Includes SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 6.
Summary
Daemon’s scenes inHouse of the Dragonseason 2 have allowed for some notable character returns, with one cameo in episode 6 seeming to finally conclude this arc. Much of Daemon’s season 2 narrative is original to the show, with his visions allowing for oldHouse of the Dragoncastmembers like Milly Alcock (Young Rhaenyra) and Nanna Blondell (Laena Velaryon) to reprise their roles from season 1. Episode 6 had its most significant cameo yet, withPaddy Considine returning to the role of King Viserys I Targaryen.
Daemon’s season 2 arc followed up a major blow-up with Rhaenyra, where she grilled him for his role in the Blood & Cheese assassination and then some. Rhaenyra strikes a nerve by stating that Viserys never trusted Daemon to be his heir, and his visions throughout the season explore his internal reaction to this insult. Theending of season 2, episode 6, seems to imply that Daemon is finally moving on from this narrative in Harrenhal, meaning thatthe Viserys scenes have drastic implications for his story going forward.
Daemon’s First Vision Of Viserys In House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 6 Explained
Daemon Recounts A Real Moment From HOTD Season 1
Daemon’s first vision in episode 6 may seem familiar to television audiences, as itrecounts a pivotal scene from theHouse of the Dragonseason 1 premiere when Viserys informs Daemon that he’s selected Rhaenyra as his heir over him. Viserys' son died shortly after childbirth, causing Daemon to refer to the boy as “Heir for a day,” which the king takes as a grave insult, in turn banishing Daemon to the Vale to live with his then-wife. This throne room scene has highly dramatic consequences in season 1, and season 2 shows how much it affected Daemon.
In the vision, he’s physically trapped in the Iron Throne room with his brother, forced to emotionally respond
Much ofDaemon’sHouse of the Dragonnarrativeexplores his relationship with King Viserys. Daemon has complicated feelings of inferiority to his older brother, and this pivotal moment saw Viserys fully pushing him away for his actions. Daemon doesn’t demonstrate much regret in the moment, butthe vision implies he’s deeply remorseful for his actions during this time. In the vision, he’s physically trapped in the Iron Throne room with his brother, forced to emotionally respond to the words he said years prior and how they affected his brother, who only ever looked out for him.
Daemon’s Vision Of Viserys & Aemma In House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 6 Explained
Daemon’s second vision in season 2, episode 6, is an entirely original scene where he stands by King Viserys, who mourns the loss of his wife, Aemma Arryn. Aemma died giving birth to Viserys' child, and this is a major turning point for the late king, whose health begins to descend after he feels he’s lost his humanity after his wife’s death. This vision is a construct from Daemon’s mind, further enforcing the regret from the first vision.Rather than going behind Viserys' back and touting his own claim, Daemon shows up to support Viserysin a time of need.
Of course, this isn’t what happened in the realHouse of the Dragontimeline; instead,it shows what Daemon wishes he would’ve done retrospectively. Had Daemon lent his brother his strength in this time of need, the two could’ve lived a much happier and maybe even a longer life together. Daemon blames himself for everything that happened between them and for everything that happened to Viserys, feeling that he left his brother alone because of his own selfishness and immaturity.
Daemon Seeing Viserys Was Crucial (& Should Be The Last Returning Character)
These Could Be Daemon’s Last Visions In HOTD Season 2
For Daemon’s arc,Viserys is the last integral characterHouse of the Dragoncould bring back, as it genuinely caps off the season of visions. Daemon is pushed away by Rhaenyra, but the deepest foundation of his guilt is the complex feelings he has toward his brother. Daemon’s visions in season 2 are about him coming to reckon with what he’s always felt subconsciously, which will gear him forward in the Dance of the Dragons.
Of course, just because Daemon has reckoned with his past and accepted some form of guilt for his role in Viserys' tragic life doesn’t mean he’ll suddenly become a good person. Daemon isn’t a hero, and he continues to be complicit in acts of violence and terror throughout the war. However, knowing how he feels about Viserys will likely cause him to return to Rhaenyra’s side, with some part of him not wanting to fail her as well. Daemon will always be complex inHouse of the Dragon, but his visions demonstrate significant growth in season 2.
House of the Dragon
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
