How Has Daemon Targaryen Changed Over 10 Years In House Of The Dragon?

House of the Dragon episode 6 continued after a ten-year time jump in the story. A lot happened off-screen in those ten years. Our favourite

By Chandraboli Majumdar
September 26,2022
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House of the Dragon episode 6 continued after a ten-year time jump in the story. A lot happened off-screen in those ten years. Our favourite characters underwent a whole lot of change.  The most drastic change can be seen in none other than Prince Daemon Targaryen. We last saw him in House of the Dragon episode 5 where he killed his wife Lady Rhea Royce and crashed the wedding of Rhaenyra and Laenor. It became quite evident that he was going to marry Laena Velaryon and so he did. Additionally, his personality has become quite different and he is nothing like the Daemon we’ve seen before. If anything he’s become an even better, more complex character with many layers to him.

Daemon becomes a faithful husband and father

Daemon Targaryen and Laena Velaryon in House of the Dragon
Daemon Targaryen and Laena Velaryon in House of the Dragon

As mentioned before, Daemon married Laena Velaryon and even had two daughters Baela and Rhaena Targaryen. When he was married to Rhea Royce, there was no compatibility between the two. Daemon never bothered staying in the Vale or consummating their marriage. I mean the guy literally killed her so obviously they weren’t a great match. But with Laena Velaryon, he seems much happier or rather more in tune with her. They are both fierce dragonriders and have been going on adventures together. Daemon and Laena share mutual respect and even love each another in a way.

Daemon watches Laena dying in House of the Dragon
Daemon watches Laena dying

The grief of losing Laena can clearly be seen in his eyes as he stands in absolute shock. Daemon also seems to have matured significantly and become a decent father. He is seen sitting with Baela and teaching her High Valyrian. This is quite a stark contrast to the previous Daemon with no loyalties and no strings attached. Although he doesn’t spend much time with Rhaena.

His rage and ambition has reduced

Daemon wants to remain in Pentos
Daemon wants to remain in Pentos

In the episode, we see him accept Prince Reggio’s proposition of staying at Pentos in return of wealth and prosperity. When confronted by Laena, he claims that he’s much better off there. He feels more at peace as he is away from the politics of the Iron Throne. It seems like his ambition has waned since we last saw him. He has grown weary of the constant battle of succession. All Daemon wants is to live his life free of responsibilities, luxuriously and truly cherish it. This coming from the rogue prince has to be quite a surprise. Its honestly great to see that Daemon isn’t just all rage, instead he is so much more. In fact, It looks like he has calmed down a lot. While that’s great, he should never lose the ruthlessness and rage that’s in him.

Loneliness and heartache plague the Targaryen Prince

Laena Velaryon tries to ease his loneliness
Laena Velaryon tries to ease his loneliness

The one thing that can be seen clear as day is that Daemon is not entirely happy despite what he says. He has been away from home and from the people he once called family for an extremely long time. In fact, he seems to have lost the only two people he ever cared for. No matter how much he loves his family comprising Laena and his daughters, a piece of his heart will always remain at King’s Landing in the Red Keep with Viserys and Rhaenyra. In fact, he is mourning his love for Rhaenyra.

Laena who seems to know him better than anyone, recognizes the fact that he feels lonely. She has even come to terms with the fact that she wasn’t who Daemon truly wanted to marry. After all, we know that he wanted to make Rhaenyra his wife. What’s interesting is the bond between Daemon and Laena. When she says the previous statement, instead of keeping quiet or blowing her off, he empathizes. Daemon tries to stop Laena from feeling that way. Quite uncharacteristic if you ask me.

Laena Velaryon dies in House of the Dragon
Laena Velaryon dies in House of the Dragon

Laena urges him to accompany her to the Red Keep so that both of them can meet their brothers. But it was to no avail. With Laena now dead, it will be quite interesting to see how Daemon raises Rhaena and Baela. He seems to be a decent father in this episode but only time will tell what happens next. Hopefully his character keeps growing but never loses the fire within him.