The House of the Dragon season two finale sure pulled a fast one on us. The trailer led us to believe that a major or, at the very least, characters deaths were coming. None of those things happened; however, that doesn’t mean we didn’t get any truly surprising twists. One of them is Daemon, who has been grappling with both his guilt and unyielding desire to be the King. In the midst of strange and downright disturbing visions, including one this episode that gives him insight into future events that take place in Game of Thrones, Daemon frequently toys with betraying Rhaenyra and trying to claim the Throne for himself. However, Daemon decides to fully support Rhaenyra as queen in the House of the Dragon season two finale as he bends the knee to the rightful heir.
Ser Alfred Broome Betrays Rhaenyra and Tries to Get Daemon to Turn On Her, Too
In the episode, Ser Alfred Broome, a member of Rhaenyra’s council, arrives to speak with Daemon. The latter is busy preparing to march on King’s Landing in two days’ time. But he takes a moment to listen to Broome. Ser Alfred first clarifies that he will never serve the usurpers. He affirms that he did pledge his banners to Rhaenyra; however, they are on the cusp of big battles. He says Daemon has mustered an army while Rhaenyra is making questionable choices. Ser Alfred says Daemon is a leader of men who should declare his right to sit upon the throne. He believes what they need right now is a King. Daemon notes Alfred’s betrayal but smirks as though he is considering treachery.
Ser Simon Strong is watching all this unfold from the shadows and knows it is not good. He sends word to Dragonstone to alert Rhaenyra to potential treachery. (I truly love this man.) She is not happy but immediately takes action, heading to Harrenhal to finally confront Daemon.
Daemon’s Major Vision of Game of Thrones Events Changes Him Forever
Meanwhile, Daemon is sleeping at Harrenhal when he sees Alys River at his bedside. He follows her to the godswood, where she poignantly speaks to him. “When you came here, you were a closed fist,” Alys begins. “You wished to bend the world to your will. But you’ve discovered, I think, that this world will not be governed. There are omens here for those who seek them…”
She asks if he wishes to “learn what is given to him” and he silently agrees. He is ready to finally see what fates lie ahead. Daemon touches the weirwood tree as blood rushes down its trunk. He sees several major events yet to come, such as the raven, the White Walker and his army, Danaerys and her three dragon eggs (as well as hatchlings), and Rhaenyra sitting on the Iron Throne. He then sees Haeleana, who says that it is all a story and he knows his small part in it.
After Rhaenyra and Addam of Hull’s arrival, she stands in front of Daemon, who emerges from a sea of men. (She has Syrax there and ready to BBQ anyone at a moment’s notice, so it’s all good.) She asks who he swears allegiance to in front of all and there’s a long and uncomfortable pause. He speaks to her in High Valyrian, saying this war is only the beginning and winter is coming with darkness and doom. (Gasp!)
Daemon Bends the Knee to Rhaenyra in House of the Dragon‘s Finale
Daemon tells her that he saw it and that they must try to withstand it. Then he says the realm’s only hope is a leader who can reunite it, and that’s Rhaenyra. Daemon bends the knee and says she is the true queen and they will all serve her until death or the end of their story. Everyone except Ser Alfred Broome, who vanishes into the crowd, also bends the knee. Rhaenyra is visibly emotional but also warns Daemon that if he leaves her again, it will be at his own peril. I’m just happy my boy is back in action and hopefully done with those wild hauntings.
Daemon finally humbling himself to bend the knee and stand by his wife Rhaenyra is a beautiful thing to see. It also aligns with his Fire & Blood book arc where he indeed gets Rhaenyra her army and has a less creepy time at Harrenhal. Now, the duo is together again with a legion of men and dragons at their disposal. We will have to wait and see if Daemon and Rhaenyra are victorious when they head towards all-out war in House of the Dragon season three.
