Who Is House of the Dragon’s Daeron Targaryen, and Why Wasn’t He in Season 1?

Those House of the Dragon viewers who read George R. R. Martin's 2018 novel, Fire & Blood, were quick to spot several differences between the book and the show from the very first season. Starting from the major ones, like Rhaenyra and Alicent’s age difference, to the least important ones, the show created its own narrative, and still continues to do so.

Many thought the absence of Alicent’s fourth child with Viserys, prince Daeron Targaryen, was one of such details. However, now that he was mentioned by Alicent and Otto in the second episode of the second season, show-watchers were left utterly confused. Here is everything you need to know about Daeron Targaryen.

Where Is Daeron Targaryen?

Daeron Targaryen is the third son of King Viserys I Targaryen and his second wife, Queen Alicent Hightower, who was a prominent character in the books, but ended up being unseen on the show. During season 1, viewers only saw three of Alicent’s older kids, so Daeron still being on the cards may come as a surprise to many.

According to Fire & Blood, Daeron was born shortly after Rhaenyra's first son Jace, but given all the age changes the show has made, he is expected to be much younger. Still, Daeron must have already left the castle when we saw Prince Joffrey's birth, since we didn't see him training with his siblings.

Daeron and his dragon, Tessarion, were sent to Oldtown to serve as squires to Lord Ormund Hightower, his mother Alicent's cousin. Though it may seem an unlikely position for a prince, Daeron has secured Oldtown's support for the crown and protected the place with his dragon, though he won't enter battle until much later.

There was never an explanation for why Daeron wasn't shown as a boy in the first season, but the recent dialog between Otto and Alicent can serve as a promise that fans will see him later.

Will Daeron Targaryen Appear in House of the Dragon Season 2?

Unfortunately, there has been no news about Daeron's appearance in the show so far. As far as we know, the character hasn't been cast yet, so it's unlikely that the show will introduce him as a surprise.

Also, according to the original novel, Daeron does not join the war until the Battle of Honeywine, where he saves his family and the Hightower army by flying into battle on his dragon, Tessarion. This event will probably not take place in season 2, so Daeron remains unseen, as he should.

If you are interested in seeing where season 2 of House of the Dragon takes its characters, be sure to stream the show every Sunday on HBO or Max.