Story perspectives

Ormund Betrays Rhaenyra, Captures Daeron, Dragon

7/13/2026

Summary

Ormund Captures Daeron

Lord Ormund Hightower captures Daeron Targaryen and the dragon Tessarion, pledging to make Daeron king.
He betrays Queen Rhaenyra by seizing Tumbleton, imprisoning Tessarion, forcing Daeron to kill an Oldtown man, and claiming Seven bless his deeds.
With King Aegon dead and Aemond missing, Daeron is the sole Targaryen heir, prompting Ryan Condal to compare Ormund’s wealth, army and dragon to Tywin Lannister and label him a formidable new antagonist.

Summary

Aemond Survives

HBO’s midseason trailer for Season 3 shows Aemond Targaryen surviving his stabbing, dispelling fan fears of his death.
Critics credit showrunner Ryan Condal with tightening pacing and using battle-heavy visuals to foreground the “war is coming” theme.
The episode reveals Helaena Targaryen’s pregnancy, a divergence from George R.R. Martin’s books that sparked online debate.
Production notes say Sunfyre’s corpse was filmed at a historic quarry, while hashtag #HouseOfTheDragon usage rose 27 % after airing.

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Ormund Captures Daeron

Lord Ormund Hightower captures Daeron Targaryen and the dragon Tessarion, pledging to make Daeron king.
He betrays Queen Rhaenyra by seizing Tumbleton, imprisoning Tessarion, forcing Daeron to kill an Oldtown man, and claiming Seven bless his deeds.
With King Aegon dead and Aemond missing, Daeron is the sole Targaryen heir, prompting Ryan Condal to compare Ormund’s wealth, army and dragon to Tywin Lannister and label him a formidable new antagonist.

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