A Song of Ice and Fire analysis- Davos Seaworth & Stannis Baratheon

Davos Seaworth

Although his aren’t the most interesting chapters in my opinion -probably due to his close relations to Stannis, who is characterised to be the epitome of dull- I love Davos. I feel like GRRM wrote him almost as compensation for Ned’s death, and a representation of goodness, as I see so many parallels between him and Ned, as with his relationship dynamic to Stannis and Ned’s to Robert. He is incredibly loyal to Stannis and humble in character: ‘If I stayed a smuggler, Allard would have ended on the Wall. Stannis spared him from that end, something else I owe him’. Davos begins with a low sense of self-worth, and so is driven to proving himself to Stannis through loyalty. ‘Everything I am, I owe to him’. He is also motivated by his sons, and to a lesser extent, his wife, although, it has to be said, she is rarely mentioned. Davos will challenge Stannis and stand up for what he feels is right, particularly as the books progress:

 ‘You have given me an honoured place at your table. And in return I give you truth’.

Stannis Baratheon

Stannis has his own similarities to Ned Stark, in terms of his inability to neglect his sense of duty which acts as the basis of his moral codes. There are however, some stark (did not mean the pun) differences in reactions and decisions made in later books as Stannis becomes more desperate, maddened, and arguably indoctrinated by religion (to be fair, the red religion is unquestionably magical and powerful, if a bit grim).

Stannis as a King is an interesting premise, as he is truly indifferent towards the idea, simply acting on his sense of duty. He is, however, also biased by his resentment of Robert and the ways in which he has been overshadowed and underappreciated. ‘When have they ever loved me? How can I lose something I have never owned?’. His personality and character  are shown throughout and is well known, so I don’t feel the need to go into it too much, but I do love these quotes as I believe they sum him up well:

‘Make it Ser Jaime the Kingslayer henceforth,” Stannis said, frowning. “Whatever else the man may be, he remains a knight. I don’t know that we ought to call Robert my beloved brother either. He loved me no more than he had to, nor I him.”

On Renly ‘Fools love a fool’ grumbled Stannis, ‘but I grieve for him as well. For the boy he was, not the man he grew to be.’

‘I am King. Wants do not enter into it. I have a duty to my daughter. To the realm. Even to Robert. He loved me but little, I know, yet he was my brother. The Lannister woman gave him horns and made a motley fool of him’.

Their arc

Davos has more of an influence throughout the series than perhaps even he realises as he routinely acts as a moral compass, and truth teller amongst the council who- like all in game of thrones- pander to Stannis: ‘Davos had come too far with Stannis to play coy now. ‘Last year they were Robert’s men. A moon ago they were Renly’s. This morning they are yours. Whose will they be on the morrow?. ‘And Stannis laughed. A sudden gust, rough and full of scorn. ‘I told you Melisandre’, my Onion Knight tells me the truth’.

 Davos’ birth and low status impact his self-image, but he holds a significant influence over Stannis’ actions, and acts as a rebuttal to Melisandre’s council. I will love GRRM forever for being such an incredibly smart writer, and in writing their relationship, I love the instances like the above quote that act to parallel Ned and Robert, and yet clearly highlight their difference. Davos is not as black and white, not as ‘morally good’, not quite as hesitant to murk around in politically position he has been dealt. It is these traits that allow Davos to live where Ned didn’t, and stand him in better stead for the circumstances that led to Ned’s downfall- imprisonment, the risk of his children, protecting Roberts son, becoming hand, attempting to recruit people to Stannis’ cause.

‘I am a man. I am kind to my wife, but I have known other women. I have tried to be a father to my sons, to help make them a place in this world. Aye, I’ve broken laws, but I never felt evil until tonight. I would say my parts are mixed, m’lady. Good and bad.’ ‘ A grey man. Neither white nor black, but partaking of both.^’ (Melisandre)

 It also serves to show that Stannis is- for now- more just, less clouded, rash and impulsive than Robert. He can listen, and it is when he becomes so entwined in his anger, desperation and fanatical rage that he seems more likely to fail, or head towards the same fate as Robert. It is after the murder of Renly that Stannis reaches a turning point, a point of no return. He has broken his moral code, he has cheated, and he now truly subscribes to Melisandre’s prophecies. He is deeply haunted, and in the extremely unlikable event that he was to become King, he would be a shell of himself and what he stands for.

‘Only Renly could vex me so with a piece of fruit. He brought his doom on with his treason, but I did love him Davos. I know that now, I swear, I will go to my grave thinking of my brother’s peach.’

