Why was it even there?

Even though viewers have been patiently waiting for the promised war to begin for three episodes now, the writers are still trying their best to do damage control. This is what makes House of the Dragon so different from its predecessor, Game of Thrones.

The first show managed to add all the nuance to its characters as the battles unfolded, while the spinoff feels the need to spell everything out to its viewers before it begins. While the war is inevitable, it still struggles to get started. In the meantime, the writers go deep into fanservice, intentionally or not, proving the worst about Daemon Targaryen.

Why Did Daemon Dream About Young Rhaenyra?

Since the beginning of season 2, Daemon Targaryen hasn’t been at his best, mentally or physically. He knows what war is and what it isn’t, and the mutual pining of both sides isn’t considered necessary in his books, hence the frustration when events take too long to unfold. Something he might be able to share with the audience.

However, when his hasty decision leads to the death of young Prince Jaehaerys, Rhaenyra begins to question her husband’s loyalty and pushes all the right buttons for him to grow angry. Whether Daemon truly believes he’s being faithful to his queen or not is left to the viewer’s interpretation. He certainly longs for her, even if only in his creepy Daemon way.

Milly Alcock’s cameo as the young Rhaenyra Targaryen was a nice surprise for many fans of the first season of the show. The actress was praised for her portrayal of Rhaenyra in the first half of the first season of House of the Dragon, so it was a treat to see her again in the form of Daemon’s vision.

Milly Alcock returns tonight as young Rhaenyra, highlighting how Daemon idealized her. Now, unable to control or manipulate her, he is lost. The series makes it clear that he is a pedophile and people’s still in denial pic.twitter.com/b9heIKL0c9

— angela 🍉 (@alicentsadeyes) July 1, 2024

However, her appearance only further proves the twisted nature of Daemon’s desire. While his wife is still alive and needs his support at Dragonstone, he refuses to accept her as the rightful queen. Instead, his mind searches for ways to bring back her younger version, since she was easier to groom and manipulate.

While there is no doubt that Daemon loves Rhaenyra in his own messed up and twisted way, House of the Dragon shows the raw truth behind his motivations and desires, emphasizing that the Rhaenyra of his dreams was just a young girl, still easily swooned and excited by the idea of bloodshed.

If you want to see where House of the Dragon season 2 takes Daemon Targaryen next and when the war actually begins, be sure to tune in to HBO or Max next Sunday for another episode.