Daemon

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Daemon Targaryen
Alias(es)	Prince Daemon; the Blood Wyrm
Species/Race	Human; Ancient Valyrian dragonlord bloodline
Gender	Male
Affiliation	House Targaryen
Occupation/Role	Targaryen prince; dragonrider; warrior
First Appearance	Chapter 1 (mentioned)

Background

Daemon married Lady Rhea Royce as part of Yobert Royce's political arrangement to secure Vale support for the Targaryens. He despised the marriage and did not consummate it after the wedding until Yobert pressured him to do so; their single encounter resulted in the birth of Aemon. Daemon openly insulted Rhea and initially called Aemon a bastard seed. King Jaehaerys I subsequently brought the newborn Aemon to the Red Keep and raised him himself. 1 46

After eight years apart, Daemon visited Runestone aboard Caraxes and met Aemon again. Their first encounter was tense, but Daemon showed pride in his son, introduced him to Caraxes, and later left him two Valyrian steel daggers as a parting gift. 46 47

Daemon later returned to King's Landing amid political and marital turmoil. He sought to dissolve his marriage to Rhea after secretly marrying Lady Marana Rogare of Lys, who was pregnant with his child. Viserys refused his request and had Marana and their child sent back to Lys. 208 224 225

His conflict with Aemon escalated into a dragon battle over Long Lake. Caraxes fought Vermithor savagely, but Aemon's superior dragonriding prevailed; Daemon was injured and carried from the battlefield by his son. 226 230

Appearance

Daemon is a silver-gold-haired Targaryen prince who commonly wears black and carries the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister. 224

• Rides the crimson, serpentine dragon Caraxes. 46 224
• Carries Dark Sister at his waist. 224
• Has a commanding presence and is recognized immediately upon arriving on dragonback. 46

Personality

Daemon is unruly, prideful, and contemptuous of convention. He resents his marriage to Rhea, mocks Runestone and the Vale, and repeatedly attempts to escape what he considers a failed union. 1 208 226

He is also audacious and calculating. He returned to Westeros expecting that his military success and new Lysene family would persuade Viserys to grant him a divorce, and he maintained contact with former Gold Cloaks while pursuing his own agenda. 208 225

Despite his estrangement from Aemon, Daemon can show affection and approval toward his son. He acknowledges Aemon's achievement in taming Vermithor, gifts him weapons, and eventually accepts Aemon's invitation to meet at Runestone. 47 60 226

Abilities & Skills

Dragonriding

Daemon is Caraxes's rider and shares an unusually strong understanding with the dragon.

• Commands Caraxes, known as the Blood Wyrm, in flight and battle. 46 230
• Caraxes is wild-tempered and capable of producing intense heat and destructive force. 46
• Daemon's bond with Caraxes is regarded as close enough to approach a state of unity between dragon and rider. 147
• Caraxes's erratic, life-for-life fighting style made him exceptionally dangerous during the Long Lake battle. 230

Martial Skill

Daemon is described as highly skilled and wins a joust during the tournament held in King's Landing. 1 128

• Uses the Valyrian steel sword Dark Sister. 224
• Defeated an opponent in his first recorded joust of the tournament. 128
• Remained dangerous in aerial combat even when ultimately outmatched by Aemon and Vermithor. 230

Equipment

• Dark Sister — Valyrian steel family sword carried by Daemon. 224
• Caraxes — Crimson, serpentine dragon known as the Blood Wyrm. 46
• Valyrian steel daggers — Two daggers given by Daemon to Aemon. 47

Relationships

• Aemon Targaryen — Son. Daemon was absent for Aemon's childhood and initially treated him coldly, but later showed pride in him; their relationship eventually became openly hostile during the Long Lake conflict. 46 47 60 230
• Rhea Royce — Wife. Their marriage is hostile and effectively broken; Daemon seeks a divorce and routinely disparages both Rhea and Runestone. 1 46 208 226
• Viserys I Targaryen — Elder brother and king. Daemon relies on their family connection but repeatedly clashes with Viserys over his conduct, marriage, and autonomy. 1 208 225
• Rhaenyra Targaryen — Niece. She welcomes his return, while Aemon considers Daemon dangerous and warns her to keep her distance from him. 124 125
• Marana Rogare — Lysene wife. Daemon married her while still wed to Rhea; she bore or was carrying his child, Little Aegon. 208 225 327
• Little Aegon — Son by Marana Rogare. 208 327
• Mysaria — Former mistress. She sheltered and treated Daemon after Aemon nearly killed him during the destruction of a brothel. 133
• Corlys Velaryon — Political collaborator. Daemon and Corlys planned to retake the Stepstones and undermine the Iron Throne's position. 202
• Caraxes — Dragon. Daemon calms Caraxes with a touch and commands him as his mount and battle companion. 46

Story Role / Major Arcs

Estrangement from Aemon

Daemon's political marriage to Rhea produces Aemon, but he rejects both wife and son. His return to Runestone after eight years begins a strained reconciliation, marked by mutual curiosity and Daemon's eventual gift of Valyrian steel daggers. 1 46 47

Marriage Crisis and Lysene Family

Daemon attempts to end his marriage to Rhea after secretly marrying Marana Rogare in Lys. Viserys rejects the divorce, forcing Daemon's new wife and child to return to Lys and deepening the brothers' estrangement. 208 224 225

Long Lake Showdown

Daemon accepts Aemon's invitation to Runestone, where their tensions culminate in a dragon battle over Long Lake. Caraxes is severely injured in the clash with Vermithor, and Daemon survives only after Aemon retrieves him from the battlefield. 226 230

Stepstones and Anti-Crown Schemes

Daemon aligns with Corlys Velaryon in plans to retake the Stepstones and pressure the Iron Throne. Their actions are characterized as an effort to harm royal authority under Daemon's Targaryen banner. 202

Notable Quotes

“Brother, I need a new wife to bear me sons and daughters.” 208

“I have endured a failed marriage. In my own lands, I wish to complete the perfect life.” 208