HOUSE OF THE DRAGON Made Daemon Targaryen a Part of GAME OF THRONES’ Story

by

As a die-hard fan of all things Targaryen, I can’t help but be in awe of the intricate tapestry that is House of the Dragon. The characters we’ve come to know and love (or love to hate) are being woven into an even more complex narrative than Game of Thrones ever dared to dream.

In the second season of “House of the Dragon,” Daemon Targaryen found himself in a state of loss. Initially, he lost his wife’s affection and admiration. Then, he lost the ability to distinguish between reality and dreams. However, in the season finale, Daemon experienced a loss that could prove beneficial: his lifelong ambition to seize the Iron Throne. This change occurred when Harrenhal’s “witch” Alys Rivers helped the Rogue Prince comprehend his role as just one piece of a larger narrative. Unfortunately, this narrative is not about the Dance of the Dragons; it’s a grander and more crucial tale that has always been significant for House Targaryen.

Daemon Targaryen discovered the true mission of his lineage in Westeros – to thwart the White Walkers. He understands the part he needs to enact to aid in vanquishing the army of the dead, thanks to some highly influential figures, which includes a prominent character from “Game of Thrones.”

In the second season of “House of the Dragon,” the King Consort grappled with his personal ambition, past mistakes, and terrible sins. These tormenting aspects often appeared in nightmares that haunted him within the cursed walls of Harrenhal. His disturbing dreams compelled Daemon to confront his inner self, eventually leading him back to the castle’s sacred godswood.

In the stillness of the night, I found myself face to face with the enigmatic Alys Rivers perched on my bed. As a curious gamer, I followed this strange, wise woman outside to the very same spot she’d once foretold for me. Before Alys uttered a word, I caught sight of an unusual creature nestled by the weirwood tree in the godswood. Whether it was real or another vision, that detail pales compared to who – or what – it truly was.

In the ancient Isle of Faces, dating back millennia prior to the time depicted in ‘House of the Dragon’, the First Men and the Children of the Forest forged a peace treaty that ended their prolonged war. To symbolize their unity, they carved faces into every weirwood tree on the island, hoping that this act would draw the attention of all the old gods as witnesses to their pact. The First Men and the Children also founded the Order of the Green Men, a revered religious group believed to be composed of diminutive, horned or antlered beings with green skin, as depicted in ancient folklore.

It’s questionable whether Daemon truly witnessed one of those ancient beings, as even in a bustling area of the Realm, very few have ever reached the Isle of Faces to confirm if the Green Men still dwell there. Similarly, many doubted the existence of the Children of the Forest and the White Walkers beyond the Wall. However, viewers of Game of Thrones are well aware that the tales about the abilities of the Children/Green Men are indeed true.

They were green-vision seers, similar to how Bran Stark will become one someday. These mystical entities possess the ability to perceive events through yew trees, which is why the Children would carve faces on these trees. Moreover, since these eternal trees exist beyond the bounds of time, greenseers can peer into past, present, and future events.

From what Alys Rivers discussed and the actions she made Daemon perform in the season two finale, it seems plausible that she possesses the abilities of a greenseer. If this is true, her knowledge about the right moment for the King Consort to discover the truth about his desires having minimal importance could be explained. The nightmares he experienced were likely preparing him to understand why Aegon the Conqueror brought fire and destruction to Westeros.

Alys told Daemon, “When you first arrived, you clenched your fist tightly, intending to mold the world according to your desires. However, I believe you’ve realized that this world cannot be controlled so easily. There are signs, if one knows where to look.” When Daemon didn’t dismiss her words as foolishness, she inquired, “Are you now willing to learn what destiny offers? Throughout your life, you’ve striven to dictate your own path. But today, I sense that you’re prepared.”

With a determined stride, the daemon moved towards the ancient weirwood tree and gently traced its intricate carvings. Instantly, the sacred tree’s resin, resembling blood, dripped onto his palm. This was when visions that interwove Daemon’s tale with the epic Song of Ice and Fire unfolded before him. The first figure he beheld was a significant, infamous member of his lineage yet to be born in Westeros for another 45 years. In these visions, he caught glimpses of Brynden Rivers, a character well-known to fans of “Game of Thrones” as the Three-Eyed Raven.

As a devoted fan, I’d rephrase it like this: I’m Brynden Rivers, an albino Targaryen known as the “Great Bastard,” born to Lady of House Blackwood. My father, King Aegon the Unworthy, was far from admirable, yet on his deathbed, he legitimized me and my fellow bastards. This act of kindness turned sour, sparking the second significant Targaryen civil war, a conflict that ultimately led to more chaos and turmoil.

