Why Didn't Daenerys Attack Cersei with Dragons at King's Landing?

In the epic world of A Song of Ice and Fire, Daenerys Targaryen's path to claim the Iron Throne was fraught with strategy and negotiations. One of the pivotal moments in the series was the decision of whether or not to attack Cersei Lannister immediately with her dragons when she arrived at King's Landing. This decision was influenced by numerous factors, including her approach to conflict, the advice she received, and the overall strategy required to win the war.

Daenerys' Peaceful Intentions

Daenerys Targaryen, the gentle and fragile mother figure of the series, approached the conflict with a different mindset than many of her contemporaries. Her initial plan was to achieve a peaceful surrender, as she was not purely driven by overpowering or subjugating others through force alone. Her goal was for Cersei Lannister, the powerful queen of Westeros, to surrender without bloodshed. This strategy was rooted in her desire to believe that her dragons could be a symbol of power and peace rather than just a looming threat of destruction.

The Influence of Intelligence and Advice

Daenerys relied heavily on the advice of her council, a wise group of individuals who provided strategic counsel. Her pragmatic approach and the influence of her advisors' counsel played a significant role in her decision-making. For instance, Grenn, a member of her council, suggested approaching King's Landing for a peaceful resolution as opposed to overwhelming force. This advice had merit given the potential for massive casualties and destruction in a direct confrontation.

The Impact of Historical Precedents

The historical context of the series is also a factor. Unlike Renly Baratheon, who delayed his offensive in the Riverlands to allow Tywin Lannister to weaken first, Daenerys did not benefit from such a delaying tactic. Renly's strategy ultimately backfired, costing him his life. In contrast, Daenerys encountered a more immediate and resolved confrontation with Cersei, leading to significant losses and forced her to adopt a more cautious approach. The decision to attack at King's Landing, when Cersei had the advantage of no standing army, proved to be a strategic misstep.

Tyrion's Gandhian Resistance Strategy

Another critical factor was the advice of Tyrion Lannister. Tyrion proposed a strategy of non-violent resistance, inspired by the principles of Gandhi. This approach suggested that Daenerys should seize the Iron Throne through cunning and a popular uprising rather than military force. Tyrion's perspective was grounded in the belief that the Iron Throne could be taken without a bloody fight, and that the force of her allies' support would be more effective than direct confrontation.

A Question of Strategy

Strategically, Daenerys could have attempted a more direct and potentially victorious approach. She could have flown to King's Landing before anyone even knew about her dragons. This would have allowed her to destroy the Red Keep, where Cersei slept, without the strategic defenses of crossbows that had yet to be fully deployed. This maneuver could have led to a swift and decisive victory, eliminating House Lannister's power and securing the Iron Throne.

The Alternative Path

However, Daenerys chose a more patient and measured approach. She recognized the importance of her allies and the need to secure their support. By attacking with her dragons at the moment of her triumphant arrival, she demonstrated her power and showed her allies that she was the one to lead. Nevertheless, this approach proved to be less effective given the volatile power dynamics and the immediate response of key figures like Jaime Lannister and Bronn. The strategic withdrawal and subsequent attacks on the Reach, Dorne, and Lannisport illustrated a more practical and less emotionally driven path.

Conclusion

The decision not to attack King's Landing immediately with dragons was influenced by Daenerys' peaceful intentions, the advice of her counsel, and the historical impact of previous strategies. While her approach had its merits, the ultimate outcome demonstrated the complexity of strategy in a world of intense political maneuvering and warfare. Daenerys' journey was a testament to the challenges of leadership and the often-forgotten cost of peace in the face of power and conflict.