HOTD Season 2 Teases Two Massive Daemon Targaryen Mistakes That Completely Change The War

MAJOR SPOILERS for Fire & Blood, the book House of the Dragon is based on.

Summary Daemon orchestrates a horrific event, Blood & Cheese, in season 2.

The trailer indicates that Daemon underestimates Greens' attack at Rook's Rest, leading to major losses.

Rhaenys' death and Blood & Cheese event change the course of the war.

The new House of the Dragon season 2 trailer teases two of Daemon's biggest mistakes in the upcoming season that will change the course of the war. Season 1 saw the build-up toward the Dance of the Dragons, a conflict of succession for the Iron Throne where two heirs, Rhaenyra and Aegon, see themselves as the rightful monarch of the Seven Kingdoms. The House of the Dragon season 1 ending saw war become inevitable after the slaying of Lucerys Velaryon, leading to Westeros becoming a battleground in an action-packed season 2.

House of the Dragon season 2 will premiere on HBO & Max on June 19th.

The new House of the Dragon trailer sees war erupting throughout the Seven Kingdoms as the Black and Green parties bring noble houses to their side. The new season will only be eight episodes, as opposed to season 1's ten, which makes sense given the increased volume of warfare and dragon action. The trailer also demonstrates many of the best House of the Dragon characters' views on the conflict with Daemon Targaryen showing a particular eagerness for war. The HBO drama is based on Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin, providing insight into what audiences will see in season 2.

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House Of The Dragon Season 2's Trailer Teases Daemon Organizing Blood & Cheese

Daemon Orchestrates One Of The Most Horrific Events In George R.R. Martin's Universe

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The season 2 trailer shows a glimpse of one of the most devastating House of the Dragon moments to come: Blood & Cheese. Blood and Cheese are the names of two assassins hired by Daemon through Mysaria to get revenge for Lucerys Velaryon's death by infiltrating the Red Keep and killing one of Aegon's babies. The title of season 2, episode 1, is "A Son for a Son," suggesting that this gruesome event will occur almost immediately. In the trailer, Mysaria says, "There is more than one way to fight a war," hinting at the atrocity fans will soon see.

Daemon is the one who organizes the Blood & Cheese event, raising the stakes of the war by fighting dirty. The event permanently changes Aegon, causing him to become thirsty for action and revenge. Aegon may not be the most influential leader, but he is the King of the Seven Kingdoms, and his recklessness as the leader of a side in war is incredibly dangerous for everyone. This is Daemon's worst act in the entire war and one of the most regrettable decisions made by the Black faction in the Dance of the Dragons.

House Of The Dragon Hints At Daemon Underestimating The Greens' Attack At Rook's Rest

Rhaenyra's Side Falls For A Trap At Rook's Rest, Resulting In Major Losses

Image via HBO

The next trailer quote of importance is Daemon saying "I did not think they'd be so eager to die," which could be referring to a pivotal moment in the war at Rook's Rest. After Blood & Cheese, Aegon II takes a generally more aggressive stance on the war, urging immediate action. Those who urge caution toward him get ostracized from the Small Council, including Otto Hightower, who's replaced as Hand of the King by Criston Cole. Subsequently, Cole takes aggressive action as commander for the Greens, setting a strategic trap for that Rhaenyra's side falls for.

This is an incredibly costly moment for Rhaenyra's side.

Cole brings a rather underwhelming military force to attack Rook's Rest, seemingly overextending his soldiers to a castle within striking distance of Driftmark and Dragonstone, the seats of power for the Black faction. While it's not depicted as Daemon's decision in the book, he seems to be underestimating their attack on the series. The Blacks misjudge the assault, sending only Rhaenys to defend Rook's Rest, leading to her being ambushed by Aegon and Aemond, riding Sunfyre and Vhagar, resulting in her death. This is an incredibly costly moment for Rhaenyra's side.

How Rhaenys' Death And Blood & Cheese Change House Of The Dragon's War

Rhaenyra Loses Allies And Common Folk Support Due To These Mistakes

Ultimately, no one wins the Dance of the Dragons, as both Aegon II and Rhaenyra die before it's over. While Rhaenyra doesn't have the Iron Throne, she has many optimal moments to secure victory that fall through her fingertips. The Blood & Cheese event ends up being detrimental to her control of King's Landing, as the common folk have a deep admiration for Helaena, who treats them with kindness when she's Queen. Rhaenyra's involvement in Blood & Cheese and Helaena's later death lead to riots in King's Landing, with the common folk vilifying Rhaenyra.

Related House Of The Dragon Season 2 Just Spoiled Exactly How The Show Ends House of the Dragon's new season 2 trailer provides an epic glimpse of the war to come. One quote provides heavy foreshadowing for the show's ending.

As for Rhaenys' death, not only does Rhaenyra's side lose one of its most powerful dragons riders, it also severs the tight-knit relationship with one of its most valued proponents: House Velaryon. Rhaenys is married to Corlys Velaryon, who already had a shaky relationship with Rhaenyra in season 1. Eventually, Corlys betrays her side, blaming her for her role in his wife's death. It's possible this blame could go to Daemon in House of the Dragon instead, given the overconfidence he portrays in the season 2 trailer.