WARNING! This article contains SPOILERS for House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7!
Summary
Daemon Targaryen executing Willem Blackwood means he loses his closest ally in the Riverlands, but wins the other Riverlords to his and Rhaenyra’s side inHouse of the Dragon. After several episodes of watchingDaemon experience visions at Harrenhal, discuss his intentions to claim the throne for himself with Alys, brutally attack various houses in the Riverlands, and fail to win the Riverlords’ allegiances, the Rogue Prince finally has what he wants inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 7. However, itcomes at the cost of the only Riverlord who had proclaimed his loyalty to Daemonfrom the moment they met.
Following the Battle of the Burning Mill, Willem Blackwood and Daemon Targaryen met as the knight pledged his allegiance to the Queen and her king consort. Using House Blackwood’s ancient hatred for House Bracken, who previously declared for Aegon’s Greens,Daemon ordered Willem to oversee cruel assaultson other locations in the Riverlands. The Riverlords responded with anger and accusations of tyranny, with the young Oscar Tully, new Lord Paramount of the Trident, echoing these sentiments when confronting Daemon in front of the other house.Oscar then compels Daemon to exact justice and denounce those crimes by executing Willem, which he swiftly does.
Why Daemon Targaryen Has To Kill Willem Blackwood
While the crimes were conducted on Daemon’s orders, Oscar convinces the other Riverlords that executingSer Willem Blackwood, who organized the assaults, would sufficiently demonstrate that Daemon condemns these actions. Ultimately, Daemon and Oscar pin the Prince’s war crimes on Willem as a scapegoat, whichappeases the Riverlords enough to reluctantly accept Daemon while also punishing him by removing his greatest Riverman ally. Ordering Willem’s death is an incredibly bold power play by the teenage Lord Oscar Tully, giving him a chance to prove his authority, exact justice for his vassals, and inform Daemon that his actions with Willem won’t be repeated.
Willem Blackwood was not a character in George R.R. Martin’sFire & Bloodbook, so his execution is an original storyline crafted forHouse of the Dragon.
Daemon agrees to kill Willem Blackwood because he knows it’s the only way to win the Riverlords to not only his, but also Rhaenyra’s cause. Otherwise, he risks exacerbating his mistakes in the Riverlands if the houses respond by joining Team Green instead.Daemon told Oscar Tully earlier inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 7that he didn’t want the love of the Riverlords, only their swords. Sparing Willem would accomplish the opposite, despite leaving him with the guilt of betraying Willem after his proven loyalty. Daemon needs the greater Riverlands’ support and the removal of his tainted perception as a tyrant, which killing Willem accomplishes.
“Flee, Vhagar”: Why Aemond Targaryen Turned Away In House Of The Dragon Season 2, Episode 7
Aemond Targaryen has Vhagar turn away from a fight in House of the Dragon season 2, episode 7. It’s an unusual move for the pair, but a sensible one.
What Daemon Killing Willem Sets Up In House Of The Dragon
Daemon Is Successful In What He Set Out To Accomplish In The Riverlands
Daemon Targaryen executing Ser Willem Blackwood sets up Team Black to obtain the full support of the Riverlands. Klling Willem also symbolizesDaemon killing the part of himself that intended to usurp Rhaenyra, instead gaining the Riverlands’ loyalty to Team Black as a way to ensure the Queen’s dominance and power in this crucial region. TheRiverlands remain a key location in the Dance of the Dragons’ battles and political conflicts, which Aemond Targaryen must try to steal backafter Daemon’s success in the area.
With an army of Riverlanders, three additional large dragons being ridden by “dragonseeds,” and King Aegon still bedridden, the Greens don’t stand a chance if Team Black decides to take King’s Landing.
Because of Daemon’s actions inHouse of the Dragonseason 2, episode 7,Rhaenyra has a powerful host in the Riverlands and fervent supporters of her cause. Several important dragon battles and foot battles alike will occur in the Riverlands, with House Blackwood becoming a crucial part of these successes despite Willem’s execution. With an army of Riverlanders, three additional large dragons being ridden by “dragonseeds,” andKing Aegon still bedridden, the Greens don’t stand a chance if Team Black decides to take King’s Landing.
House of the Dragon
Cast
House of the Dragon is a 2022 fantasy drama set in the world of Westeros, chronicling the Targaryen dynasty at its height. The story revolves around King Viserys’s controversial decision to name his daughter Rhaenyra as heir to the Iron Throne, sparking tensions and divisions within the realm.
