When House of the Dragon Season 3 introduced Daeron Targaryen, it did so with a clever twist—a lowborn boy dyed to look like Alicent's long-lost son. But the real Daeron, played by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, has since emerged as a key player in the Dance of the Dragons. Ahead of Episode 6, Ainsworth sat down to discuss his character's most pivotal moments, including a surprising connection to the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie.
In the episode, Gwayne Hightower (Freddie Fox) arrives in Tumbleton, shaking up the dynamic between Daeron and his domineering guardian, Ormund Hightower (James Norton). Ainsworth explains that while Ormund is a controlling parental figure, Gwayne offers Daeron a chance to breathe. "Gwayne is more of a brotherly figure, someone Daeron can speak eye to eye with," Ainsworth says. "Ormund's relationship with Daeron is emblematic of the tug-of-war between his Targaryen and Hightower sides."
Daeron's longing for connection is especially evident when he asks Gwayne about his mother, Alicent. Sent away to Oldtown as a child, Daeron has grown up isolated from the chaos of King's Landing—but also from maternal love. Ainsworth notes, "Deep within him, there is a longing for acceptance. Gwayne is the closest point of contact he has to Alicent, a refuge where he can take the weight off his shoulders."
The tension reaches a boiling point when Rhaenyra sends assassins to kill Daeron. Ormund's notorious distaste for odors leaves him debilitated, unable to notice the subtle clues that Gwayne picks up on. Gwayne steps in to protect Daeron, revealing a crucial shift in loyalty. "Daeron realizes that Gwayne might be the one who can keep him safer than Ormund," Ainsworth reflects. "In that moment, Ormund is vulnerable, and Daeron sees the stakes are higher than ever."
Beyond the drama, Ainsworth also shared a fun behind-the-scenes tidbit: his stunt training for House of the Dragon directly prepared him to play Link in the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie. "The sword work and physicality on this show were incredible training," he says. "It's funny how one fantasy world leads to another." For fans of both franchises, it's a delightful crossover—much like the weirdest Zelda game ever, which also drew inspiration from unexpected sources.
As Season 3 continues, Daeron's journey is far from over. With Gwayne by his side and Ormund's schemes unraveling, the young Targaryen must navigate a war that threatens to consume everyone. For more on the family dynamics, check out our Targaryen family tree guide and don't miss the hidden Easter eggs scattered throughout the season.
