'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 3 Takeaway: Why cursed castle makes Daemon's guilt a reality
Contains spoilers for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 3 premiered on Sunday, June 30, 2024, on HBO.
The intriguing episode provided a precursor to the looming battle between the Green and Black factions. The show's epic storytelling is incomplete without incorporating supernatural elements, and Episode 3 delivered just that.
The episode saw Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) take his dragon Caraxes to Harrenhall where Ser Simon Strong (Simon Russell Beale) surrendered the castle without putting up a fight.
Daemon, who decides to stay the night at Harrenhall, experiences a haunting vision. He sees a younger version of Rhaenyra Targaryen, played by Milly Alcock, holding Jaehaerys Targaryen in her lap.
He also sees Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin), a new character who predicts Daemon's death at Harrenhall.
Here's a look at these events and what they could mean for 'House of the Dragon'.
Why does Daemon see Rhaenyra and Jaehaerys?
Daemon is a complex character who is highly instinctive and has a history of actions that deeply affect his psychology. However, in this scene, it becomes evident that he carries the weight of Jaehaerys's guilt more than anything else.
Daemon never intended to kill Jaehaerys and Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell) was his actual target when he organized Blood and Cheese. When he sees Rhaenyra now, he still sees her as the young girl he took with him to Flea Bottom.
Perhaps he still wants to see Rhaenyra as that girl and not the queen she has become now. He carries the guilt of letting his Queen down and feels that his actions, especially the death of Jaehaerys, will have long-standing consequences on Rhaenyra's rule.
In the haunted castle of Harrenhal, he experiences a surreal vision where Rhaenyra puts Jaehaerys to sleep. Despite his complexities, Daemon also exhibits a notable trait—unwavering loyalty—that remains unquestionable.
He was incredibly loyal to his brother Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine), and he maintained that loyalty to Rhaenyra despite his ambitions for the throne.
Besides the vision, he also receives a warning from Alys Rivers, who predicts his death at Harrenhal.
Who is Alys Rivers?
Alys Rivers shares similarities with the character Melisandre (Carice van Houten) from 'Game of Thrones'.
Alys Rivers, a wet nurse at Harrenhal, is known for her supernatural instincts. Similar to Melisandre, she is believed to possess mystical powers that allow her to hide her true age.
In 'Fire and Blood', she has a run-in with Daemon Targaryen before she becomes involved with Aemond Targaryen.
Later in the story, Alys Rivers becomes Aemond's lover and eventually claims to have borne his son after his death.
There are speculations that Alys Rivers may be the illegitimate child of Lyonel Strong (Gavin Spokes).
Will Daemon die in Harrenhall?
Alys Rivers' prediction does come true as Daemon dies at God's Eye near Harrenhal. His death occurs during a fierce battle where both he and Aemond kill each other atop their dragons.
Daemon's death becomes the turning point as Vhagar, the most dangerous dragon ridden by Aemond is also killed paving the way for Rhaenyra to take King's Landing.
Daemon's body is never found in 'Fire and Blood', fueling rumors about his possible survival. It will be interesting to see how this aspect is interpreted in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2.
Episodes 1-3 of 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 are streaming on HBO.