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'Game of Thrones' prequel 'House of the Dragon': Why was Prince Daemon Targaryen not chosen as King Viserys' successor?

'Daemon would be a second Maegor, or worse,'— the Prince was compared to one of the more violent and hated Targaryen rulers

Wanton show of power, consorting with prostitutes, and showboating were not the only reasons for Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) to be snubbed as King Viserys I's successor in 'House of the Dragon' Episode 1. He was compared to Maegor, a bloody and violent conqueror who ascended the Iron Throne. He was a man of unfathomable rage and had his own backstory that forms an interesting read from the 'Game of Thrones' lore.

For those unaware, when Aegon the Conqueror passed, his eldest son Aenys succeeded him. It was almost expected considering how the Westeros laws worked, but soon after his death five years later, his own son didn't become king, instead his half-brother Maegor did. The latter was an absolute tyrant and an out-and-out baddie.

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Maegor's six-year rule perhaps made him one of the most hated kings. He had his flaws and one of them was killing off the numerous wives he would take and not seeing a male baby in return. He was looked at as a stone-cold killer and in the events of the 'House of the Dragon', King Viserys' aides look at Daemon as the second Maegor, something the Hand of the King, Ser Otto Hightower, openly declares. “Daemon would be a second Maegor, or worse. He is impulsive and violent. It is the duty of this council to protect the king and the realm from him.”

This was one of the major reasons why Daemon was never appointed successor and the throne eventually went to Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock). With the second episode dealing with Daemon's ignominy of defeat, there's a lot to look forward to in 'The Rogue Prince'. The HBO series packed quite the punch in Episode 1, and the upcoming chapter hints at the ramifications of each character's actions from the season opener.

'House of the Dragon' airs Sundays at 9 pm ET on HBO and HBO Max.