A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Who Is Daeron the Drunken?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Who Is Daeron the Drunken?

As a devoted fan of George R.R. Martin’s masterpiece, I must say that Daeron the Drunken is one of my favorite characters, not just because he’s a Targaryen, but because he defies the norms of what it means to be noble in Westeros. Unlike his power-hungry siblings, Daeron found joy in the simple things – wine, women, and avoiding the responsibilities that come with being royalty.


If there’s a core theme in “Game of Thrones,” it could be summarized as the absence of truly noble individuals among the nobility. Most people born into aristocracy either develop into cruel or malicious characters, abandon their principles for power, or meet their end while upholding their moral compass. Anyone who dons a crown and sits on the throne will inevitably bring chaos because the situation is too complex for any single person to manage. In light of this, a ‘good’ noble might be someone like Daeron the Drunken, who desires to use his power merely for enjoyment rather than causing harm.

In simpler terms, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” might offer the most straightforward storyline among all Game of Thrones content. This TV series is based on George R.R. Martin’s short stories, which are less complex than his epic saga “A Song of Ice and Fire.” The stories revolve around a young, low-born knight and his squire, who turns out to be a prince in disguise. Although it’s not suitable for children, it seems tailored for fans who find it challenging to keep up with the many characters spread across the Known World.

Who is Daeron the Drunken?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Who Is Daeron the Drunken?

Daeron Targaryen, son of Maekar Targaryen – who was in turn the fourth son of King Daeron II Targaryen – spent most of his youth at Summerhall, a favorite residence of House Targaryen. Known for their tradition of using similar names, this royal lineage saw Prince Maekar feeling distant from the throne due to his position. Daeron II, affectionately known as Daeron the Good, was an exceptional ruler who managed to incorporate Dorne into the Seven Kingdoms without conflict. Typically, the firstborn son of a Targaryen king would rule from Dragonstone, but younger siblings like Daeron might reside in Summerhall, a Dornish March castle. It’s believed that Daeron remained at Summerhall even after his father ascended to the Iron Throne, despite expectations that he move to Dragonstone.

Daeron wasn’t as interested in the Iron Throne as his father. Daeron hated all the usual knightly activities. He didn’t want to ride horses, fight with swords, or study history. His calling was at the bottom of his wineskin. Daeron became Daeron the Drunken. He hung out in bars and spent his time with sex workers. Daeron didn’t look anything like a Targaryen. He had sandy blonde hair and a yellowish complexion, far from the silver locks and pale skin of his siblings. He did, however, have one uniquely Targaryen trait. Daeron the Drunken had the gift of prophecy, seeing cryptic glimpses of the future in his dreams. They did little to save Daeron, who lived out most of his life in Summerhall, sired one daughter with his Tyroshi wife, and died of an illness he likely contracted from a night at a brothel. Daeron the Drunken’s most interesting legacy might be that he saw the return of the dragons in his dreams.

Where did Daeron the Drunken first appear?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: Who Is Daeron the Drunken?

In the story “The Hedge Knight,” which serves as the foundation for the upcoming series “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” on HBO, we encounter Daeron – a secondary character who plays an unusual part. The narrative revolves around Duncan the Tall, his squire, and unbeknownst to many, they are actually connected to Daeron through family ties. Young Aegon, disguised as Daeron, was assisted by him in vanishing, transforming him into Egg. Together, Dunk and Egg embark on a journey to a tournament, where they clash with Daeron’s vicious brother, Aerion. This altercation eventually escalates into a trial by combat that Aerion manipulates into a trial by seven, compelling both parties to assemble teams and resolve their dispute through force.

Despite his objections, Daeron ultimately joins Aerion’s team. In an attempt to protect himself and Aegon, Daeron deceived his father by asserting that a rogue knight had abducted the young prince. This move backfired against Dunk, intensifying Aerion’s accusations and worsening his situation. To make amends for his deceit, Daeron pledged to Dunk that he would not engage in combat. He would appear on horseback in his fine armor, but he wouldn’t fight. Daeron shared with Dunk a prophetic dream where a dragon fell upon him, yet Dunk emerged unharmed. As promised, Daeron dismounted during the first charge and lay motionless in the mud until the battle ended. He even refused to rise when his own horse trampled his ankle, inflicting a severe injury. His dream became a reality when Daeron’s uncle, Prince Baelor, died in Dunk’s arms. In a final show of his character before the bout, Daeron offered this sincere assessment:

When it comes to sparring, grooving to beats, pondering thoughts, or getting lost in literature, they’ve got me beat – my siblings all have their strengths. Yet, when it comes to feigning unconsciousness amidst the mud, I give them a run for their money, as none can outdo me in that particular skill!

Who will play Daeron the Drunken in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

Henry Ashton is set to depict Daeron Targaryen in “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms”. Ashton, a rising talent, has only recently made a mark on television with several significant roles. His breakthrough performance was in Sky’s “Creation Stories”. Subsequently, he appeared as a Revolutionary War soldier in “Outlander”. However, he has garnered more recognition for his performances this year, particularly for his role as Max Hastings in “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” and as Lord Stan Dudley in the Tudor romance series “My Lady Jane”. Daeron promises to be an intriguing addition to Ashton’s growing portfolio of roles.

Among the few nobles in Westeros who are relatively decent, Daeron the Drunkard stands out, not for his use of power, but rather for his lack thereof. He prefers to live a life with minimal influence, shirking the typical responsibilities associated with his noble status. In fact, he refused to move to a more suitable castle, choosing instead to languish in mediocrity. Daeron serves as a stark reminder of what royal family members can become when they choose idleness over action, sinking into oblivion rather than fulfilling their duties.

Read More

2024-08-18 17:04