“Who is it? Who has HBO potentially cut from House of the Dragon? Is it the guy in the title image?” you may be wondering. Well, no, it is not him. That is Aemond Targaryen, the character in questions brother. The Targaryen I’m talking about is Daeron “The Daring” Targaryen. (Minor Daeron Targaryen HOTD Spoilers Below)
Okay, this is probably a silly thing to write about given how Daeron Targaryen is only a minor character, the youngest of King Viserys’ children, and he joined the Dance of the Dragons late. But, seeing as he is my favorite character from the books, I’m really worried HBO will cut him out. And that would be a HUGE mistake.
Not only is Daeron “The Daring” the best Targaryen (in terms of morality) in all of the Dance, but he also will end of being the most likeable. If the show portrays him, that is.
By far, Daeron is the most honorable and noble Targaryen in all of the Dance. He saved his uncle Lord Ormund Hightower during the Battle of Honeywine by defeating the “Blacks” forces on top of his dragon, Tessarion. Thus, he was dubbed a knight by Lord Hightower and given the name “the Daring”. However, unlike every other Targaryen in this story, Daeron shrugged off the name and proclaimed Tessarion the true hero.
What Targaryen in either Fire and Blood, House of the Dragon, A Song of Ice and Fire, or Game of Thrones chose humility over glory and honor? Don’t think to long because the answer is none. That is what makes me like Daeron so much. He is so different from his power-hungry brothers, half-sister, mother, grandfathers, and uncles (am I forgetting anyone?) that it would be a terrible mistake for the showrunners to leave him out.
He represents a sliver of honor and humility in a world controlled by greed and ambition.
Plus, he serves as a focal point later on in the war.
First, he is the Targaryen on the “Greens'” side that wins them the battles in the Reach. Without him, the “Greens” would have been defeated much sooner. Second, he is the one that burns Bitterbridge after it is revealed the citizens of the town beheaded his five-year-old nephew, Maelor Targaryen. Finally, he is the Targaryen involved in the Caltrops conspiracy that serves as a MAJOR cause to Rhaenyra’s eventual capture and execution.
I know Ryan Condal and Miguel Sapochnik will never see this, but, as a simple Daeron “the Daring” Targaryen fan, please cast the youngest son of King Viserys (if you haven’t already). He would add so much to the show.
Images Source: Featured Image: (HBO/HBO Max) (House of the Dragon | Official Trailer | HBO Max – YouTube)
