Why the Unification and Elimination of the Dothraki in Game of Thrones Are Worth Debating

Why the Unification and Elimination of the Dothraki in Game of Thrones Are Worth Debating

The decision to have Daenerys Targaryen unite the Dothraki only to largely eliminate them off-screen in Game of Thrones has sparked debate among fans and critics. This narrative choice raises questions about the creative and thematic intentions behind it. Here are several key points to consider:

Symbolic Unity

Daenerys' unification of the Dothraki served as a narrative device to illustrate her growing power and leadership. This move emphasized her ability to rally diverse groups to her cause, showcasing her as a formidable contender for the Iron Throne. By demonstrating her capacity to bring together a powerful, nomadic force, the series aimed to establish her as a formidable ally.

Foreshadowing and Stakes

The unification of the Dothraki built up expectations for their significant role in the battle against the Night King. Their swift elimination in the Battle of Winterfell underscored the high stakes and the unpredictability of war, reinforcing the idea that no character is safe. The off-screen nature of their demise added a sense of shock, highlighting the brutal realities of the conflict and the fragility of alliances in the face of overwhelming odds.

Character Development

Daenerys' relationship with the Dothraki highlighted her transformation throughout the series. The loss of her army could be seen as a pivotal moment in her descent into a more tyrannical rule, contributing to her character arc and the eventual conflict with Jon Snow and others. While some fans found this choice unsatisfying, it reflects the broader themes of power loss and the unpredictability of war that are central to Game of Thrones.

Narrative Pacing

The decision to kill off a significant portion of the Dothraki off-screen may have been a pacing choice to keep the story moving quickly, especially in the later seasons which were criticized for rushing through complex narratives. Off-screen eliminations allowed the show to maintain momentum without dwelling on every character death, which could have slowed the narrative down.

Dramatic Impact

The sudden loss of a powerful ally created a shock factor, emphasizing the brutal realities of the conflict and the fragility of alliances in the face of overwhelming odds. The show's handling of the Dothraki's fate also underscored the unpredictable nature of the war and the moral ambiguity of the characters' actions.

Logistical and Cultural Inconsistencies

Anthony J. suggests that the decision to unit the Dothraki and then eliminate them off-screen doesn't make logical sense. The Dothraki are not just warriors but a complex culture with social, familial, and emotional bonds. While they are nomadic, their lack of attachment to places like Meereen and their disdain for magic, especially when practiced by women, make their adherence to Daenerys questionable. Her burning of Khal Drogo's hut would have made a powerful statement to the Dothraki, but it also would have broken the bond of her bloodriders.

Daenerys named the entire Khalasar with only men who seemed to be fighters and her bloodriders, ignoring their relationships and the cultural significance of a Dothraki blood-bond. This shows a lack of respect for the Dothraki's cultural practices and the importance of their bonds. The show's portrayal of the Dothraki as tools for potential battle sequences rather than as human beings with a unique and distinct culture is a critique of how the series handled foreign characters.

The decision to include the Dothraki's unification and swift elimination can be seen as a pacing and dramatic choice. Despite logical and cultural inconsistencies, this narrative choice adds to the intricate layers of the series and is a reflection of the broader themes of power, war, and the unpredictability of human actions.

Ultimately, the unification and elimination of the Dothraki in Game of Thrones presents a complex interplay of narrative choices, character development, and thematic depth that continues to engage fans and critics.