What If Jaime Lannister Had Killed or Injured Daenerys Targaryen?

The series Game of Thrones is filled with complex characters and pivotal moments. One such significant event is the fate of House Targaryen's beloved queen, Daenerys Targaryen. If Jaime Lannister had chosen to kill or injure Daenerys, the repercussions would have been profound and far-reaching. This hypothetical scenario explores the potential consequences on the political landscape, military actions, and personal allegiances of key characters in the world of Westeros.

Immediate Power Vacuum

Daenerys Targaryen played a crucial role in the struggle for the Iron Throne. Her death or incapacitation would create an immediate power vacuum in Westeros, leading to a scramble among various factions to claim her territory and allies. The withdrawal of Daenerys would disrupt the balance of power, leading to a race for supremacy. Loyalists to the Targaryens might form new alliances or seek support from other houses, while opponents could consolidate their forces in the hope of seizing control.

Impact on the Unsullied and Dothraki

Daenerys held the loyalty of both the Unsullied and the Dothraki, and their allegiance would be tested if she were injured or killed. This event would likely lead to a fierce retaliation from these loyal military forces. The Unsullied and Dothraki, driven by a desire for vengeance, would launch surprise attacks on King’s Landing. This retaliation would likely exacerbate the already tense situation in the city, leading to widespread violence and chaos. The Lannister hold on King’s Landing would be weakened, and the stability of the realm would be severely compromised.

Influence on Jon Snow

Jon Snow, with his complex relationship with Daenerys, would be deeply affected by her fate. His loyalty could be tested, leading him to choose either side with the remaining supporters of Daenerys or seek to stabilize the realm by opposing the chaos that would follow her death. Jon’s decision would have far-reaching consequences. If he sided with the loyalists, he might face the Lannister loyalists and other supporters of Cersei Lannister, leading to a new battlefield in Westeros. Conversely, if he sought to stabilize the realm, he might try to negotiate a truce or form new alliances with key houses and kingdoms.

Political Alliances

The political landscape would shift dramatically. Allies like Tyrion Lannister and Varys would have to navigate a new reality, possibly seeking to broker peace among the remaining factions. Tyrion, known for his strategic acumen and diplomatic skills, would play a crucial role in this process. He might attempt to negotiate a truce between Cersei Lannister’s supporters and the remaining Targaryen loyalists. Varys, with his extensive network of spies and informants, would work behind the scenes to gather information and influence key figures. Both Tyrion and Varys might face more direct opposition from Cersei, who would be determined to consolidate her power and prevent any new challenge to her rule.

Legacy of the Targaryens

The death of Daenerys would significantly alter the legacy of the Targaryens. The narrative around the Targaryen dynasty would take a different turn, and the idea of a powerful, unbreakable queen would be replaced by one of tragedy and loss. The legacy of Targaryen power and the aspiration for the Iron Throne would be redefined, and the public perception of the Targaryens would change dramatically. This shift would have significant implications for the themes of the series, including the nature of power, loyalty, and redemption. It would challenge the audience's perception of Jaime Lannister's character development, as he had been on a path of redemption, only to witness the tragic end of the Targaryen queen he had come to respect and perhaps even love.

Future Conflicts

With Daenerys out of the picture, other claimants to the throne, such as Gendry Baratheon or Sansa Stark, might rise to prominence. This turn of events would lead to new conflicts and alliances. Gendry, as a member of the Baratheon line, would likely vie for the throne if Cersei Lannister were overthrown. Sansa Stark, with her strategic mind and desire for justice, might also be a formidable contender. These new claimants would face their own challenges and form new alliances, leading to a reshaped political landscape in Westeros. The ongoing conflict between the North and the Lannister south would intensify, and the race for the Iron Throne would become more complex and unpredictable.

Ultimately, the hypothetical scenario of Jaime Lannister injuring or killing Daenerys Targaryen would have altered the course of the story significantly. It would have created a ripple effect throughout the remaining narrative arcs in Game of Thrones, leading to a new set of challenges, alliances, and struggles for power in the realm. This hypothetical scenario illustrates the intricate interplay of characters, politics, and conflict in the world of Westeros, highlighting the critical nature of each character's actions and their far-reaching consequences.