Matt Smith has once again proven why he is the perfect actor to portray Daemon Targaryen, delivering his take on the Rogue Prince’s complex inner world in House of the Dragon Season 3.

Quick read:

  • Love is the thing that actually drives Daemon says Smith
  • Daemon believes him and Rhaenyra are destined to lead
  • He sees himself as a leader as well as a protector

In an interview with Extra TV, Smith was asked about the core motivations that drive Daemon’s often chaotic and violent actions.

His answer was surprisingly heartfelt and layered:

“Even though he wouldn’t admit it, love is — or the instinct of this divine love, or whatever you want to call it — is a real driver. He thinks they [Rhaenyra and Daemon] are destined to lead and be as one, and has always felt that. That’s always been a driver.”

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A love that burns everything down

According to Smith, Daemon’s love for Rhaenyra is not a soft, gentle emotion. It is fierce, possessive, almost religious in its intensity. He genuinely believes they are fated to rule together, a divine union that justifies any extreme action he takes.

This “divine love” explains many of Daemon’s most controversial decisions throughout the series: crowning Rhaenyra, going to war, and eliminating anyone who stands in their way.

Smith added,

“He sees himself as both leader and protector… for better or worse.”

This duality is key to understanding Daemon. He is not just ambitious for power but he sees himself as Rhaenyra’s sword, her shield, and her equal. His violence is often an expression of love and protection in his own twisted way.

Smith also clarified Daemon’s relationship with ambition:

“Lots of people ask me about his ambition and I’ve never felt he had this great ambition to sort of rule. It wasn’t about that… But he’s got an ambition to dominate through violence and that’s when he really comes to life.”

Daemon in Season 3

This insight comes at a pivotal time. After his isolating “sabbatical” at Harrenhal in Season 2, Daemon is returning fully committed to Rhaenyra’s cause in Season 3. Smith’s earlier comments about Daemon being “back where he belongs with a sword in his hand and blood on his face” now make even more sense.

He is motivated not just by bloodlust or revenge, but by a deep, burning conviction that he and Rhaenyra are destined to reshape the world together.

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