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'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 4: Daemon's vision of this returning fan-favorite character hints at riveting storyline

Daemon Targaryen has a vision of his late wife Laena Velaryon at Harrenhal in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 4

Contains spoilers for 'House of the Dragon' Season 2

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Episode 4 aired on HBO on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

The enthralling episode centered around the high-stakes Battle at Rook's Rest. Away from the battle, another intriguing storyline is developing involving Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith).

Daemon is currently at Harrenhal, seeking allies for an upcoming war against King's Landing.

However, the cursed castle of Harrenhal is haunting Daemon with visions of a young Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock), Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell), and now his late wife, Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell).

As war looms and Daemon prepares to be tested on the battlefield, he must first wrestle with his emotions.

Why did Daemon see Laena Velaryon and young Rhaenyra Targaryen?

Daemon has been portrayed as unhinged, nonchalant, and unapologetic throughout his journey. His unpredictable and instinctive nature has been evident on numerous occasions, always acting in what he believes is best for himself.

At Harrenhal, he begins to confront his guilt and encounters people he has wronged in his life. He first sees a young Rhaenyra blaming him for shaping her destiny and who she has become.

In Episode 4, Daemon dreams of killing her and wakes up with a bloody hand after she mentions that Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) trusts her more than him.

It also possibly indicates a dilemma in Daemon's mind regarding pursuing the throne or remaining loyal to Rhaenyra. Regarding Laena, in Season 1, he witnessed Laena's death while she was giving birth to their child.

He already had two daughters, and his desire for a male child may have contributed to Laena's death during childbirth. He carries the guilt of her death, which he confronts when he sees her again.

Another significance of Laena's presence here could be the foreshadowing of Vhagar's actions later in the episode.

Laena was the dragon rider for Vhagar, and if she had still been alive, Aemond would not have been able to claim Vhagar. In a way, Laena's death had consequences that affected Daemon. 

 What happens to Daemon Targaryen in 'House of the Dragon'?

Daemon faces an even greater task now that Rook's Rest has fallen to the Greens. As he seeks allies and builds his army, his mission becomes more challenging and crucial than ever.

There is another character he has wronged who may yet make an appearance. In Season 1, Daemon killed his first wife, Lady Rhea Royce (Rachel Redford), and this act may come back to haunt him if current events unfold as they are.

As per 'Fire and Blood', Daemon will eventually find redemption later in the series when he sacrifices himself to kill Aemond and Vhagar at the Battle Above Gods Eye.

It will be a selfless action that may redeem himself, at least in Rhaenyra's eyes. In the book, he also has a lover named Nettles who has yet to make an appearance in the show.  

How to stream 'House of the Dragon' Season 2?

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 episodes are released every Sunday on HBO Max, leading up to the finale on August 4, 2024.

To watch the show you will need a Max Subscription. The streaming platform typically offers three packages that you can choose from depending on your budget.

The low-cost plan that supports advertising costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 annually.  The second package, which does not support advertising, costs $15.99 per month or $149.99 annually.

Meanwhile, the third package, titled Ultimate Ad-Free, costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 annually.

'House of the Dragon' Season 2 Trailer

Episodes 1-4 of 'House of the Dragon' season 2 are streaming on HBO.