In following Stannis, Davos is subject to a lot of unpleasant truths that he attempts to avoid, avoiding his guilt by following the mantra that he will do what he can to stop future injustice. His story arc becomes a metaphor for faith and loyalty, and what we become when this is questioned or dark truths begin to unravel. ‘I… I am yours to command. What would you have me do?’ Davos can see the change is Stannis, and it is his will to continue believing in him that carries him forward- and a little bit of denial for the man he thought he knew (strong Ned/Robert vibes). He manages to make use of his influence on Stannis, convincing him not to let Melisandre come to war, for fear of the alienation the red religion will bring in Westeros. This results in a paradox of actions and feelings: Stannis condemns Davos and his later assassination attempt on Melisandre, and yet respects his loyalty, promoting him to hand. I believe that Stannis himself understands that he is wrestling with his actions, morals, and the Kingdom he wants to create; it is this that convinces him to keep Davos close, where he would have condemned others multiple times. He needs duality, he needs to maintain a sense of himself, and Davos is this guide. Even as this is happening, Davos is experiencing his own existential crisis’. He is changed by the death of his children, the stress of his situation, and the knowledge that even he cannot deny the power of the red God.

‘Ours is not a choice between Baratheon and Lannister, between Greyjoy and Stark. It is death we choose, or life. Darkness, or light’. (Melisandre). ‘My heart’, Davos said slowly, ‘is full of doubts’. ‘Ice and fire, he thought. Black and white. Dark and light. Davos could not deny the power of her God’.

I want to mention here, that these chapters are made more interesting than I remembered by the addition of Melisandre and a significant amount of prophecy being told to us through Davos’ lens. I have tabbed prophecy and want to look into it more when I’m further into my reread. Once I’m through my 7000000 Bran and Jon chapters, I’ll bring together all the prophecy and go on a deep internet theory hole of what it all means. Interestingly though, there is another touch of prophecy, told to Davos by Ser Axell:

‘Say what you will. I would never betray Stannis.’ ‘You would. You will. I see it in your face. And I have seen it in the flames as well. R’hallor has blessed me with the gift. Like Lady Melisandre, he shows me the future in the fire. Stannis Baratheon will sit the Iron Throne.’

Quotes like this and references scattered throughout to Davos being a turn cloak are likely less prophecy and more manipulation- people know his influence on Stannis- but I do think they foreshadow a turning point in Davos’ arc, maybe in the form of turning his back on Stannis and towards Jon. This is particularly likely, if and when, Stannis goes full Agamemnon and sacrifices Shireen. I love the Greek myth parallels, even as I loathe what they’ll signify.

Another interesting exchange between the two occurs when Davos’ loyalty is truly questions and he is becoming more reckless:

‘A desperate folly took hold of Davos, a recklessness akin to madness. ‘As you remained loyal to King Aerys when your brother raised his banners?’ he blurted’. ‘I would have it speak the truth. Through the truth is a bitter draught at times. Aerys? If only you knew… that was a hard choosing. My blood or my liege. My brother or my King.’

The decision to free Edric, and Stannis’ concurrent decision to raise him to hand signifies the extent of their relationship and influence. Melisandre understands this and it is dangerous for Davos.

‘What is the life of one bastard boy against a kingdom?’ ‘Everything’, said Davos, softly.’ (Some utilitarian/Kantian philosophy and existential crisis creeping up in their chapters).

And yet Davos stays. Despite his desire to leave, to be with his surviving sons and wife, to be away from politics, away from sorcery. Stannis is above all for him, is his God in a way after serving his ‘justice’, and Davos is one of the many characters in ASOIAF for whom duty comes above all. He is also one of many political figures who stay in the hope of making a small difference, making the terrible ‘less bad’ and doing their part to make a slightly more just world. It is Davos who influences Stannis to go to the wall, a well calculated decision that Davos does not give himself credit for. He is trying to distract Stannis from his fury, from his flailing morals, from Melisandre, and is trying to bring Stannis redemption, purpose and resources a clean way. He has an interesting influence on the story and prophecy, being the one to bring Melisandre and Jon together (despite the fact that he is then sent away by Stannis with the influence of Melisandre).

This sets up Davos for the next stage of his arc- he has more independence, more responsibility and more political power as he becomes involved with Manderley’s plot to find Rickon- and I’m assuming, he believes, Bran?- to the throne as King of the North. We end with Davos hesitantly gathering himself to go off to cannibal island, and Stannis stuck outside Winterfell, becoming startlingly close to Agamemnon/Iphigenia sacrifice territory. I think we’re setting up for the books version of the battle of the bastards, and there are so many exceptional plots in this story that I am EXCITED (assuming of course, that we ever get to read them hahaha). Looking forward to seeing Skagos and Davos’ future part to play in the story! I feel like he’s about to have a lot more interactions with major characters. Also, I got chills reading this part:

‘The north remembers, Lord Davos. The North remembers and the mummers’ farce is almost done’.

‘The young wolf is dead’, Manderly allowed, ‘but that brave boy was not Lord Eddard’s only son.’

Thank you for reading and please let me know your thoughts on anything I’ve said or anything game of thrones! I’m completely amateur at this and just doing it for fun, but I’m finding this reread by POV so rewarding and fun! There’s so much I’d forgotten and I love GRRM with all my heart.