As a devoted admirer of House of the Dragon, I can’t help but be captivated by the character portrayed by different actors as Lord Bloodraven, also known in his lifetime. This man earned the moniker due to a striking red birthmark on his cheek, reminiscent of a raven or wine stain. He was renowned for his cunning intellect, intense demeanor, and unwavering loyalty to his King. Despite being pitted against his own bastard siblings, he stood firm in his allegiance when his half-brother Daemon Blackfyre sought the Iron Throne. The first Blackfyre Rebellion left Lord Bloodraven with only one eye, a loss he chose to wear as a testament to his experiences rather than hiding it behind a patch.

The combination of his pale complexion, white hair, distinctive birthmark, missing eye, and seemingly endless knowledge about secrets from across the Realm led many to refer to Brynden Rivers as a mysterious sorcerer. However, the popular riddle-turned-song “How many eyes does Lord Bloodraven have?” asks, with the answer being “A thousand eyes, and one.” Although this response is correct, it’s not due to the use of dark magic; instead, Bloodraven was among the greatest greenseers in the history of Westeros.

Additionally, he lived far beyond the expected span of life. After his nephew Aegon the Unlikely exiled Bloodraven to the Wall, Brynden Rivers assumed the role as Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch. He held this position until one fateful day when he mysteriously disappeared towards the northern regions. Avid “Game of Thrones” followers are aware of his fate there – he allied with the Children of the Forest, allowed himself to be absorbed by a tree’s roots, and began observing Bran Stark in preparation for instructing Ned’s son as his successor.

Thanks to “House of the Dragon,” I’ve come to realize that even in his earlier days, Lord Bloodraven was subtly influencing his own forebears throughout their lives.

When Daemon placed his hand on the weirwood tree, Bloodraven, a powerful greenseer with knowledge spanning their family’s entire history, materialized. This omniscient figure, who has vowed to protect and guide their kin throughout time, revealed to Daemon the impending threat of the White Walkers and their undead army. Bloodraven then shared visions of dragons meeting a tragic end, surrounded by carnage, followed by Daemon’s own demise at the hands of water. However, he also showed him hope in the rebirth of dragons someday. Intriguingly, Daemon saw his future descendant, Daenerys Targaryen from ‘Game of Thrones,’ bringing three dragons to life through flames. But Bloodraven’s prophecy didn’t end there; he showed that these events would only unfold if Rhaenyra, not Daemon himself, claimed the Iron Throne.

Apart from Alys Rivers, the Green Men, and Bloodraven, there were other greenseers who revealed to Daemon what he “ought to accomplish.” To fully comprehend that he is merely a piece in the grand tale that truly matters – the saga of both the living and the dead – Daemon required Helaena Targaryen’s counsel as well. She was his niece and Queen, after all.

From King’s Landing she also saw through the weirwood her Uncle held. Rather than hate the man who had her son killed, the soft-spoken prophet told him what he must do. Like the other greenseers, she knows what awaits her family and the world one day. What Daemon does in his life will matter in that coming war. (Even if it seems what her own brother Aemond does will not.)

Instead of merely learning about the Song of Ice and Fire like young Rhaenyra did, Daemon lived it. This is why he understands the real reason House Targaryen seized the Seven Kingdoms in their beginning. It wasn’t driven by a desire for the Iron Throne or power, nor was it about shaping the world to one’s will or controlling destiny. Neither was it about love and admiration, things Daemon has always sought but never received. Instead, it was about preserving life from death.

It wasn’t until Daemon fully grasped the singular intent behind his existence that he submitted to his spouse. Daemon now realizes that the choice of Rhaenyra by Viserys holds more weight than any Targaryen ruler or queen, a truth greater than themselves.

Currently, her husband, who has gathered an army in the Riverlands, needs to serve her, thereby serving House Targaryen. This is the sole means by which he can prepare everyone for the one war that will truly matter in the end. Regrettably, prior to the arrival of the White Walkers, the dragons must first perform their dance.

Mikey Walsh, who has a strong passion for Lord Bloodraven, serves as a staff writer at TopMob. Keep up with his updates by following him on Twitter and Bluesky under the handle @burgermike. Additionally, you can find him in discussions ranking the Targaryen kings in various platforms.

Read More

2024-08-05 16:33