Don't Mess with Daenerys Stormborn: Some Thoughts on Women in Game of Thrones
So, I just finished re watching season three of Game of Thrones and I have to say that Daenerys Targaryn just killed it this season. Like, seriously, it was the season of Dany. While everyone else is either being attacked by White Walkers or flayed alive, she's over in Essos taking over the world. I mean, at this point in the series, if you think that Dany is going to be murdered or drop off the face of the earth (cough, cough Gendry, cough, cough, Nymeria), you have to accept that you're pretty much wrong.
I love Dany in the books, but, thus far, I wasn't super impressed with her in the TV show. This season really changed that. The producers really went out of their way to make her completely awesome this season; they really gave the character a chance to prove herself as a leader. She shows brilliant strategy in Astapor (she really is much smarter than anybody gives her credit for). She steps into the role of queen so easily and she never doubts herself; she is a natural leader. Her self confidence is infectious, especially considering how young she is.
I love the scene where Ser Barristan is talking about how Rhaeger was the last dragon, and Dany says "I wish I had known him, but he was not the last dragon". Everyone counts Dany out because she's a woman, but the truth is, Dany does better than any of the five kings of Westeros any day. Even Jorah and Selmy, who are her most loyal supporters, are always questioning her and doubting her. Everyone underestimates her and she proves them wrong every time. Consider that the contenders for the rule of Westeros in the beginning of season three are: Stannis, who everyone hates and is mildly insane; Joffery, who's just plain insane with a touch of psychotic; Robb, perhaps the quintessential example of nice guys finishing last; and Balon Greyjoy, who can be described kindly as a curmudgeon.
So, basically, Dany is the golden child.
Which, is really refreshing. As far as I'm concerned, Dany is one of the strongest women on television, certainly one of the strongest women in any fantasy TV show I've ever seen. She's also romantically unattached for the majority of both the books and show. I like that because so often in fantasy women, even strong women, are defined by their relationships to men. Cersei, for example, is in a position to have a ton of power, but she is basically defined by her role as Joffery's mother and Tywin's mother and she can't rule by herself. Although Dany is married to Drogo and has an affair with Daario Naharis, these relationships do not define her. She stays true to herself and her goals above all things. She is first and foremost a Targaryen. If you prescribe to the Game of Thrones = Wars of the Roses theory (which I think is very apt), Dany is Henry VII, waiting over seas for a chance to seize the throne with single minded determination.
But, what's great is that she doesn't acomplish all this by ceasing to be female. She's not a warrior princess or anything like that (not that's there's anything wrong with that, go Brienne!), she's dainty and feminine, but that doesn't make her weak. I love her as a mother figure, she's so soft and lovable, but every inch a queen. The Mysha scene in the season finale really exemplifies that. That's part of what makes her so attractive, she wears armor, but it's on the inside, not on the outside. She's always calm and collected and unfailingly polite. The scene in the TV show where Daario Naharis comes in while she's taking a bath is a great example of this. He drops two heads on her floor and she doesn't even blink an eye.
That is a true queen of Westeros.
As I've stated in previous blogs, A Song of Ice and Fire is, among other things, primarily the tale of the Targaryen restoration. But, at the same time, in a more allegorical sense, it is also the triumph of a strong woman, against all odds, motherly love and strength of will above steel and brute force.
Also, her hair always looks great. Daenerys Stormborn for president!
Just sayin'
I love the scene where Ser Barristan is talking about how Rhaeger was the last dragon, and Dany says "I wish I had known him, but he was not the last dragon". Everyone counts Dany out because she's a woman, but the truth is, Dany does better than any of the five kings of Westeros any day. Even Jorah and Selmy, who are her most loyal supporters, are always questioning her and doubting her. Everyone underestimates her and she proves them wrong every time. Consider that the contenders for the rule of Westeros in the beginning of season three are: Stannis, who everyone hates and is mildly insane; Joffery, who's just plain insane with a touch of psychotic; Robb, perhaps the quintessential example of nice guys finishing last; and Balon Greyjoy, who can be described kindly as a curmudgeon.
So, basically, Dany is the golden child.
Which, is really refreshing. As far as I'm concerned, Dany is one of the strongest women on television, certainly one of the strongest women in any fantasy TV show I've ever seen. She's also romantically unattached for the majority of both the books and show. I like that because so often in fantasy women, even strong women, are defined by their relationships to men. Cersei, for example, is in a position to have a ton of power, but she is basically defined by her role as Joffery's mother and Tywin's mother and she can't rule by herself. Although Dany is married to Drogo and has an affair with Daario Naharis, these relationships do not define her. She stays true to herself and her goals above all things. She is first and foremost a Targaryen. If you prescribe to the Game of Thrones = Wars of the Roses theory (which I think is very apt), Dany is Henry VII, waiting over seas for a chance to seize the throne with single minded determination.
But, what's great is that she doesn't acomplish all this by ceasing to be female. She's not a warrior princess or anything like that (not that's there's anything wrong with that, go Brienne!), she's dainty and feminine, but that doesn't make her weak. I love her as a mother figure, she's so soft and lovable, but every inch a queen. The Mysha scene in the season finale really exemplifies that. That's part of what makes her so attractive, she wears armor, but it's on the inside, not on the outside. She's always calm and collected and unfailingly polite. The scene in the TV show where Daario Naharis comes in while she's taking a bath is a great example of this. He drops two heads on her floor and she doesn't even blink an eye.
That is a true queen of Westeros.
As I've stated in previous blogs, A Song of Ice and Fire is, among other things, primarily the tale of the Targaryen restoration. But, at the same time, in a more allegorical sense, it is also the triumph of a strong woman, against all odds, motherly love and strength of will above steel and brute force.
Also, her hair always looks great. Daenerys Stormborn for president!
Just sayin'
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