WARNING! This article contains major SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 1 and George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood book, on which the show is based!
Summary
As Blood and Cheese is finally adapted inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 1, an important change is made to Daemon’s role that sets up his most exciting dragon battle. From the events outlined in George R.R. Martin’sFire & Bloodbook, arguably the most dreaded moment expected forHouse of the Dragonwas Blood and Cheese, which culminated in the brutal beheading of Aegon and Helaena’s young son, Prince Jaehaerys. As was implied in the book, Blood and Cheese were hired by Daemon Targaryen to kill a “son” of the Greens in retaliation for Prince Lucerys’ death, butHouse of the Dragonmakes some changes to the context of Daemon’s initial assassination scheme.
Rhaenyra Targaryen only utters one line inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 1: “I want Aemond Targaryen.” In response, Daemon arranges for the Gold Cloak and ratcatcher known to history as “Blood and Cheese” to sneak into the Red Keep and kill Aemond. Being unable to find him, they proceed with their “son for a son” task and behead Aegon’s heir, Jaehaerys, instead. However, there wasno indication that Daemon originally ordered Blood and Cheese to kill Aemond Targaryen inFire & Blood, with this book change effectively working to enhance the climactic rivalry between Daemon and Aemond.
Daemon Targeting Aemond In Blood & Cheese Better Sets Up Their Battle Above The Gods Eye
Blood & Cheese better emphasizes Daemon targeting Aemond in the war
By revealing that Daemon Targaryen really wanted Aemond’s head inHouse of the Dragon’s Blood and Cheese event, the show better underscores the feud between the opposing hot-headed Targaryens that will escalate as the series progresses.Aemond and Daemon being each other’s greatest rivalsbetween theTargaryen Greens and Blackswas already teased during season 1 when Daemon pridefully stepped between Aemond and Rhaenyra’s sons at Viserys’ final family feast. However, with Aemond and Daemon now both being the strongest and most volatile Targaryen warriors on each side of the Dance, their rivalry advances to a more dangerous and urgent level.
ThroughoutHouse of the Dragonseason 2’s episodesand beyond, Aemond and Daemon will continue to target one another either in battle or for one-on-one combat. While Daemon didn’t kill Aemond in Blood and Cheese as he intended, he’ll eventually get his revenge. However, the two won’t be able to have their ultimate duel until shortly before the Dance of the Dragons is over. When this finally happens,Daemon and Aemond will duel in the Battle Above the Gods Eye outside of Harrenhal, which is predicted to be the most epic and visually striking dragon battle thatHouse of the Dragonwill feature.
While Daemon didn’t kill Aemond in Blood and Cheese as he intended, he’ll eventually get his revenge.
With just Aemond on Vhagar and Daemon on Caraxes, the two “second sons” fight to the death after several years of seeking the glory and power of defeating the other. As they ride on their dragons high in the skies, the duel ends as the dragons both go crashing down toward the water below. While falling, Daemon jumps from Caraxes to Vhagar and impales hisValyrian steel sword Dark Sisterinto the missing eye socket of Aemond Targaryen.With no chance of survival, all four fatally plunge into the water– bringing an uproarious end to two of the strongest dragons and warriors in House Targaryen’s history.
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The Battle Above the Gods Eye will not only be a culmination of Aemond and Daemon’s rivalry, but also the decades-long festering of resentments, jealousies, and feuds among Viserys Targaryen’s heirs. When it finally hits the small screen in HBO’s show, the spectacular nature of the dragon and warrior battle will be an epic representation of the inherent self-destructive fiber of the Dance of the Dragons’ war. Nothing beneficial comes of Aemond andDaemon’s fatal battleon either side; all it does iskill Vhagar, Aemond, Caraxes, and Daemon in one fell swoop.
When it finally hits the small screen in HBO’s show, the spectacular nature of the dragon and warrior battle will be an epic representation of the inherent self-destructive fiber of the Dance of the Dragons’ war.
House Of The Dragon’s Season 2 Premiere Already Teased Daemon & Aemond’s Duel
Aemond is already intent on moving forces to Harrenhal
Following the immediate aftermath of Blood and Cheese,Fire & Bloodreveals that Daemon and Aemond take their feud to Harrenhal, as both understand the strategic importance of holding this seat in the Riverlands. Of course, Harrenhal is the ultimate destination of their Battle Above the Gods Eye, withHouse of the Dragonalready setting up the two rival Targaryens’ move to the Riverlands. InHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 1, Aemond joins the Small Council meeting and declares that they need to move their forces to the Riverlands, more specifically to Harrenhal.
InHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 1, Aemond joins the Small Council meeting and declares that they need to move their forces to the Riverlands, more specifically to Harrenhal.
Meanwhile, Daemon had already highlighted the importance of moving forces to Harrenhal back inHouse of the Dragon’s season 1 finale. Withboth Daemon and Aemond advising Rhaenyra and Aegon’s war councils to obtain Harrenhal,House of the Dragonis moving closer to the setup of their brutal duel. However, though both Targaryen “second sons” are seemingly moving to Harrenhal, the Battle Above the Gods Eye isn’t expected to happen for quite some time.
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When Will The Battle Above The Gods Eye Happen In House Of The Dragon?
Daemon & Aemond’s death could come sooner than later in House of the Dragon
George R.R. Martin has suggested thatHouse of the Dragonwill need at least four seasonsin order to properly cover the Dance of the Dragons. However, the number of seasons will depend on how much of the war the show covers with each season, and when exactly the show wants to end. IfHouse of the Dragonextends to the first few years of King Aegon III Targaryen’s reign, then it may need five seasons. Consequently,Daemon and Aemond’s battle will likely happen at the end ofHouse of the Dragonseason 3or earlier in season 4, as the show won’t be eager to get rid of the fan-favorite characters so soon.
House of the Dragonhas already been renewed for season 3, but HBO has not yet confirmed the show’s future thereafter.
New episodes ofHouse of the Dragonseason 2 release Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
