not Alys Rivers.

The surprising part comes when you think Daemon is going to swallow his pride like never before to get the job done, something we have never seen him do. Just as he shows this character development, Oscar throws us for a loop by demanding that Daemon behead Ser Willem Blackwood.

The man Daemon has previously instructed to commit heinous acts in indirect ways or another, similar to the blood and cheese scenario. Daemon had told blood and cheese to get him the head of a son with no specific direction, leading to chaos. Likewise, he told Willem Blackwood to do shady stuff in a vague way.

Daemon is blindsided by Oscar Tully's request because he knows there is no way around it.

With the newfound ability to process his past guilt (by the way he doesn’t apparently feel guilty about killing his other wife with a rock), and his act of swallowing the smallest sacrifice of his pride–comes a new thing to feel guilty about. Maybe he should stay in Harrenhal a little bit longer, after all. If at least to clear his conscience for clarity for Ser Willem Blackwood.

*Editorial aside: I wrote everything above this editorial aside only having seen all of season one through episode seven of season two of House of the Dragon. The next section, below this editorial aside, was written immediately after my first viewing of the season two finale. These are my reaction thoughts to episode seven of season two:

The Dragon Finale

This was a fitting end to a remarkable show. Daemon's journey culminates in his decision to side with Rhaenyra in the impending war, a conclusion that had been building throughout the series. I appreciate that the series ended just as the actual war is about to begin. Some might criticize the lack of significant events, but I would argue that there were many pivotal moments.

Like Daemon's profound transformation, mirrored by Daenerys Targaryen's arc, and Alys Rivers showing him the tree, allowing him to glimpse the future. Daemon had to reckon with his emotions and foresee the consequences of his actions. Harrenhal tested and molded him, with the three-eyed raven—and potentially Helaena—speaking directly to him, representing another aspect of his guilty conscience.

Daemon’s lack of remorse for his past actions, such as instructing Willem Blackwood to commit atrocities, highlights his complex character. Despite his flaws, he ultimately sides with Rhaenyra, suggesting a significant personal change, aided by Alys as a conduit for the weirwoods' influence.

The Daemon storyline is one of my favorites this season, but the ultimate triumph of the show lies in the intense dynamics between Alicent and Rhaenyra. The season's theme of "a son for a son" is powerfully bookended by the blood and cheese incident in the first episode and Alicent's ultimate submission to Rhaenyra's demands in the finale.

chefs kiss

Let me know what you think in the comments!