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Daenerys Targaryen analysis (part 2 of 2)

A Dance with Dragons

Ruling Meereen

A Dance of Dragons sees Dany’s first taste of ruling in Meereen as she battles to carve her identity as Queen. It is clear that Dany has no interest in Meereen and its people once she has freed them. It is spite, stubbornness and a desire to prove herself that keep Dany here, playing as Queen in a city whose customs she does not know and does not appreciate: ‘I must don my floppy ears and become their Queen again’, ‘A crown should not sit easy on the head’. Dany is losing herself, which is reflected in her inability to control her dragons (who she subsequently locks up). She finds ruling to be boring and has little patience for her subjects:

 ‘You would think they might be happier, Dany thought. They have what they came for. Is there no way to please these people?’

This comes in spite of that fact that Dany has once again failed to implement policies to support the city. Dany has instead become somewhat of a white saviour symbol, and this is jarring for many readers who up until this point surely rooted for Dany to rule the Iron Throne. This is why I love GRRM, every single character is flawed and dimensional and real- our alliances and wishes as readers change frequently and at no point can I pin point exactly what will happen. It is when Daenerys challenges the cities customs, particularly banning fighting pits that she encounters deep hatred. She is kind and- I’m sure anyone now would say- right, but she is politically inexperienced. This backlash heightens Dany’s loneliness and uncertainty, as she begins to realise that her faith- her dragons- can bring her power, but not good leadership. She experiences imposter syndrome and a self-loathing which cannot be tamed by faith in her dragons.

‘Mother of dragons. Mother of monsters. What have I unleashed upon the world? A queen I am, but my throne is made of burned bones, and it rests on quicksand. Without dragons, how could she hope to hold Meereen, much less win back Westeros? I am the blood of the dragon, she thought. If they are monsters, so am I’.

I love the parallels to Jon at this point, in his own feelings of grief, doubt and isolation. I’d love to go more into them as a pair but it’s just so hard to get a good grasp on everything in these books because GRRM has written so, so much to be analysed! We really do start to see parallels to Jon and Daenerys story and experiences in the later books, and I think GRRM is beginning to show how Jon’s upbringing and influences have grounded him and primed him to potentially rule in contrast to Dany- he has become a remarkable leader. (Also, parallels to the connection to their animals and own wellbeing).

Dany becomes increasingly worn by this backlash, and dilutes her own morals as she begins to listen to her subjects: ‘It was blood the Meereenese yearned to see’. ‘If this is truly what my people wish, do I have the right to deny them? It was their city before it was mine, and it is their own lives they wish to squander’. Her doubt is worsened by her interactions with Xaro, who acts to develop Dany’s character. She is beginning to accept that she must change her ideals and leadership, but still lacks the knowledge and cannot find the place for the gentle ideals she upholds in the barbaric world she is part of. Xaro has disillusioned Dany and shattered the identity that she has been striving to achieve:

‘He was too eloquent for her. Dany had no answer for him, only the raw feeling in her belly. ‘Slavery is not the same as rain,’ she insisted. ‘I have been rained on and I have been sold. It is not the same. No man wants to be owned.’

 ‘A poor city that was once rich. A hungry city that once was fat. A bloody city that once was peaceful.’ ‘His accusations stung. There was too much truth in them.’

Daenerys is defensive and uncertain. At this point, there is significant foreshadowing and dramatic irony should Dany take the path of the show and die at the end:

‘You will only bring it destruction, as you did Astapor’.  ‘Do not close your eyes to your peril, Daenerys… ‘Have you forgotten? I have dragons.’ ‘That would make me very sad, my sweet delight… for young and strong as you now seem, you shall not live long. Not here’. ‘You have grown suspicious, Danerys. Always. ‘I have grown wise, Xaro’. ‘I am no butcher Queen’.

Marriage and proposal

There is definite growth in Dany’s character as she stops running for the first time and faces her doubts. Her decision to marry Hizdahr Zo Loraq marks Daenerys choice to rule seriously and show her respect for the customs and interests of Meereen’s people. It is in this dutiful marriage that Dany becomes truly disenchanted, similarly to Sansa and Cersei: ‘it may be that this is the best end we can hope for’. This is possibly the first time Dany has acted from duty rather than impulsion (of her own free will, not the will of Viserys) and here Dany’s actions are similar to choices Jon would make. I also enjoyed the contrast in Dany’s selfless decisions to Cersei’s current refusal to remarry (although I 100% would do a Cersei). Dany  is also learning- as have Sansa and Cersei- to use her beauty and perception as youthful/naïve to give her an advantage where she can. This is essential due to the sexism in this world .There are some nice Cersei parallels/contrasts throughout this book, particularly how Dany deals with the plague that infects her people in contrast to Cersei shutting out and hating the subjects of Kings Landing. Still, even this decision reflects Dany’s overall flaws; she decides to feed the dying despite knowing that she does not have enough resources for the healthy. This shows the contrast between Dany’s kind nature and actions, and her often poor judgement. Her fatal flaw is her desire to fix her wrongs only after it’s too late and has the potential to cause more harm.

