House of the Dragon season 2: Daemon's dream and prophecy explained after Harrenhal twist

*Warning - The following article contains spoilers from House of the Dragon season 2, episode 3 and George R.R. Martin’s wider Game of Thrones literary universe*

In episode 3 of House of the Dragon season 2, Daemon Targaryen encounters an unexpectedly warm welcome when he arrives at Harrenhal. Entering the castle with the expectations that a hostile takeover will be necessary, instead is met by a calm and steady Lord Simon Strong, who instantly surrenders and swears loyalty to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Hilariously, after pledging his house to them both, he even says: “Supper is venison with black cabbage and peas - no red currant, sorry about that.” This leaves Daemon, who is always keen for a good and bloody battle, looking rather disappointed. 

While dinner with the Strong family is a civil affair, Daemon is left with the impression that the lands around Harrenhal have become unruly and out of sight of the crown.

It is only later, however, that Daemon experiences a truly haunting dream featuring a blood-chilling scene and ominous prediction. But what is the significance of Harrenal? And what does the dream mean for Daemon?

Where is Harrenhal and who does it belong to?

Game of Thrones viewers will know that Harrenhal is the largest castle in Westeros, though it is also the most ill-omened. 

Located in the heart of the Riverlands, it has become a dark and ruinous place ever since it was burned by dragonfire in Aegon I Targaryen's Conquest.

In Game of Thrones, Lord Petyr Baelish is made Lord of Harrenhal by King Joffrey for his role in securing a marriage alliance between House Lannister and House Tyrell.

However, in HBO's House of the Dragon it is overseen by Lord Simon Strong following the death of his brother, former Hand of the King Lord Lyonel Strong, and nephew Ser Harwin Strong. 

During dinner, Lord Simon Strong assures his loyalty to Daemon and Rhaenyra by openly disowning his other nephew Lord Larys Strong, who is loyal to the Hightowers.

He reveals it was Larys who killed his father and brother in the fire at Harrenhal, lamenting: “Do you not think it strange they perished in this damp place?”

What happened in Daemon Targaryen’s dream and what does it mean?

We see Daemon, disturbed by a strange noise, walk around the castle to investigate. 

He soon notices the sound of a woman singing and, following it, discovers a young Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock). 

It becomes apparent that this is a dream, as Daemon looks on in horror at Rhaenyra cradling the dead body of decapitated young Prince Jaehaerys Targaryen as she sows his head back on.

Daemon was responsible for the six-year-old’s death, as he had ordered a hit on Prince Aemond Targaryen as vengeance for killing Rhaenyra’s son Luke, but in a tragic mix-up, Jaehaerys was killed instead.

A young Rhaenyra then tells Daemon: “Always coming and going, aren’t you? And I have to clean up afterwards.”

In a rare show of emotion, Daemon looks upset with tears in his eyes as he looks upon the macabre seen.

Perhaps the purpose of this dream is to show that Daemon is capable of feeling remorse - and that he knows deep down that he is not being a good husband to Rhaenyra by constantly defying her orders.

What was the prophecy that Daemon Targaryen heard?

After Daemon sees young Rhaenyra, he is then transported outside to the ruins of Harrenhal castle.

There, he is confronted by a mysterious woman standing amongst the debris. 

“You will die in this place,” she tells him, as Daemon once again looks profoundly disturbed. 

If you want to know what the prophecy means, keep reading for book spoilers - but otherwise, stop here! 

How does Daemon Targaryen die in the books?

In the books, Daemon’s death occurs during the Battle Above the Gods Eye, which takes place in the skies above Harrenhal and the Gods Eye.

He dies fighting Prince Aemond Targaryen during the civil war called the Dance of the Dragons in a fight it is said neither man could have survived. 

In George R.R. Martin’s story, both men and their powerful dragons Vhagar and Caraxes end up falling into the Gods Eye lake below, meeting their demise.

House of the Dragon season 2 lands in the UK on Mondays at 2am BST (British Summer Time) on Sky Atlantic and NOW, with a repeat airing later on at 9pm.