One of the most unsettling new dynamics in House of the Dragon Season 3 is the relationship between young Daeron Targaryen and his uncle mentor Ormund Hightower (James Norton). In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Norton didn’t hold back when describing their bond as deeply dysfunctional and psychologically abusive.
Quick read:
- James Norton himself agrees that Ormund’s behaviour is extremely manipulative towards Daeron
- He compares their relationship to “Stockholm Syndrome”
- Ormund aspires to make Daeron as cold-blooded as he is
A Stockholm Syndrome dynamic
Norton broke down the disturbing nature of their connection:
“There’s deep, twisted, abusive, psychologically abusive relationships that are going on there. It’s almost like Stockholm Syndrome where there are moments with real love between them…”
Ormund alternates between manipulation, punishment, and conditional affection. For Daeron, this toxic environment is the only form of “love” and guidance he has ever known. The actor highlighted how Ormund’s influence has warped the young prince’s understanding of loyalty and family.
The sept execution as a turning point
Norton pointed to a specific scene at the end of Episode 4 as a key example of this twisted bond:
“…like the end of episode 4 where Ormund is so proud of him that he’s able to murder that man in cold blood.”
In this scene, a smallfolk man (relative of Kat, Hugh Hammer’s wife) is brought in front of Daeron. Ormund asks him to execute the man without any fault. To this, Daeron hesitates a lot at first and tries to defend the man, but eventually stabs the man in the chest to win Ormund’s approval.
The moment Daeron commits violence under Ormund’s approval becomes a perverse “proud father” moment. This “twisted” dynamic shows how Ormund grooms Daeron through a cycle of fear, reward, and emotional dependency.
Importance of this storyline
This portrayal adds emotional weight to Daeron’s character. Raised in Oldtown under Ormund’s control, he is shaped by manipulation rather than genuine care. It raises troubling questions about how Daeron will develop as the war continues.
James Norton’s candid comments reveal how seriously the show is treating this relationship. He knows it is a heartbreaking exploration of psychological abuse disguised as mentorship and family loyalty.