Despite her sense of duty, Dany’s decision to marry is an unpopular one, particularly to Selmy, who tries to appeal to Dany by telling her that she is unwanted in Meereen but anxiously awaited in Westeros. The fact that Dany will not be convinced even after being compared to Rhaegar marks how lost she is at this point in time: ‘Prince Rhaegar’s sister has come home at last’. ‘If they love me so much, they will wait for me.’

It is at this point that Quentyn offers a marriage and alliance to Dorne. This is an exceptional opportunity, which Selmy tries to emphasise, but which highlights how stubborn and scared Dany is. She chooses to marry Hixdahr despite being told that the Dornish alliance is the key to ruling Westeros. Daenerys is at this point plagued by prophecy and mistrust:

‘Sometimes there is truth in dreams… The sun’s son. A shiver went through her. ‘Shadows and whispers.’ What else had Quaithe said? The pale mare and the sun’s son. There was a lion in it too, and a dragon. Or am I the dragon?… Dreams and prophecies. Why must they always be in riddles? I hate this. Oh leave me, Ser. Tomorrow is my wedding day.’

Selmy keeps trying, but she’s exhausted, defeated and in denial as to the significance of this opportunity. ‘One day I shall return to Westeros to claim my father’s throne, and look to Dorne for help… I may die before I see my seven Kingdoms. Westeros may be swallowed by waves. Come. It’s time I wed.’ Dany marries, yet admits to herself that she feels restless and overwhelmed. She is left full of regrets, having sacrificed so much to be stubborn.

I’ll also briefly (hopefully) mention here that Dany is significantly influenced by Daario at this point, whom she believes she is in love with. Daario manipulates and promotes Dany’s more impatient and ruthless qualities, and uses this influence to oppose Selmy’s council. Dany has never allowed herself to grieve Drogo, and compares Daario’s relationship to her marriage: ‘Daario had helped her to remember. ‘I was dead and he brought me back to life. I was asleep and he woke me.’ Selmy is frustrated by the careless way Daenerys acts around Daario (we forget she is so young) and dismays the influence Daario holds. This is evident when Dany suggests Selmy help her to find someone to ‘remove’ Brown Ben, a direction with which Selmy is very uncomfortable and Dany is uncharacteristically callous . ‘You are too honest and too honourable’.  This could be interesting foreshadowing for the relationship she will have with Jon and the contrasting views of opinion and action, leading to her downfall. Daenerys then asks that Quentyn accompany her to see the dragons: . ‘A flicker of doubt passed across the long, solemn face of Barristan Selmy. ‘As you command.’ Dany’s lack of trust is deepening and those around her are losing their grip on her actions. Dany listens to what Hizdahr says and compromises her own morals more as time goes on and she gets more tired. However, there is a scene in which she does at least forbid dwarves fighting without consent. I believe this is here to foreshadow how she might treat Tyrion.

Drogon and prophecy

‘When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east,’ she said sadly. ‘When the seas go dry and mountains blow in the wind like leaves. When my womb quickens again, and I bear a living child. Then you will return, my sun-and-stars, and not before’.

When Dany is finally reunited with and carried away by Drogon, she finally begins to grieve, relearn who she is and accept her nature. Drogon marks Daenery’s sense of self and helps her to remember:  ‘He is fire made flesh, she thought, and so am I’.

She feels physically ill and is burned following this journey, but Dany feels free and content: ‘Dany knew the lure of home’. She is hesitant at first, but gives in to Drogon and trusts him ‘On Drogon’s back she felt whole’. Drogon attempts to revisit Dragonstone, but seems to accept that Dany is not yet ready for this. He brings her back to Dothraki lands, and reminds her of the hope that she felt there:

 ‘Not since those half remembered days in Braavos when she lived in the house with the red door had she been as happy’.

I love this chapter so much and the way Drogon helps to reunite Dany with her identity. We feel as exhausted with and as Dany by this point and crave this point for her. She finally takes the time to delve into her psyche and remember what has brought her to this moment, abandoning her mantra ‘if I look back I am lost’. During this time, Dany dreams of Viserys, seeing and accepting the dualities of truth; she loves him, she recognises his terrible nature. Daenerys grieves the chaining of her dragon, and grieves the loss of Jorah. It is through a vision of Jorah that Dany decides it is time to look forward to Westeros. She again accepts that she is both angry at Jorah and ready to accept him back in her council:

 ‘Your War is in Westeros, I told you’. ‘Lost because you lingered in a place you were never meant to be, murmured Ser Jorah, softly as the wind. ‘alone because you sent me from your side’. ‘You are a queen, her bear said. In westeros’.

