Game of Thrones reveals that Lady Olenna Tyrell (née Redwyne) was once betrothed to a Targaryen prince, but the HBO series doesn’t state which one.
Before marrying the Lord of Highgarden, Game of Thrones’ Olenna Tyrell was betrothed to a Targaryen prince, though the series doesn’t explain which one. Born Olenna Redwyne, the iconic mother of Mace Tyrell and grandmother of Margaery and Loras Tyrell has an intriguing past that doubtlessly influenced her clever plans and search for power in Game of Thrones. Throughout the HBO series, the “Queen of Thorns” arranges plenty of political marriage pacts for her grandchildren that bring them closer to the Iron Throne, which is exactly what her younger self was once fated for.
In Game of Thrones season 4, Olenna Tyrell informs Margaery that she was initially supposed to wed a Targaryen prince, but ended up marrying the wealthy Lord Luthor Tyrell instead. Olenna neglects to name the prince who she nearly married, but it’s implied that their broken engagement is why she continues to harbor disdain for House Targaryen (until meeting Daenerys Targaryen). However, George R.R. Martin’s The World of Ice and Fire book reveals the identity of Olenna Redwyne’s original Targaryen fiancé and the real explanations for why the marriage didn’t happen.
Olenna Tyrell Was Supposed To Marry Prince Daeron Targaryen Before GOT
Game of Thrones’ character Olenna Redwyne became betrothed to Prince Daeron Targaryen when both were nine years old. Daeron was the youngest son of King Aegon V Targaryen and a nephew of Maester Aemon Targaryen. In the books, Daeron was an uncle to King Aerys II Targaryen, but since Game of Thrones cut King Jaehaerys II Targaryen, Daeron is the Mad King’s younger brother in the HBO show. This also made him the uncle of Rhaegar, Viserys, and Daenerys Targaryen. As King Aegon V’s youngest son, Prince Daeron Targaryen was third in line to the Iron Throne (behind his brothers Duncan and Aerys) when betrothed to Olenna Redwyne.
In Game of Thrones season 4, Olenna explains that she did everything she could to call off the engagement because she disliked his “twitchy little ferret’s face and ludicrous silver hair.” Their betrothal supposedly ended when Olenna seduced her sister Viola’s intended, Luthor Tyrell, who she would soon marry instead. However, The World of Ice and Fire book claims that Daeron was actually the one who ended their betrothal, as the House Targaryen family member preferred the companionship of the knight Ser Jeremy Norridge, whom he met while squiring at Highgarden.
What Happened To Daeron Targaryen In Game Of Thrones
Daeron Targaryen died approximately 45 years before the beginning of Game of Thrones season 1, long before his brother Aerys ascended the Iron Throne. According to The World of Ice and Fire, Daeron died in battle when leading an army against figures known as the Rat, the Hawk, and the Pig, whose rebellion the Targaryen prince successfully crushed. Prince Daeron Targaryen died at the age of 23, five years after breaking his betrothal to Olenna. He was also said to have perished alongside his close companion Jeremy Norridge, the knight who he supposedly preferred to Game of Thrones‘ vengeful Olenna Tyrell.
