House of the Dragon season 2 has seen Daemon Targaryen often labeled the king consort; what does this mean, and will Daemon ever become the ruling king? Matt Smith has been a central part of House of the Dragon’s cast as Daemon Targaryen since season 1. The character has gone from a power-hungry heir to the husband of Rhaenyra Targaryen and back again, leading into his storyline in House of the Dragon season 2 episode 5.
Daemon has spent much of his time in the second season of the show at Harrenhal, the broken castle that is key to the Riverlands. However, Daemon’s tricksy Harrenhal visions have caused his motivations to become clear. Daemon may not be as entirely on board with Rhaenyra’s reign as he once insisted, leading to him asking his inferiors to call him “Your Grace” and “The King.” Regardless, characters like Simon Strong have dubbed Daemon the king consort, begging the question of how this differs from other titles and how it links to Daemon’s wish to sit atop the Iron Throne.
The Difference Between King, King Consort, And Prince Consort
Daemon’s Title Of King Consort Is One He Does Not Care For
In House of the Dragon season 2, episode 5, Daemon is dubbed king consort by Simon Strong once more, rather than simply king as the former insists. In the realm of monarchies and lines of succession, the king is simply the ruling man of any kingdom(s), while the queen is the same for a woman. King consort, however, refers to the husband of a reigning queen. King consort would never be attributed to someone in actual power, instead signifying Daemon as the husband of the rightful queen rather than the leader of Westeros himself.
Interestingly, Daemon is rarely called the king consort in George R. R. Martin’s Fire and Blood, on which House of the Dragon is based. Instead, Daemon is often referred to as the prince consort – as is Laenor Velaryon – given Rhaenyra’s status as a princess to the crown. With House of the Dragon dealing with Rhaenyra’s quest to become queen, Daemon is instead the king consort to those who support the Blacks. House of the Dragon showcases Daemon’s desire to become king, making the phrase king consort twist into him like a dagger every time it is uttered.
Daemon Targaryen Does Not Become King In House Of The Dragon
Daemon’s Destiny Does Not Lie Atop The Iron Throne
Given that Daemon’s character arc has revolved around his status as a king, king consort, or prince consort in House of the Dragon season 2 thus far, the question of whether he ever becomes king is interesting. In the Dance of Dragons, Daemon is depicted as being incredibly loyal to Rhaenyra in Fire and Blood. The questions of his loyalty and desire to be called the king by those in Harrenhal are entirely original storylines for House of the Dragon, yet the end result of the show will likely align with the books.
Daemon never becomes the ruling king of Westeros before he dies…
Later in the Targaryen Civil War, Daemon aids Rhaenyra in taking King’s Landing. The duo eventually manage to take the Iron Throne, with Rhaenyra becoming the ruling queen of the Seven Kingdoms for a short time. After this, Daemon fights in the Battle Above the God’s Eye where he, Caraxes, Aemond, and Vhagar all perish. House of the Dragon is unlikely to change this course of events, meaning Daemon never becomes the ruling king of Westeros before he dies.