‘I was tired, Jorah. I was weary of War. I wanted to rest, to laugh, to plant trees and seem them grow. I am only a young girl’. ‘No. you are the blood of the dragon.’

This (Hamlet, Lion King, Jesus/God type exchange) solidifies Dany’s change, and let’s her move forward. She hears the bells of Kahl Drogo, smiles and recalls the prophecy. It is at this point that we leave Dany- hopefully for now and not forever (pls let Winds of Winter appear) and the Khalasar who have found her.  

This was an absolute ramble for no reason other than I love these books with all my heart and wanted to revisit them. I have so much more to say and there’s so much I’ve missed. I’d love to read any comments you have and any of your own theories or perspectives. Thank you so much for reading this!

Mythology/religion

I really don’t have the energy at this point to analyse fully haha, but my true love is mythology and I wanted to mention just a wee bit of the Greek myth references I’ve noticed- I’ve done a whole blog post on this before 😊. Again, I’ll have missed loads and would love to read your comments. I think Daenerys is intentional named (by GRRM) after Arys, due to the fact that character names often parallel their influences and personality- others are Arya/Artemis, Cersei/Circe etc. Dany was born of destruction and brings War wherever she goes. She- and Targaryen’s in general- is a symbol of the War and conquering.

I also think Dany parallels Aeneas and the Aeneid, but I would have to do a lot more research on this subject (I read this book a good few years ago now and don’t know how much of it I took in!). From what I have noticed: Dany’s protection from fire and disease parallel Aeneas protection given by the Gods throughout his journey. It is also similar to Jesus’s miracles, and the death of the pale mare in the Dany plague chapter definitely has some religious and mythological symbolism that I can’t fully remember. ‘The comet mocks my hopes, she thought, lifting her eyes to where it scored the sky. Have I crossed half the world and seen the birth of dragons only to die with them in this hard hot desert?’- religious symbols, doubt they are for her, doubts herself, feels fear. Similar to religious prophets.

Dany’s reasoning and purpose are also similar to my memory of Aeneas’; she strives to find love and peace yet battles between these personal wants and a desire to rule and immortalise her name- led by prophecy, destiny and family legacy. She wants to match Rhaegar (and Aegon the conqueror) as Aeneas tries to match the feats of the Trojan heroes and his Goddess mother Aphrodite.

The epiphany Hamlet vibes last chapter also reminded me of religious symbolism that I can’t place just now because my mind is frazzeled, and the epiphany’s that he has throughout his journey. Also, significance of the underworld!! (Really wish I had the energy to research all this properly!). Also, if I can one day be bothered, I’m definitely going to look at what the end of the Aeneid can tell us about Dany’s possible future, because I’m sure we still have a significant amount of time before Winds of Winter, never mind A Dream of Spring. I’m just going to end here with one more quote, which I have taken to mean we will see her and Jon meet sometime in the future:

 ‘Off in the distance, a wolf howled. The sound made her feel sad and lonely’.

Daenerys Targaryen analysis (Part 1)

A Game of Thrones

Identity and relationships

We meet Daenerys as a young girl enslaved by her brother’s words and abuse, yearning for some semblance of peace and home. ‘Dany had cried when the red door closed behind them forever’.

She has no interest in politics, as she believes will have no part in it other than as Viserys wife. She believes herself to be an object and fully accepts the word of Viserys. Her relationship with Drogo is therefore incredibly complex, as he signifies oppression and slavery, but also the beginning of her freedom. Crucially, he (in the books) is the first man to ask her permission and he never abuses her. I would argue though, that in the confines of this world, her lack of choice in the marriage negates this consent. Daenerys is given space and time whilst Khaleesi to heal and reflect on the words she has been fed. He complicated relationship with Viserys changes, as she loses fear alongside parts of her naivety and innocence, particularly after she becomes pregnant:

‘My brother will never take back the Seven Kingdoms’, Dany said. She had known that for a long time, she realised. She had known it all her life.’

In place of Viserys, Jorah becomes a confident and father figure, strengthened by Dany feeling his presence as a reminder of her ties to Westeros. Through this relationship and trust, he is subtly allowing Dany to realise the significance of her place in the West, as an alternative to Viserys. By the time of Viserys’ death, Dany is starting to associate herself with the dragon, something she never did before her role as Khaleesi. Dany struggles with her identity, and tries to create a sense of self by her collective, monarchist thinking. She doesn’t yet have her own desires, or when she does- a peaceful family life- she forsakes them for the sake of the Targaryen dynasty. It is clear that Dany has been pushed to believe in the Targaryen cause her whole life, as it plays a huge part in her outlook, yet she does not know this world, and it’s not something she herself cares about or strives for:

‘With Viserys gone, Daenerys was the last, the very last… She must not forget’.

