Daenerys Targaryen’s arc in Game of Thrones was one hell of a tumultuous ride, although it’s not a surprise, actually, if you’re familiar with George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. From the get-go, the author knew what he wanted the character to portray: a person of contradicting archetypes.
The Mother of Dragons was marketed as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, and over the years, we were fed with several storylines showing why she deserves the crown.
She was the epitome of a phoenix who rose from the ashes, an abuse victim who ascended to the top of the chain. Then, she became the liberator of slaves, the leader of an army, and someone who has three dragons at her disposal.
However, Dany had many questionable values as well. She believes in dreams and prophecies rather than logic. She’s focused on gaining more strength than wisdom. And worst of all, she envisions herself as a conqueror of cities, not as a compassionate ruler.
Martin created Dany as someone whose values and methods cannot work hand in hand without compromise or sacrifice, and this eventually led to her doom and demise.
Daenerys’ Speech In Game of Thrones Season 2 Teased Her Doom
Early on, Dany has always been adamant about fulfilling the prophecy of House Targaryen. Although there were no indications about her awareness of Aegon’s dream, the blood of her ancestors runs in her veins. Like them, she believed in the power of her dreams.
In Season 2 Episode 6: The Old Gods and the New, Dany’s dialogue with the Spice King was a clear example of why she was destined to fail. Her entitlement and strong faith in her birthright were her fatal flaws.
But I dreamt that if I carried those eggs into a great fire, they would hatch. When I stepped into the fire, my own people thought I was mad. But when the fire burned out, I was unhurt. The mother of dragons. Do you understand? I’m no ordinary woman. My dreams come true… I am not your little princess. I am Daenerys Stormborn of the blood of Old Valyria, and I will take what is mine. With fire and blood, I will take it.
The Spice King specifically mentioned that he trusts logic in business, not mere passion, as Daenerys was implying. Her closing statement was a clear giveaway of her final arc in the show, in which she took an entire city and burned it to the ground, shedding blood and taking innocent lives.
GRRM Confirmed Dany’s Conflicting Traits Led to Her Downfall
Martin once spoke about the challenge of finding a good actress who can portray Dany’s duality. In his interview via Tinderbox: HBO’s Ruthless Pursuit of New Frontier, he said:
You have to find an actress who can do both parts, who can be very convincing as the scared little girl in the beginning, but also very convincing as the “I’m gonna kick your a** and burn your city to cinders” woman that she becomes by the end.
If that’s not a giveaway to Dany’s fate, then we don’t know what is! Martin’s confirmation only proved that the famed Targaryen queen was doomed on page one.
TV Show:Game of ThronesShowrunners:David Benioff & D.B. WeissRotten Tomatoes:89%
Do you think Dany can still change her fate in the books? Let us know in the comments!
Game of Thrones is currently available to watch on HBO Max.
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