Understanding Daenerys: Beyond Mad or Grieving

Daenerys Targaryen, the character from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series and its TV adaptation, Game of Thrones, has often been a subject of much debate among fans and critics alike. Is she truly mad or is she just angry and grieving? This article explores the nuances of her character and actions, providing a deeper understanding of her motivations and the moral complexities of her decisions.

The Case for Daenerys as Mad or Grieving

The argument that Daenerys is merely grieving and that her actions, such as burning King's Landing, are the result of extreme loss, is a common defense among fans. The series portrays her as a character who has experienced a myriad of traumas, from the death of her father and the murder of her husband to the suffering of her dragons and the betrayal at the hands of Khal Drogo's warriors. For these victims of violence and treachery, many argue, Daenerys is justified in seeking vengeance and the destruction of her enemies.

However, the premise that her actions are solely a reaction to loss and grief is flawed.

The Fallacy in the Grief Defense: A Critique

Let’s delve into the reasoning behind why this defense is inadequate. Grief, while often overwhelming and irrational, does not automatically justify extreme and potentially criminal acts of destruction. Every monarch, even those who have faced significant loss, must be able to maintain a calm and discerning approach to governance. In the narrative, we see cases where other characters who have experienced loss handle it differently. For instance, Robb Stark, who lost his father and brother during the war, did not take it out on an unrelated village but instead controlled his reaction and focused on more strategic objectives.

Another example is Jaime Lannister, who lost a hand but rather than seeking immediate vengeance against Stannis Baratheon (who had maimed him), he focused on punishing Vargo Hoat, who was responsible for Jaime's maiming.

Ned Stark, having lost his brother, father, and sister, did not respond with violence or immediate retribution towards the enemies he faced. His actions were guided by a sense of justice and honor, not grief.

These examples illustrate that reaction to loss does not automatically justify extreme violence.

Daenerys: Intentions and Justifications

Daenerys herself provides insight into her motives. Throughout the series, she frequently emphasizes that she burns King's Landing not because of grief, but because she believes the people of King's Landing deserved it for not welcoming her properly. She compares King's Landing to Meereen, where she was welcomed with open arms, and contrasts this with the lack of hospitality she experienced in King's Landing.

In a pivotal scene, Daenerys pitches her state of mind as rational rather than sentimental. She states, The people of King's Landing did not open their gates to me. They were given a chance, and they chose to remain locked in fear, doing nothing. So, they deserve what they get. This statement clearly indicates that Daenerys' actions were premeditated and not the result of an emotional breakdown.

Conclusion: A Monarch's Responsibilities

Ambition and loss can and do push individuals to their limits, but a true ruler should be able to control these impulses and make decisions rationally. If Daenerys was genuinely an able ruler, she would be able to distinguish between a reasonable reaction to loss and the indiscriminate destruction of a city. Failing to do so would not only damage her rule but also place the lives of her subjects in peril.

Thus, while Daenerys has faced immense loss, her use of violence is not a natural and understandable reaction to grief but a choice driven by power and vengeance. This differentiation is crucial in understanding the complexities of her character and the moral implications of her actions.