As Dany searches for identity, Rhaegar’s legacy plays a significant part in her sense of morality and rational. She strives desperately to act in a way that would please one of the only relations she has who was perceived by the world as good, kind and fair. Jorah (and later Barristan Selmy) realise the power in this and use this urge to live up to Rhaegar to influence Daenerys. Dany begins to recognise and name herself heir, particularly after she has been hardened by the death of Drogo and her child. It is at the end of A Game of Thrones that Daenerys has accepted that she will return to Westeros by and for herself. Drogo’s funeral and the subsequent birth of her dragons also signify Dany becoming a woman, and it is at this point that prophecies become significant.

‘Viserys is dead. I am his heir, the last blood of House Targaryen. Whatever was his is mine now’.

 ‘She saw crimson fireflies and great yellow serpents and unicorns made of pale blue flame; she saw fishes and foxes and monsters, wolves and bright birds and flowering trees, each more beautiful than the last. She saw a horse, a great grey stallion lined in smoke, it’s flowing mane a nimbus of blue flame. Yes, my love, my sun-and-stars, yes mount now, ride now’.

Politics and slavery

In developing her sense of self and place in the game of thrones, slavery is very significant to Dany and themes of slavery can be seen early on:

‘There was no slavery in the free city of Pentos. None the less, they were slaves’.

Dany sees herself in people who experience the slavery that she herself has dealt with since childhood. Daenerys genuinely wants to help people, like Rhaegar did, and anti-slavery philosophies guide her strongly. It is also clear, however, that she has a very black and white view of freedom. She has never learned how to lead, unlike those primed from birth for royalty, and she does not yet think critically. This is evident in her sense of entitlement and heroism after helping Mirri Maz Duur:

‘Dany felt she could trust the old, plain-faced woman with her flat nose; she had saved her after all.’

Dany does not consider the hardships that Mirri Maz Duur has already faced and fails to consider the feelings of those she has ‘freed’. This is similar to Dany’s inner monologues and discussions throughout the books regarding other cultures. Dany often fails to consider the needs and desires of those that she is leading. She genuinely wants to help and wants to create a sense of family and community, but her privilege and entitlement are often her downfall, for example, the tragic result of blood magic used on Drogo.

Themes of ‘madness’ begin from this point in line with the significance of prophecy. From this point, Danerys often finds herself questioning her own sanity, and creates the mantra ‘if I look back, I am lost’.

‘Was it madness that seized her then, born of fear? Or some strange wisdom buried in her blood? Dany could not have said’.

It is not until later books, that Dany becomes more nuanced in these views, for example, the bloodshed evident in Qarth.

 ‘Is it only the plunder they see? She wondered. How savage we must seem to these Qartheen’.

A Clash of Kings

Identity and relationships

Grief is a prevalent theme for Dany, or rather, her refusal to deal with grief as she pushes on instead. Her relationship with Jorah is intensified as is her lack of self esteem and her doubt. Jorah reveals his feelings whilst Dany is vulnerable and her grief complicates things, as she values and feels for Jorah strongly as a mentor, friend and father figure (good old daddy issues). The revelation that Dany is now infertile- or believes she is- also impacts her deeply:

‘What man would want a barren wife?.. He can never have me, but one day I can give him back his home and honor. That much I can do for him’.

She almost feels that she owes Jorah love due to her own upbringing and abusive relationship with Viserys. Loss has permeated Dany’s life and she frequently recalls the death of everyone who has loved her. Feeling safe and loved is something that is extremely significant to Dany, particularly after the loss of Drogo, and she projects this by trying to support those around her, and a fierce desire to create a sense of home.

‘My great bear, Dany thought. I am his Queen, but I will always be his cub as well, and he will always guard me’. It made her feel safe, but sad as well. She wished she could love him better than she did’.

Despite her grief, or to deny it, Dany allows herself for the first time to imagine a life as Queen and to consider what this will mean.

‘I want to make my kingdom beautiful, to fill it with fat men and pretty maids and laughing children. I want my people to smile when they see me ride by, the way Viserys said they smiled for my father’.

Danerys desires are still not driven by her own interests, rather in the interest of living up to the Targaryen legacy. She strives to become a conqueror as a means of showing the world and herself what she can achieve. Dany has internalised Viserys stories, and has never questioned that their father was good and wrongfully accused. At times, her desire to live up to her father’s name and conquer drive Danerys until she becomes progressively more unattainable and difficult to council. These actions are very dependent on Dany’s self-esteem at the time, and it is when Rhaegar is the influence that Daenerys is more stable.

Prophecy and madness

Following the death of Viserys, Daenerys begins to consider the Targaryen stereotypes, particularly the rumours of insanity and darkness. These permeate her inner thoughts, predominantly after Dany experiences visions in the house of the undying. Dany becomes consumed by the prince who was promised and is certain that Rhaegar was meant to be the prophesised.

‘’Aegon’ he said to a woman nursing a newborn babe in a great wooden bed. ‘’What better name for a King?’’ ‘’He has a song.. He is the prince that was promised and his is the song of ice and fire’’. ‘’There must be one more’’. ‘The dragon has three heads.  She later says she’s certain it was Rhaegar.

