Daeron Assassination Attempt, Ormund Relationship

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Season 3, Episode 3 of “House of the Dragon,” now streaming on HBO Max.

Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) is coming of age: In the latest episode of “House of the Dragon” Season 3, the youngest and least blonde child of Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) faced his first assassination attempt.

During a meal with his cousin Ormund Hightower (James Norton) and his uncle Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) in Tumbleton, a faction of Baratheons targeted the young prince, allegedly under orders from his half-sister, Queen Rhaynera Targaryen (Emma D’Arcy). The attempt failed, as Gwayne intervened just in time, leading to a few fatalities and Ormund reacting with nausea.

This violent clash between the “Blacks” (who control the Iron Throne through Rhaynera) and the “Greens” (fractured into various factions) is set to deeply impact Daeron as the season progresses into its final episodes.

Reflecting on the scene, Ainsworth tells Variety, “Shock is a significant element of that scene. It’s an escalation he never anticipated. The power dynamics between him and Ormund are leveling and clashing. Jon Roxton, who usually follows Ormund’s orders, is met with resistance for the first time, adding to the tumult within the group amidst the chaos.”

Daeron prevents Ser Jon Roxton (Joplin Sibtain) from intervening with Gwayne, before Ormund realizes Gwayne has uncovered the assassination plot early. This act of leadership, coupled with his disapproval of Ormund’s response, may shape how Daeron reacts to Ormund’s efforts to position him as king.

“He’s trying to assert more control over the situation, but it’s layered with shock, tension, and frustration with Ormund’s incapacitated state,” Ainsworth notes. “Ormund’s throwing up beside me adds a surreal element to the scene, amidst the chaos and dead bodies.”

Gwayne’s arrival in Tumbleton, after parting ways with Ser Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel), prompts Daeron to contemplate his role in the ongoing conflict.

“It’s a sudden thrust into chaos,” Ainsworth explains. “The tension within him is high, and he’s desperate with Gwayne. In their interaction, he’s compelled to contemplate the idea of kingship and what distance from Ormund would entail.”

After weeks of tension, the failed assassination signals an imminent showdown between the Blacks and Greens in Tumbleton. As Daeron practices fencing following his narrow escape, it raises the question of whether he’s ready to join the fight, a role befitting “Daeron the Daring” from the “Fire & Blood” book by George R.R. Martin.

“I believe he would be capable. Whether he’s prepared is something he’s questioning,” Ainsworth comments. “This leads him to the courtyard to spar. It’s a way to escape stress and focus on a skill he enjoys. He’s also proving to himself he can defend if necessary, knowing Ormund and Gwayne are watching. I won’t spoil anything further.”

Read more from Variety’s interview with Ainsworth below.

How do you view Daeron’s relationship with his uncle Gwayne in comparison to what we’ve seen between him and Ormund? Gwayne is the first other member of the family we’ve seen Daeron interact with since we met the character.

Tensions and stakes are rising in Tumbleton this season. The episode highlights the power dynamics clashing within Ormund and Daeron’s relationship. Gwayne, acting as a brotherly uncle, offers Daeron a connection without pretense, providing a much-needed respite from Ormund’s chaotic influence.

This version of Daeron is central, and with Ormund, he is more guarded, contemplating each move. In contrast, Gwayne offers a sense of safety absent with Ormund, whose dangerous nature fosters a twisted need for his approval. Daeron strives to be the ideal version around Ormund, which contributes to his balanced nature. He’s been distanced from the tumultuous politics of King’s Landing. However, this season thrusts him into the heart of the chaos.

Have you seen the fan theories that Ormund not only dyed the fake Daeron’s hair blonde, but that he’s actually been dyeing the real Daeron’s hair a Hightower color for years because Ormund hates the Targaryens?

I have seen that. It’s amusing because it wouldn’t be out of character for Ormund. He’s quite capable of such a scheme. It’s been exciting to see the audience’s reactions, theories, and enthusiasm for the character.

There wasn’t a definitive answer on set, so it remains a possibility. I find it endearing that he shares his mother’s hair, fostering a connection despite years apart. The shared hair color, green attire, and habits like nail-picking link Alicent and Daeron.

We’ve only seen Daeron with his dragon Tessarion once because Ormund keeps the dragon locked away. Do you think his relationship with his dragon is different from his siblings who don’t have to keep their dragons locked up?

Daeron’s bond with Tessarion is strong. She’s been his constant companion in Old Town, offering stability while others, like Gwayne, come and go. Their mutual appreciation keeps him connected to his Targaryen roots, countering Ormund’s disdain for dragons. Tessarion helps balance Daeron’s identity, preventing him from becoming merely a pawn for Ormund.

I know all the cast members decide their own ways they want to approach the character based strictly on the scripts or also George R.R. Martin’s books. Are you a “Fire & Blood” reader or not?

I’ve read from Aegon’s conquest up to Season 3’s plot to understand the context. Growing up in Old Town under the Faith of the Seven, Daeron would be aware of these concepts, and I wanted to bring that to the character. It’s essential to allow the character room to grow.

I’m aware of “Daeron the Daring” and his journey in the books. It’s exciting to explore these reputations within the show and scripts, alongside the well-crafted, morally complex characters portrayed by James Norton and Freddie Fox, with whom I’ve enjoyed working.

This smell thing is a real problem for Ormund. Do you think Daeron has used that at all to his advantage throughout his childhood?

Oh, it’s something he’s been aware of throughout his childhood, but I don’t think he’d exploit it. If anything, he’d try to help. I imagined him making pomanders for Ormund, aiming to please him to safeguard himself.

There’s a scene in this episode that cuts off after Daeron asks Gwayne if he saw his mother, Alicent, when he was last in King’s Landing. Was there more to this scene? Did Gwayne have an answer for him?

I’m not sure what was said, but I recall discussing with Freddie a moment at the end of that scene, which didn’t make the cut, where he puts his arm around me, and we walk off together. Even if Gwayne returns to Old Town, there’s still sensitivity there, and their mutual respect is significant. It’s a dynamic worth noting, important to Daeron.

This interview has been edited and condensed.