House of the Dragon Teases Major Upcoming Targaryen Death

Daemon Targaryen began charting his own path in the second episode of House of the Dragon Season 2. Though he is still working with Rhaenyra to some extent, his ambitions for the Iron Throne are clear. Aegon II stands as an obstacle, so Daemon embarks on a mission with his dragon, Caraxes, aiming to take Harrenhal and rally an army in the Riverlands. Sunday’s episode reveals Daemon arriving at the cursed castle, introducing viewers to the devastation that lies ahead as the war intensifies.

The series has been steadily building towards the catastrophic Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, meticulously adapted from George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood. This book serves as the blueprint for the show’s narrative, giving attentive readers foresight into key developments. A striking moment in Episode 3 nods to a critical event from Fire & Blood: the death of Daemon Targaryen.

After Harrenhal is surrendered to Daemon by Simon Strong and a handful of surviving soldiers, the Targaryen prince experiences a haunting vision. As he roams through the castle’s halls, he stumbles upon a young Rhaenyra (played again by Milly Alcock from Season 1). She is seen sewing the head of the slain Prince Jaehaerys back onto his body, allowing Daemon to confront the repercussions of his quest for power.

Suddenly, Daemon snaps out of his vision and finds himself standing before a weirwood tree in a crumbled hall. He is met by Alys Rivers (portrayed by Gayle Rankin), who ominously tells him, “You will die in this place,” before departing.

Despite the foreboding message, Daemon’s death is not imminent in House of the Dragon. However, Alys’ warning hints that the show may adhere closely to Daemon’s fate as outlined in Fire & Blood.

In Martin’s book, Daemon meets his end on one of the darkest days in Targaryen history. The Battle Above God’s Eye pits Daemon and Caraxes against Aemond Targaryen and the monstrous dragon Vhagar. The confrontation concludes with both dragons and riders plunging into the God’s Eye lake near Harrenhal.

It is important to remember that adaptations often bring changes, and House of the Dragon is no exception. Still, Alys’ chilling prophecy serves as a reminder of the potential darkness yet to come.

Derived from George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” House of the Dragon unfolds 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones. Season 2 thrusts Westeros to the brink of civil war, with the Green and Black Councils vying for control on behalf of King Aegon II and Queen Rhaenyra, respectively. New episodes of House of the Dragon air every Sunday on HBO at 9 p.m. ET.

The cast of House of the Dragon includes Matt Smith as Prince Daemon Targaryen, Olivia Cooke as Dowager Queen Alicent Hightower, Emma D’Arcy as Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, Eve Best as Princess Rhaenys Targaryen, Steve Toussaint as Lord Corlys Velaryon, Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole, Ewan Mitchell as Prince Aemond Targaryen, Tom Glynn-Carney as King Aegon II Targaryen, Sonoya Mizuno as Mysaria, and Rhys Ifans as Ser Otto Hightower.

Source: HBO, George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood