Reflections on the Dothraki: A Fantasy World's Morality and Reality

George R.R. Martin, the mastermind behind the A Song of Ice and Fire series and the Game of Thrones television adaptation, has undoubtedly created a rich and complex world. However, his depiction of the Dothraki is often criticized for its superficial and unrealistic portrayal. This article delves into why the Dothraki might not be a morally deep or sensible entity within Westeros, using rigorous analysis and evidence from the series.

The Dothraki and Morality

When discussing the Dothraki, the first thing that comes to mind is their lack of a nuanced moral framework. They are often portrayed as barbaric and simplistic, with little consideration of their ethical and social practices. This can be attributed to several aspects of their society that are inherently unrealistic and disconnected from the broader context of their world.

Slavery and Material Shortcomings

The Dothraki are often shown engaged in the practice of slavery, which raises questions about their resourcefulness and technological capabilities. The fact that they use steel weapons but have no forges suggests that they rely heavily on capturing or trading for their weapons. Similarly, their saddles are indicative of a society that lacks the technological advancements necessary to build such items. These shortcomings are further highlighted by the questionable origin of their materials:

Where did the wood for their buildings come from in the grasslands? How did they come to have stone carvings without mastery of stone carving techniques? Why do their women and children not feature prominently in their society?

Additionally, the Dothraki's resistance to change and adherence to traditional practices is a testament to their primitive nature. With no advanced weaponry and no understanding of siege warfare, their current methods of survival are improbable in the complex society of Westeros, particularly in light of their encounter with the more advanced cultures like the Stark and Lannister Houses.

Impracticality of the Dothraki Armies

The logistics of maintaining a large Dothraki army in Westeros are also flawed. The vast grasslands that the Dothraki occupy cannot sustain such a large number of horses and livestock, especially in the context of a long journey over the Narrow Sea. The idea of transporting such a large fleet of cavalry would be logistically impossible and unsustainable in the winter months.

Even the basic survival of the Dothraki is questionable. Foraging in winter is not a realistic proposition for such a large group. Their reliance on slaves further complicates their situation, as maintaining and controlling a slave population requires a significant amount of resources and control, neither of which the Dothraki are depicted as possessing.

A Plot Device for Character Development

It is important to note that George R.R. Martin is a highly skilled author who can craft his narrative with deliberate ambiguity. The Dothraki are often portrayed as a means to highlight the character development of Daenerys Targaryen. At the beginning of her journey, Daenerys is indeed depicted as ignorant, desperate, and entitled. By the end of her journey, she has a deeper understanding of her tools and methods, recognizing their unjust and selfish nature.

Furthermore, the character of Daenerys is represented as evolving from a figure initially viewed as a savior to one who recognizes the limitations of her own actions. This process is not only a testament to GRRM's storytelling prowess but also a reflection of the characters' growth and development throughout the narrative.

Conclusion

While the Dothraki may appear as a primitive and unsophisticated culture, their portrayal is a deliberate choice by George R.R. Martin to serve a specific literary purpose. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive look at the Dothraki's shortcomings and their role in the broader narrative of A Song of Ice and Fire.