One of the more toxic dynamics introduced in House of the Dragon season 3 is the relationship between Daeron Targaryen and Ormund Hightower. While Ormund’s lavender habit and heightened sensitivity to smells often provide moments of levity, fans have wondered whether Daeron ever used that quirk to his advantage. According to Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, the young prince knew all about Ormund’s sensitivities growing up, but manipulating them was never really in Daeron’s nature.
Quick read:
- Daeron knew about Ormund’s sensory issues.
- He never used them to manipulate Ormund.
- Ainsworth imagines Daeron helping instead.
Daeron understood Ormund’s sensitivity from childhood
By season 3, it’s clear that Daeron and Ormund share a close relationship built over many years. That familiarity naturally means Daeron would know about some of Ormund’s unusual habits, including his reliance on pleasant scents.
Speaking to Variety, Ainsworth was asked whether Daeron might have ever used that knowledge against his uncle.
“Oh, I think it’s definitely something he’s been aware of throughout his childhood, but I don’t think he’d then do anything about it or manipulate.”
The answer reflects one of Daeron’s defining traits throughout the season. Unlike many players in the Dance of the Dragons, he’s often portrayed as empathetic and considerate rather than calculating.
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Helping Ormund makes more sense than manipulating him
Rather than imagining Daeron exploiting Ormund’s weakness, Ainsworth pictured something much sweeter.
“I think, if anything, his involvement with Ormund’s senses would be to try and help.”
The actor even came up with his own headcanon for their relationship.
“I imagined him putting together pomanders for him, because it’s those things to please him in order to almost save his own ass, as well.”
It’s an amusing image. Instead of using unpleasant smells to annoy Ormund, Daeron would apparently be the person making sure his uncle had enough pleasant ones around. At the same time, the actor joked that keeping Ormund happy might also be a practical survival strategy.
Read next: How Daeron Targaryen suffered “Stockholm Syndrome” with Ormund Hightower
