House of the Dragon’s Daemon Targaryen isn’t called the “Rogue Prince” without any reason. After the incident of killing Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen via Rat and Cheese, prince Daemon Targaryen left Dragonstone and went to Harrenhal, the biggest castle of Westeros. Daemon, struggling with his actions and the accusations against him, believed that he would find peace at Harrenhal, but that never happened. Since his arrival, the rogue prince has been haunted by disturbing visions, reflecting his inner turmoil. Let’s delve into the meaning of these visions and the state of Daemon’s mind. Also, find out why Deamon dreamed of his mirror in HOTD Season 2 Episode 5.
Alys Rivers – The Witch Causing the Visions
In George R.R. Martin’s books, it’s clearly mentioned that the castle of Harrenhal has been cursed for ages. The kings who tried to rule it couldn’t survive long. Daemon doesn’t believe in such things, so he decides to claim Harrenhal without giving it a second thought. However, he cannot sleep peacefully even for a single night. Alys Rivers was the one who met Daemon when he arrived at Harrenhal, and she is said to be a witch who gets visions of the future. So, there is a high possibility that she must be controlling Daemon’s mind. In their first encounter, Alys told Daemon he’d die here (Harrenhal). She may be responsible for Daemon’s hallucinations.
Daemon’s Vision with Milly Alcock as Young Rhaenyra
Moreover, Alys Rivers also brings Daemon a mysterious potion and says it could help him sleep peacefully. But the reality is that Daemon was at a lot more peace when he was with Rhaenyra at Dragonstone. In his first vision, Daemon saw Rhaenyra stitching Jahaerys’s severed head to his body. This vision could mean that even though Daemon will never accept it, he regrets his mistake as he didn’t want to harm any child; instead, he tried to avenge Lucerys’s death by killing Aemond.
Daemon’s visions continue in HOTD Season 2 Episode 4 as well. We see him and Rhaenyra in the throne room, where the princess talks to him in high Valyrian. She wears the crown and continuously talks until Daemon cuts her head with the black sister. We are familiar with how desperately Daemon wanted to be the successor of the Iron Throne, but his attitude never let him be the heir. Instead, Viserys chose Rhaenyra as his successor; like everyone else, Daemon couldn’t see a woman as the ruler of the royal kingdom. So, this vision could be due to his insecurities. When Rhaenyra was young, Daemon could somehow control her, but now the tables have turned.
Deamon’s Vision about his ex-wife Leana
In his visions, Daemon sees not only Rhaenyra but also his former wife, Laena Vaelaryon, and himself as Aemond. These visions of Daemon might be due to his failures. That being said, Laena ordered her own dragon to burn her as she wasn’t ready to die due to difficult labor, and Daemon wasn’t there by her side at that time. Secondly, he sees himself as the one-eyed Targaryen prince Aemond, and this might be because Daemon couldn’t get him killed even after sending the hired assassins to the Red Keep. So, this vision might also hint toward the final showdown between Daemon and Aemond above the God’s Eye.
Why Did Deamon Dream of His Having Sex with His Mother
In House of the Dragon Season 2 Episode 5, Deamon had yet another unusual vision. This time, he was having sex with a woman, who turned out to be his mother. In his vision, Deamon sees his mother saying to him that he is her favorite son and deserved to wear the crown instead of Viserys. While it has not been shown in the TV show, Daemon’s mother Alyssa Targaryen died when he was just 3 years old. Therefore, he did not receive motherly affection in his childhood. Deamon was considered inferior to his brother because of his indisciplined behavior and prompt actions.
The vision could be Deamon’s longing for motherly love. However, for some twister reasons, showwriters decided to portray in the form of him having sex with his mother.
