The controversial ending of Game of Thrones left fans divided, particularly regarding the death of Daenerys Targaryen. However, the prequel show House of the Dragon sheds light on the true reason behind her demise, giving it a deeper significance. This article explores how House of the Dragon reveals Daenerys’ destiny and justifies her ultimate fate.
Daenerys’ Transformation And Jon Snow’s Role
In Game of Thrones season 8, Daenerys underwent a dramatic transformation from a potential hero to a villain. She lost those closest to her and ruthlessly burned King’s Landing, earning the title of the “Mad Queen.” Eventually, Jon Snow, her former lover, killed her in the series finale. While this act seemed unthinkable at first, a deeper analysis shows that it aligns with her character arc and the history of House Targaryen.
Aegon’s Dream: Defeating The White Walkers
House of the Dragon’s season 1 premiere, set almost 200 years before Game of Thrones, introduced a major revelation through Aegon the Conqueror’s dream. This prophecy, known as “The Song of Ice and Fire,” prophesied the arrival of a dark winter and foretold that only a Targaryen ruler could defeat it. This revelation transformed Aegon’s conquest into something greater than personal ambition; it became a matter of destiny.
The Absence Of White Walker Confrontations
Interestingly, neither Aegon nor any subsequent Targaryen ruler ever faced the White Walkers. The only Targaryen who confronted them was Daenerys, playing a crucial role in their ultimate defeat. While Arya killed the Night King, Daenerys’ forces and dragons were essential in winning the war. This realization signifies that Daenerys’ true destiny was not to rule Westeros indefinitely but to fulfill Aegon’s dream and lead the realm to its most significant victory against the White Walkers.
Daenerys’ Death Fulfills Aegon’s Prophecy
The real reason behind Daenerys’ death in Game of Thrones season 8 becomes evident when considering the fulfillment of Aegon’s prophecy. The prophecy did not include Targaryens ruling Westeros after defeating the White Walkers; instead, it left a void. Daenerys’ death fills that void, just as Jon Snow’s decision to relinquish his titles and return beyond the Wall does. The purpose of the Targaryens in Westeros was fulfilled, allowing Daenerys, whose actions after the Night King’s defeat aligned with her heritage but not prophecy, to find a tragic form of peace.
The Justification For Daenerys’ Death
Daenerys’ demise in Game of Thrones season 8 aligns with her destiny and what House of the Dragon implies. Throughout the series, she evolved from a hero into someone who believed she had a divine right to the Iron Throne and the true rulership of Westeros. The cautionary tale of Stannis Baratheon serves as a warning for Daenerys. Stannis initially had honorable intentions but ultimately lost his way, succumbing to the influence of others and his belief in an inflated destiny. Game of Thrones rewards reluctant leaders and punishes those who actively seek power. Daenerys falls into the latter category, like Stannis, leading to her tragic end.
Parallels With Lord Of The Rings
The similarities between Game of Thrones’ ending and Lord of the Rings’ conclusion provide further justification for Daenerys’ death. While Daenerys is not an exact parallel to Gollum, their endings share similarities. Both characters are corrupted by their insatiable desire for power and their belief that they are entitled to possess a particular object (in Daenerys’ case, the Iron Throne; in Gollum’s case, the One Ring). Significantly, both characters meet their demise when they are on the verge of acquiring their desired objects: Gollum grasping for the ring as he falls into Mount Doom, and Daenerys being killed while standing before the Iron Throne.
Conclusion
The death of Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones season 8 aligns with her character arc and the overarching narrative of House of the Dragon. House of the Dragon reveals that her true destiny was not to rule Westeros indefinitely but to fulfill Aegon’s dream of defeating the White Walkers. Her demise symbolizes the completion of that prophecy and the conclusion of the Targaryens’ purpose in Westeros. Moreover, her transformation into a power-hungry ruler and the cautionary parallels drawn from Stannis Baratheon’s story further justify her tragic end. Ultimately, Daenerys’ death adds depth and meaning to the conclusion of Game of Thrones
