House of the Dragon is over, but some questions remain. The finale, “The Queen Who Ever Was,” includes a brief appearance by Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) and her three dragons. This happens during Daemon’s (Matt Smith) vision in Harrenhal.
The vision is meant to make Daemon understand his role in the war is to support Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy), which is important for the future of Westeros. This scene confused some fans. They wondered why Daenerys appeared instead of Jon Snow (Kit Harington), who is also a descendant of Daemon and Rhaenyra.
Does this mean Daenerys is the Prince That Was Promised and not Jon Snow? This is a big question in the Game of Thrones universe, and it raises more questions. Let’s look at the possible candidates.
What Is the Prophecy of ‘The Prince That Was Promised’ About?
King Viserys (Paddy Considine) mentions the prophecy to young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock) in Season 1 of House of the Dragon. This connects the show with Game of Thrones. He shows her the catspaw dagger from Game of Thrones.
He explains that it has been passed from one Targaryen king to the next and that it mentions a prophecy made by Aegon the Conqueror. Aegon said, “From my blood will come the Prince That Was Promised, and his will be the Song of Ice and Fire.” Aegon had a dream about the Long Night. This prophesied person would save the world when needed.
The prophecy is clearly described, even in the books. Melisandre (Carice Van Houten) talks about it often. She refers to the prophesied person as “Azor Ahai” too.
The prophecy mentions that this person will be announced by “a bleeding star,” born “amid salt and smoke,” will “wake dragons from stone,” and pull a sword called Lightbringer from the flames to stop the Long Night.
The legend of Azor Ahai also tells that, during the first Long Night, he forged Lightbringer and tempered it on his loved one’s heart, Nissa Nissa, making a sacrifice for the future.
Is Daenerys the Prince That Was Promised?
Daemon’s vision of Daenerys suggests she might be the Prince That Was Promised. He might have seen what he needed to see: a descendant of his and Rhaenyra who would bring back dragons after they die in the war. Many signs in both the series and books point to Daenerys being the Prince That Was Promised.
For example, she wakes “dragons from stone” when her dragons hatch from petrified eggs in the Season 1 finale of Game of Thrones. She might also be “born amid salt and smoke” because it is a funeral pyre for Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa).
The “bleeding star” could refer to the comet in early Season 2. At that time, Daenerys had already been “reborn,” and she and her khalasar wandered the desert before finding Qarth.
Daenerys might be the Prince That Was Promised, especially since Maester Aemon (Peter Vaughan) notes that the High Valyrian word for “prince” is gender-neutral.
Her dragons might represent Lightbringer, as prophecies are often symbolic. However, she eventually goes mad after the defeat of the Others and commits mass murder in King’s Landing. She played a key role in the fight but did not act heroically by burning the world she helped save.
Is Jon Snow the Prince That Was Promised?
The phrase “ice and fire” is used a lot in the series. Jon Snow, being the son of Rhaegar Targaryen (Wilf Scolding) and Lyanna Stark (Aisling Franciosi), represents both elements. He unites the Realm (except the Lannisters) against the Others and is killed, with his wounds smoking in the cold amid his betrayers’ tears, providing salt and smoke. He comes back to life, being reborn.
He wields the Valyrian steel sword Longclaw, which is rare and has magical properties, possibly standing for Lightbringer. Melisandre prays for a glimpse of Azor Ahai in her visions but only sees snow.
In the books, Daenerys has a vision of a couple in the House of the Undying in Qarth. She thinks they are Rhaegar and Elia Martell with a baby named Aegon, who is the Prince That Was Promised. Although Rhaegar had a son named Aegon with Elia, in Game of Thrones, that child is dead.
Rhaegar marries Lyanna Stark, and when young Ned Stark (Robert Aramayo) finds her dying after giving birth, she tells him the child’s name is Aegon. Ned promises to protect the child and names him Jon Snow. Ned also has Dawn, House Dayne’s sword, which was forged from a fallen star, making it the “bleeding star” of the prophecy.
Daenerys Being in Daemon’s Vision Serves a Specific Purpose in ‘House of the Dragon’
In the end, Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) kills the Night King (Vladimir Furdik) and destroys the White Walkers. She does this using Aegon the Conqueror’s catspaw dagger. So, the Prince That Was Promised might not have a clear answer, as Daenerys, Jon, and Arya all share traits mentioned in the prophecy.
Daenerys appearing in Daemon’s vision does not answer this big Game of Thrones question. House of the Dragon creator Ryan Condal explains that the show is more about the character drama around the imagery. He says, “We’re more interested in playing with the character drama that lives in and around that imagery.”
He admits that his series is not trying to answer any questions. “That is George’s world and George’s space to tell that story.” Daemon sees what he needs to see to accept his role in supporting Rhaenyra. The purpose of the vision is to show Daenerys because she brings back dragons after the Dance kills them all. The question of who is the Prince That Was Promised is still open, and only George R.R. Martin can truly answer it.