‘’The shape of shadows…morrows not yet made…drink from the cup of ice… drink from the cup of fire… three heads has the dragon… child of storm…’

‘Yet even crowned, I am a beggar still. I have become the most splendid beggar in the world, but a beggar all the same. She hated it, as her brother must have. He must have known how they mocked him. Small wonder he turned so angry and bitter. In the end it had driven him mad. It will do the same to me if I let it’. ‘No, that is defeat. I have something Viserys never had. I have the dragons. The dragons are all the difference’.

At the end of book two, Dany has become significantly more lost and paranoid. The dragons are essential to her wellbeing, signifying her own faith and desire to keep going.

A Storm of Swords

Identity and relationships

Jorah continues to have a significant influence on Dany and play an important role, for example, she is concerned about Jorah’s judgement of Daario and her feelings for him. She feels safe with Jorah, and feels connected through him to Westeros and her brother. This is tainted when Jorah kisses Dany, resulting in her admittance to herself of the loneliness, isolation and weight that Dany is feeling. This power and influence is particularly important in the lead up to Dany’s ‘madness’ should that be the route GRRM goes down, after Dany finds Jorah’s treason.

‘I tell you truly, Daenerys, there is no man in all the world who will ever be half so true to you as me’. ‘No true knight would ever kiss a queen without her leave.. What Dany wanted she could not begin to say, but Jorah’s kiss had woken something in her, something that had been sleeping since Khal Drogo died.. Sometimes she would close her eyes and dream of him, but it was never Jorah Mormont she dreamed of.’

Jorah uses his influence to try and council Daenerys when she attempts to buy the unsullied with the involvement of her dragons: ‘Go forth and kill the weak? Or, ‘go forth and defend them’. Interestingly (to me anyway, hahaha) from this point, Dany’s inner monologues often appear to battle between using strength or kindness to rule. This could be marked as dramatic irony should Dany go on to treat Kings Landing similarly to the show’s depiction. Daenerys morals tend to become flimsier in times of desperation, and she grapples with how she should use her power. Rhaegar is again her port of guidance, and Jorah’s remarks significantly impact Dany:

‘At the trident, those brave men Viserys spoke of died beneath our dragon banners- did they give their lives because they believed in Rhaegar’s cause, or because they had been bought and paid for?’’ (Dany)

 ‘’Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought nobly, Rhaegar fought honourably. And Rhaegar died.’’ (Jorah)

Later, when Dany reflects on her decisions: ‘She felt desperately afraid. Was this what my brother would have done? I’m not religious and know religion is a sensitive topic, so I’m not going to say too much, but I would like to mention the interesting religious parallels that play out in ASOIAF. Dany could be likened to Jesus in her self-defined role in the prophecy. Following the vision (and the birth of her dragons), she truly believes in the three headed dragon, and that it is her fate to rule, and yet Dany often feels doubt in her own actions and place. Rhaegar acts as a Godlike figure to Dany at these times. Quaithe also appears almost as a religious messenger whenever Dany feels lost, guiding her towards her path: ‘Remember. To go North, you must journey South. To reach the west, you must go East. To go forward you must go back, and to touch the light you must pass beneath the shadow’.

I love the introduction of Selmy to Danerys world, and feel that he adds a more pure, less biased council for Dany than her previous relationships. Dany instantly loves and trusts Selmy for his personal knowledge of Rhaegar. She will, however, stop Selmy when she feels that he is undermining Dany’s Godlike vision of her brother: ‘Dany did not want to hear about Rhaegar being unhorsed’. Selmy provides Daenerys with a more nuanced perspective of the War throughout the books. He characterises Rhaegar as gentle and kind, a lover of song and stars, interestingly a contrast to the ‘ultra-masculine’ depiction of a successful ruler that Dany has been trying to take on. Selmy humanises Rhaegar:

‘Not sour, no, but… there was a melancholy to Prince Rhaegar, a sense of doom. He was born in grief, my Queen, and that shadow hung over him all his days.’

Selmy challenges Dany’s idea of Ned (key to future encounters with Jon). ‘Stark was a traitor who met a traitors end… Lannister or Stark, what difference? Viserys used to call them the Usurper’s dogs. All the dogs are just as guilty’ He tries to balance Daenerys black and white thinking as he tells her of Ned’s part in trying to stop Robert from harming her. He also understands that he may have an influence over Dany’s decision to go to Westeros. Throughout her time at Meereen, Selmy almost conditions Dany, telling her that Rhaegar would be proud whenever Daenerys leans in to her gentler instincts. He is used to dealing with Targaryen’s and provides almost a moral compass for Daenerys.

.Meereen was never your city, her brother’s voice seemed to whisper. Your cities are across the sea. Your Seven Kingdoms, where your enemies await you. You were born to serve them blood and fire.’

