The second season of House of the Dragon has come to an end leaving mixed feelings, because although the general assessment of the season as a whole is more than remarkable, the ending feels a bit anticlimactic.
If you haven't watched episode 2x08, The Queen Who Never Was, then keep reading at your own risk, because there are spoilers of all sorts ahead.
Although the episode had memorable scenes, and the final montage showing where everyone is and how all the allied armies of both sides are approaching the war's epicenter is very exciting, it is understandable that some viewers were expecting more battles this season. Especially when the final stretch seemed to anticipate a dance of dragons in the purest 'tragedy at the prom' style.
And among all these moments, one of the most outstanding for being surprising, eloquent, and because even readers of the books did not expect it since it is a creation of the series (not counting Alicent's visit to Rhaenyra), is the vision of Daemon when he touches the weirwood tree. A moment that transforms the character and once again connects House of the Dragon with Game of Thrones.
The 'Song of Ice and Fire' Prophecy
In a surprising turn, Daemon Targaryen received visions of the future of Westeros and the Targaryen lineage upon touching the weirwood tree brought to him by Alys Rios.
In what is so far the greatest connection to Game of Thrones, Daemon receives a series of quick images that include a red comet, the Three-Eyed Raven, dragon eggs aflame, Daenerys Targaryen, Rhaenyra seated on the Iron Throne, and a White Walker; meaning he sees the Ice and Fire prophecy that obsessed his brother Viserys for much of his life.
The Three-Eyed Raven
The first person to appear in Daemon's vision may not be so recognizable, but is very important for the entire franchise. Based on the images, and considering the red mark on his face, it is Brynden Rivers, also known as The Three-Eyed Raven.
Brynden Rivers is a Targaryen bastard, son of King Aegon IV, born about 45 years after the Dance of the Dragons. Brynden was loyal to the Targaryens, serving as Hand of the King to both Aerys I and Maekar I, before being sent to the Wall, where he became Lord Commander.
Brynden disappeared beyond the Wall, and although it is not explained how in the books, it has been concluded that he became the Three-Eyed Raven there.
Rhaenyra on the Iron Throne
After seeing his own death and that of his dragon, Daemon sees the throne room of the Red Keep with Rhaenyra seated on the Iron Throne. The vision confirms to him that she is destined to be queen, not only because it is her right, but also because Aegon's dream demands it.
He now fully believes in Rhaenyra and that she must sit on the Iron Throne for Westeros to survive the darkness, a threat he has now seen with his own eyes, leading him to publicly acknowledge his allegiance, so his entire army kneels before their queen.
Helaena
While the rest of the images can be interpreted based on what we know of the prophecy or Game of Thrones, the appearance of Helaena Targaryen in Daemon's vision is a bit puzzling as it has no apparent justification.
However, its possible explanation makes it the most interesting part of the entire vision, as it could mean that Helaena has had the vision simultaneously with him, confirming that she is a Dragon Dreamer.
This conclusion arises when noticing that in Daemon's vision, Helaena wears the same clothes and hairstyle as in a later scene where she speaks to Aemond about her death, indicating they may have shared the vision, that she somehow entered it, or that she saw her brother's death while Daemon saw his own.
"It's all a story," Helaena tells Daemon. "And you are just a part of it. You know your part."
*This article has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence