The premiere of Game of Thrones during the rule of King Viserys I Targaryen, who is planning a jousting tournament. The celebratory tourney honors the birth of the King and Queen's child who, if born male, will be heir to the Iron Throne.
Viserys’ brother Daemon Targaryen is quickly shown to be cunning, mischievous, and a skilled fighter. Therefore, when he gears up to joust the lowborn Dornish Ser Criston Cole at the tourney, it seems like a surefire win for the Targaryen. However, the foreigner knocks Daemon off of his horse, which leads to a fight between the two. Daemon draws his sword on Cole, and Cole wields a mace. Although at first it seems like Daemon has secured the win, while he turns to celebrate, Cole attacks him from behind and forces him to surrender.
It's surprising that a lowborn unknown was able to defeat a highborn Targaryen. This is one of the biggest unanswered questions from the House of the Dragon premiere. However, according to George R.R. Martin's novels, Ser Cole is an exceptionally skilled fighter, who, in the books, even eventually becomes Princess Rhaenyra's sworn shield and Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Additionally, Daemon Targaryen’s ego gets in the way of a win. It’s made evident in the first episode that Daemon is somewhat narcissistic and quite confident, which prompts him to boast to the crowds too soon, leading to his loss.
Is Ser Criston Cole A Better Warrior Than Daemon Targaryen?
There is still little known about House of the Dragon's Ser Criston Cole. In the books, he became quite brutal and vengeful and becomes the aforementioned Lord Commander of the Kingsguard. Clearly, Ser Cole possesses battle prowess and skill with the sword. Viewers will have to wait and see how House of the Dragon will change from the book in of Ser Cole's character, and how the blossoming rivalry between Daemon Targaryen and him will play out. Nevertheless, his bout with Prince Daemon Targaryen made quite the initial impression. Both Daemon Targaryen and Ser Criston Cole are both very skilled fighters, but Ser Cole's win at the tourney has fascinating implications for the future of the show. Audiences are left wondering where Ser Cole came from, and if a rivalry will form between him and the Targaryen prince. Being lowborn, it's clear Ser Cole is unpolished. However, it may yet be revealed that Ser Cole is the better natural fighter of the two, but Daemon Targaryen has benefited from his noble training.
Why Criston Cole Beating Daemon Targaryen Is Important
Criston Cole beating Daemon is important primarily because it sheds light on the character of each fighter. It shows that Cole is a good fighter, but merciful as he lets Daemon live, a luxury not provided to a fighter in a previous scene. Additionally, it seems like the show is setting him up for a potential relationship with Princess Rhaenyra, whether it be friendship or something more. Straight away, his mercifulness and strength make him likable both to the characters in the show and the audience.
For Daemon, despite his obvious strength, battle prowess, and brutality that are made quite clear in the pilot episode, this battle showcases a major character flaw of his, his pride. His early celebration that leads to defeat is reminiscent of the death of the Dornish Prince Oberyn in Game of Thrones season 4. As the show continues to explore the Targaryen prince’s role in the show and how his ego affects him, it's likely the tournament will be a foundation of this. Additionally, despite being her uncle, it seems Daemon, too, is being set up as one of the show's main romances with Princess Rhaenyra. While strange, this kind of relationship is not unheard of in the Game of Thrones universe. Viewers can look forward to their questions being answered as the rest of the first season of House of the Dragon is released.