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Although this page is based on canonical information, the actual name of this subject is pure conjecture.
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- Not to be confused with fall of Harrenhal.
- Daemon: "I'm claiming Harrenhal."
- Simon: "Apparently so."
- — Daemon Targaryen and Simon Strong[src]
The taking of Harrenhal was an event that took place early in the Dance of the Dragons in 132 AC. The Blacks, represented singularly by Prince Daemon Targaryen and his dragon, Caraxes, wrested control of Harrenhal from the Greens when Ser Simon Strong, the castellan of Harrenhal, bent the knee to Rhaenyra Targaryen, surrendering the castle without a fight.[1]
History[]
Prelude[]
As the Dance of the Dragons erupted, it became apparent to both the Blacks and the Greens that control of the Riverlands could significantly influence the outcome of the war. The key to this was the capture of Harrenhal,[2] the largest castle in the Seven Kingdoms, strategically positioned in the heart of the Riverlands along the shores of the Gods Eye. Daemon Targaryen intended to capture Harrenhal and keep it from the influence of the Greens, in order to further the Blacks' aims for the region. However, when Rhaenyra Targaryen discovered Daemon's involvement in the assassination of Aegon's son, Prince Jaehaerys, she began to question his loyalty to her. This discord prompted Daemon to set off for Harrenhal alone, atop his dragon Caraxes.[1]
The assault[]
Under the cloak of a stormy night, Daemon arrives at Harrenhal, alerting the local garrison of his presence as Caraxes perches himself on Kingspyre Tower. Disembarking, Daemon navigates through the dilapidated castle, encountering almost no resistance to his incursion except a lone guard whom he swiftly incapacitates. Daemon continues his stealthy advance through Harrenhal, eventually arriving at one of the dining halls. There, he encounters Ser Simon Strong, the Castellan of Harrenhal, and his entourage eating supper.[1]
Daemon immediately announces to Simon and the room he is claiming Harrenhal for the Blacks. Simon accepts this outcome without any resistance, and subsequently him and the others in the room bend the knee to the Blacks and Queen Rhaenyra. Simon then invites Daemon to join him for supper.[1]
Aftermath[]
Despite the capture of Harrenhal without any bloodshed, Daemon is skeptical of the easy surrender of Westeros's largest castle as he dines with Simon. He refuses to eat the food provided under the belief it is poisoned and points out to Simon that his lord and the head of House Strong, Larys Strong, is a loyal member of the court of Aegon II. Simon assures Daemon that he is welcomed at Harrenhal before repudiating his grandnephew, stating his (correct) belief that Larys was responsible for the death of his father and brother, Lord Lyonel and Ser Harwin Strong, in a suspicious fire six years prior. Simon then inquires about Daemon's business in the Riverlands, to which Daemon replies that he intends to repair and fortify Harrenhal for the coming war. To that end, Daemon orders for Simon to summon Lord Grover Tully, Lord Paramount of the Trident and head of House Tully, so that he may bring him and his bannerman into the Blacks' fold.[1]
The fall of Harrenhal was a major victory for the Blacks in the early phase of the Dance, giving Rhaenyra and her forces the largest fortress of the Seven Kingdoms in a strategically advantageous position in the Riverlands. With a toehold now in place in the region, the Blacks were in position to further expand and consolidate their control of the Riverlands.[1]
In the books[]
In Fire & Blood, the capture of Harrenhal by Daemon Targaryen proceeds much the same. Ser Simon Strong surrendered to Daemon without casualties on either side. Afterwards he and his grandsons were taken hostage.
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 House of the Dragon: Season 2, Episode 3: "The Burning Mill" (2024).
- ↑ House of the Dragon: Season 2, Episode 2: "Rhaenyra the Cruel" (2024).
Notes[]
- ↑ In "A Son for a Son," Daemon Targaryen and Otto Hightower mention that days have passed since Viserys Targaryen and Lucerys Velaryon's deaths. Unlike the first season, no major time jumps are expected; therefore, House of the Dragon: Season 2 takes place in 132 AC.
External links[]
Assault on Harrenhal on A Wiki of Ice and Fire (potential spoilers for House of the Dragon)
