The Targaryens are the star of HBO’s House of the Dragon but it doesn’t take away the fact that many minor characters from other houses deserve the spotlight. One of them is Ser Simon Strong, the castellan of Harrenhal.
Many times he stood up to Daemon Targaryen, though he isn’t exactly a difficult character. In fact, he surrendered Harrenhal and pledged allegiance to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen the moment the Rogue Prince entered the castle.
Who Is Ser Simon Strong In House Of The Dragon?
Ser Simon Strong is played by Simon Russell Beale, one of the pillars of British theater. For someone in the industry who has won a Tony, three Olivier Awards, and two BAFTAs, he was thrilled to join the show despite learning his character’s description. He told Still Watching via Vanity Fair:
What intrigued me about the part was that he’s described as the only gentleman in an ungentlemanly world. What I really liked was this idea of a man who doesn’t want anything to do with it. He’s in charge of this huge castle that’s the center of all the feuding, but he himself doesn’t want anything to do with it.
This is exactly what his onscreen character has been doing in the show, but because of his duty and family ties, he couldn’t just wing it and tell Matt Smith’s Daemon to leave him and his house alone.
The actor reflects on how his character stayed sane amid the endless chaos. “He’s perfectly capable of trying to play their game if he feels the need to,” he stated, which is evident in how he welcomed Daemon. “He’s the host with the most, I think, morals. He’s a good host. He wants people to be comfortable,” added Beale.
In the season finale of House of the Dragon, Ser Simon sent a letter to Emma D’Arcy’s Rhaenyra after he feared treachery might ensue. This is after he heard Daemon and Ser Alfred Broome’s conversation: “Rhaenyra’s intentions are good, but what we need in this moment is a king.”
Rhaenyra immediately flies on Syrax’s back and arrives in Harrenhal to confront Daemon, the latter ultimately swearing fealty to his queen. No one was more relieved than Simon Strong, as he was seen gleefully clapping at the back.
Fans Are Here For Simon Strong’s Reaction To Daemon And Rhaenyra’s Reunion
Simon Strong is indeed a crowd favorite this season, and fans were quite amused with his little victory moment in the season finale. Check out fans’ reactions below:
Sir Simon applauding because Daemon and Rhaenyra reconcilied! That's Daemon's bestie!! #HouseOfTheDragon pic.twitter.com/2zGsPRA83F
— May (@Mayham_H) August 5, 2024
This guy has just been riding with the vibe the whole time I love him
— Cinder Sable⸆⸉🥥🌴 (@CinderSable) August 5, 2024
Sir Simon is that friend who is tired of hearing you complain about your relationship, please reconcile now.
— loveseriescouples (@seriescouples) August 5, 2024
Him being completely gagged when Daemon finally bent the knee. So cute!
— Yanni (@Yanni3G) August 5, 2024
Most wholesome thing he’s ever seen happen in all his years at Harrenhal
— rd (@rickdryden) August 5, 2024
The audience will hopefully see more of this beloved character in the upcoming season as many scenes will be taking place in Harrenhal.
House of the Dragon Season 2 is streaming on HBO.
