'House of the Dragon': The Memeable Moments That Made Simon Strong A Fan Favourite

WARNING! SPOILERS for the entirety of House of the Dragon season two.

The second of what we now know will be four seasons of Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon has come to an end, and a surprising figure has emerged as the season's breakout character. Ser Simon Strong, played by veteran actor of stage and screeen Simon Russel Beale, is introduced in the season's third episode, 'The Burning Mill', as the keeper of the heavily damaged and very cursed castle of Harrenhal. Thanks to his fabulous outfits, unashamed sass when dealing with Daemon Targaryen, and his already iconic reaction shots, Simon has earned himself many fans among the show's viewers.

Let's look at a few of the moments that have made Ser Simon a fan favourite.

Simon is unbothered by Daemon's arrival at Harrenhal

Effectively banished from Dragonstone by Queen Rhaenyra for his role in the unsanctioned murder of her nephew, Prince Jaehaerys, Prince Daemon Targaryen boards his dragon, Caraxes, and heads to Harrenhal inent on claiming it to use as a garrison point for the army of Rivermen he intends to raise. Daemon arrives in full armor, sword drawn, ready for a fight. This was an understandable expectation, given that Harrenhal is technically the seat of Lord Larys 'Clubfoot' Strong.

Instead, Daemon simply finds Ser Simon and his Grandsons in the middle of their evening meal. Simon, having suspected Larys's role in the fire that ruined Harrenhal and killed Lyonel and Harwin Strong, has renounced him as Lord, ceding the castle to Daemon with little fuss. He is completely unbothered by the situation, which endeared him to fans.

Daemon Targaryen is the King.. Consort

During Daemon's time at Harrenhal, Simon gives him every measure of respect due to his high station. He does not, however, bow to the use of Daemon's preferred title.

Daemon asks to be referred to as King, claiming the 'consort' addendum is unnecessary. However, since Daemon was neither Viserys I's chosen Heir, nor had been crowned King, and was instead merely the spouse of the rightful Queen, Rhaenyra, Simon persists with referring to Daemon as King Consort. This scene gave birth to many a meme, like the one above.

"Duck not to your liking?"

In what was the most infamous scene in House of the Dragon's second season, one of the visions Daemon experiences in Harrenhal has him engaging in intimate relations with his own Mother, Queen Alyssa Targaryen.

Just as Daemon realises what he is doing and the scene becomes truly uncomfortable to watch, Simon saves the day with some much needed levity, appearing mid-vision to enquire whether there was an issue with Daemon's roast duck lunch, and offering goose instead. This scene also lead to a batch of memes.

Money troubles, or an exorbitant wardrobe budget?

This is not so much a singular moment, but a common fan observation. While Harrenhal has been in desperate need of repair since the fire that killed Lord Lyonel and Harwin, Larys Strong has had most of the Castle's wealth transferred to himself, which is technically his right as Lord. As a result of Larys's actions, Simon informs Daemon that there is just enough gold in the coffers to keep Harrenhal's current residents fed and warm, but little to contribute to repairs, or the housing and upkeep of the planned Riverlands army.

However, some fans have taken note of the fact that Simon appears to be more smartly dressed than the rest of his household. This has resulted in numerous jokes and memes claiming that Simon has spent most of Harrenhal's budget on his own wardrobe.

Reactions to the Riverlands army

Daemon's efforts to rally the armies of the Riverlands to his side hit a snag when the River Lords reject Daemon for allowing Lord Willem Blackwood to mete out cruel, unapproved methods of 'Justice' on House Bracken. However, Young Oscar Tully, the newly risen Lord Paramount of the Riverlands, declares that the River Armies will honour the pledge his Grandfather, Lord Grover, made to Viserys I's chosen heir, Queen Rhaenyra.. Albeit only if Daemon repents by delivering true justice and executing Willem for his crimes.

While Simon is present during this scene, it seems as if he is mostly there to react to the unfolding chaos around him. Some of his expressions are classic.

Ser Simon Strong suffers no Traitors

Early in House of the Dragon's season two finale, Ser Alfred Broome arrives at Harrenhal, supposedly on a mission from Rhaenyra to ascertain Daemon's plans and allegiance. Instead, Broome pledges his support to Daemon should he make his own bid for the Iron Throne, believing the realm needs a King.

Ser Simon overhears this conversation, and immediately rushes to send a raven to Rhaenyra informing her of the concerning development. Simon was already a firm fan favourite by this point, and this show of loyalty towards his Queen, who he add never actually met, only made them love him more.

Simon's joy at Daemon and Rhaenyra's Reunion

Soon after receiving Simon's raven, Rhaenyra mounts her dragon, Syrax, and heads for Harrenhal to sort out what is going on herself. Thankfully, things turn out for the best, as Daemon bends the knee, reaffirming his loyalty to Rhaenyra as he pledges himself and the River Armies to her cause.

Once again, Simon is mostly in the background of the scene, serving memorable reactions, such as an expression of pleasant surprise when Daemon bends the knee, and happily clapping when the King Consort rallies the Rivermen to fight in Rhaenyra's name. Simon's happiness endeared him to 'Daemyra' shippers, who were beginning to fear their favourite couple might never reconcile.

Long live Ser Simon Strong, King of the reaction shot!