Understanding Daenerys Targaryen's Downfall: Analyzing Her Reign
The concept of setting someone up, in the context of Game of Thrones, often implies a manipulation or preparation for a certain outcome. However, when it comes to Daenerys Targaryen, it's evident that her failure was not as much a setup as it was a blend of strategic blunders and personal flaws. From her role as a conqueror to her missteps in governance, let’s explore why Daenerys Targaryen’s reign in Westeros was less than ideal.
Conqueror or Queen?
Daenerys is often perceived as a powerful conqueror, but her leadership style was more suited to military conquest than governance. This distinction is crucial in understanding why she struggled to solidify her rule in Westeros. Unlike many rulers, Daenerys did not have a network of advisors who disagreed with her or provided alternative perspectives. Her primary advisors, Tyrion included, were often seen as yes-men who supported her decisions without much dissent. This lack of opposition and critical thinking can be detrimental in maintaining a stable and just reign.
Moral Triumphs and Failures
Daenerys’s decision to free the slaves was a moral victory, but the reality was more complex. The slaves she freed were placed in a precarious situation, leaving them with limited options. Similar to how Spartacus in Spartacus: Blood and Sand offered freedom to slaves who had no other choice but to follow him, Daenerys’s free slaves found themselves in a brutal band where their lives were no better, if not worse. The pragmatic reality of freedom is often overshadowed by the lack of resources and support available to former captives.
When Daenerys arrived in Westeros, her support was minimal. Northern houses like the Starks initially saw her as a threat, and their loyalty was conditional. The Tyrells had already fallen, and House Tyrell's daughter, Margaery Tyrell, was against her. The Dornish were opportunistic, aiming to see Cersei and House Lannister overthrown. House Greyjoy, particularly Yara, sought to protect their inheritance but also saw potential utility in holding on to their loyalties. House Stark, especially Sansa, saw through Daenerys, and Jon Snow’s rejection of her emotionally resonated deeply, reflecting his disillusionment with her promises of a utopian reign.
Psychological Struggles and Career Choices
Daenerys’s psychological state was also a significant factor in her reign. The reunion with the Stark siblings, particularly Jon Snow, marked a critical moment for her. From her happy bubble to her insecurity and vulnerability, Jon’s rejection deeply hurt her. Her shift from hopeful to desperate was stark, and her actions became more desperate, culminating in the destruction of King's Landing. This catastrophic decision was a combination of frustration and a flawed belief that fear and terror were necessary for her rule.
Comparing her to Cersei Lannister, the two leaders had vastly different paths. Cersei, while ruthless, at least had a semblance of personal fulfillment. She had a family, lovers, and those she cared about, even if she lacked true loyalty from them in the long run. In contrast, Daenerys’s life was a relentless pursuit of power, far beyond the Iron Throne. Her experiences in slavery, on the battlefield, and as an outcast made her more resilient but also less empathetic. She lacked the personal connections and support network that Cersei had, leading her to rely heavily on her dragons and a dwindling army.
The Downfall of a Queen
Daenerys’s downfall can be attributed to a combination of her ambition, her military success, and her lack of political acumen. Her decision to burn King's Landing was a grave strategic error, symbolizing her transition from a conqueror to a destroyer. This final act accelerated her and her dragon's demise, highlighting her capacity for both love and destruction. Her death was a dramatic conclusion to a journey that began with a dream of a just and fair Westeros.
As for the aftermath, speculation suggests that Drogon, perhaps in a fateful bid to protect Daenerys, took her to Dragonstone or perhaps a hidden location, akin to Elvis or Las Vegas. The world would never know the true fate of one of the most powerful women in Westeros. Tyrion Lannister, as ever, would spin the narrative to protect himself, ensuring that history would be written from his perspective. Regardless of the outcome, Daenerys’s tenure as the Mother of Dragons remains a poignant example of the challenges faced by those who seek absolute power.