Daemon Targaryen

[FP1997]

Daemon Targaryen in House of the Dragon

• Status: Prince of the City and King in consort, Husband to the heir to the Iron Throne, Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen. Also known to be Lord of Dragonstone, King of the Stepstones and of the Narrow Sea.
• Traits: Cutthroat, erratic, proud.
• Famous quote: "This is a tragic world. You cannot live your life in fear, or you will forsake the best parts of it.”
• Family: Born to Baelon and Akyssa Targaryen; Brother of King Viserys I Targaryen; Husband to Rhaenyra Targeryen; Father to children of multiple women, including Baela and Rhaena Targaryen (born to Laena) and Aegon, Viserys and Visenya Targaryen (born to Rhaenyra)

Born to the Targaryen house, Daemon is the brother to former King Viserys I Targaryen. Daemon’s relationship with his brother was rocky and his harsh words and actions often landed him on the wrong side of King Viserys I.

His early years at the court in King’s Landing shaped him into a cunning and skilled knight, as well as a capable leader. Damon’s cutthroat nature came into use within his time in the military; he fought bravely within the War for the Stepstones, declaring himself King of the Stepstones and of the Narrow Sea shortly after.

As an accomplished and admirable dragonrider, Daemon’s bond with his Dragon, Caraxes, is seen by all in Westeros. Daemon and Caraxes use their bond and relentless nature to ensure they accomplish and gain everything they seek to. This bond and skillset is unmatched and is seen as a significant asset to whomever holds Daemon’s loyalty.

Romance and political gain

Known as quite the philanderer within Westeros, Daemon’s reputation spoke for him. Spending time in brothels while married, he spoke of his feelings of marriage as “only a political arrangement. Once you are wed, you can do what you like.”

His views on the arrangement were prominent with his choice of wives. The first of his wives, Lady Rhea Royce, aimed to increase his influences and alliances, while strengthening his position in the Realm. However, this arrangement proved to have no benefits, and was therefore brought to a brutal end by Daemon’s hand.

Daemon’s second marriage to Lady Laena Velaryon produced two daughters and brought him closer to a powerful and influential family. This successful union was brought to an unfortunate end after complications with childbirth caused Laena to take her own life by the fire of her own dragon, Vhagar.

The most controversial and significant of Daemon’s relationships, was that of his niece, Rhaenyra Targaryen. After a trip to the brothel at a young age, Rhaenyra and Daemon’s romance began and ended quickly, with many disapproving voices and rumours emerging from the court. Only after the deaths of their partners, could Daemon and Rhaenyra wed and form what would be a romantic union and significant political alliance that would help their position in the Dance of the Dragons.

Dance of the Dragons

After King Viserys’ death, and the concealment of which by his wife Alicent Hightower, the Green’s made the decision to crown Aegon II as King. The betrayal of these actions sent Daemon into a rage and caused him to rally those that he could. He arranged for his wife, Rhaenyra, to be crowned as queen to solidify her position as heir to the Iron Throne, as promised by her father.

"I would rather feed my sons to the dragons than have them carry shields and cups for your drunken, usurper c**t of a king." His sharp words were heard by Otto Hightower as he fed back the offer the new King had sent out to the Black’s; that they would be given high positions in court and pardoned for their opposition of King Aegon’s ascent.

After a dragon chase between Lucerys Valeryon and Aemond Targaryen resulted in Lucerys’ death, Daemon delivered the news to his wife, thus securing the war of the Green and Blacks; a war for the Iron Throne.

Who plays Daemon Targaryen?

• Daemon is portrayed by Matt Smith, an English actor, well known for his roles in Doctor Who and the Crown. His role as Daemon in House of the Dragon was said to be a ‘stellar performance’ that resulted in ‘the best House of the Dragon scenes.’