Prophecy and madness

Selmy is able to soothe and reassure Daenerys when she worries that she has the ‘Targaryen taint’: ‘Every time a Targaryen is born, the gods toss the coin in the air and the world holds its breath to see how it will land.’ Dany is able to confide in him and begins to feel safe to question Viserys perspectives. At this point, she is incredibly tired and frequently considers how Targaryen’s before her dealt with the burdens of ruling. Daenerys is lost and philosophical regarding the future she wants.

‘Was my father truly mad? She blurted out.’ ‘There is some good to be said of my father, surely?’. ‘There is, Your Grace. Of him and those who came before him… and Rhaegar. Him most of all.’ ‘I wish I could have known him.’ Her voice was wistful.’

 ‘All alone but for my brother. Viserys should have protected me, but instead he hurt me and scared me worse. He shouldn’t have done that. Why do the gods make kings and queens, if not to protect the ones who can’t protect themselves? ‘Some kings make themselves. Robert did.’ (Jorah) ‘He was no true King,’ Dany said scornfully. ‘He did no justice. Justice… that’s what kings are for’.

This isolation paranoia is heightened greatly when Selmy reveals Jorah’s betrayal. This is a pivotal moment for Dany, as she loses her friend and feels that her connection to Selmy has been tainted.

 ‘I was going to take you home! I should say the word and burn he two of them. Was there no one she could trust, no one to keep her safe? ‘Are all the knights of Westeros as false as you two?’ ‘They betrayed me. But they saved me. But they lied’.

The undying had said she would be betrayed twice more, once for gold and once for love.’ (I’m interested in thinking more about the prophecy when I read other POV’s. I do wonder if the once for love will be Jon killing Dany?)

Politics and slavery

Dany is disillusioned by the slavery, and injustice that she has come across, and her own trauma often results in Dany acting emotively rather than politically. One of the first things Dany does following the fall of Astapor is to abolish the custom of naming the Unsullied as slaves. She also frees the slaves within the city. These extremely well intentioned gestures are however not well considered, as Dany then fails to accommodate for the needs of these freed people. She cannot provide the city with money, education or laws. This becomes a common theme with Dany the conqueror and yet due to her privilege and entitlement, Dany fails to see her shortcomings.  

‘I gave them the city, and most of them were too frightened to take it’. ‘I told them they were free. I cannot tell them they are not free to join me’.

When Dany later attempts to free Meereen, Jorah advises that she should move on, due to the starvation and sickness her own followers are facing. ‘You cannot free every slave in the world, Khaleesi. Your War is in Westeros’. Dany is angry at this council, believing that failure to free the people is defeat. Daenerys is driven by kindness and a love for the children she sees suffering. Ending slavery is also important to Daenerys as something that she sees as part of her own identity, legacy and the carving of her own name and reputation within the Targaryen legacy. In freeing the city, Dany makes the decision to torture and kill the slavers, a decision which plagues Dany. ‘It was just. It was, I did it for the children.’  This marks the start of her making decisions as ‘Queen’ rather than Daenerys. Dany frequently battles her own kind heart and what she feels a ruler ‘should’ do, particularly difficult in a barbaric world where Kings frequently exude toxic masculinity.

 ‘Is this the face of a conqueror? So far as she could tell, she still looked like a little girl. No one was calling her Daenerys the conqueror yet, but perhaps they would.’

She is disillusioned by the end of ASOS, as her first time ruling does not elicit the hero complex that she strives for: ‘The widows will curse me all the same’. Dany is beginning to realise that her actions have consequences and that she is not yet equipped with the skills and knowledge required to rule. ‘All my victories turn to dross in my hands… Whatever I do, all I make is death and horror.’

My favourite tv programmes

Game of thrones

I started watching this programme just before season 3 came out and I just absolutely love it. I was so glad when it became so popular because it was getting hard to convince my friends to watch a programme that features incest and a child being thrown out a window in episode one hahaha. This show is so incredibly well written- it obviously went downhill after the writers ran out of GRRM’s book material, but even so I’ll forgive it it’s many flaws. The characters are so intriguing, well rounded and realistic (most of the time) and the fact that GRRM has no problem killing and torturing makes you root for the characters and watch in fear when your favourites are in danger. With the exceptions of Ramsay and Joffrey, there are no definitively ‘bad’ characters that I hate. The Starks are obviously the ‘good’ family that the audience can grow with and root for, but the Lannister’s are incredibly interesting. I don’t think I can pick favourites; I love them all. I also love the character development throughout the story, characters often lose what is essential to their makeup for example, (SPOILERS!:)

 Cersei’s constant fear of losing her children, Jaime his hand which represents his safety, pride and arrogance, Sansa her idealistic view of the world and so on. Jaime and his redemption arc (kind of ruined at the end by the writers but ah well) is a good representation of the extremely rich, well written arcs in this programme. Even the minor characters who I typically wouldn’t find interesting such as Tywin have depth to their character and an intrigue (made even better by the exceptional acting). The power dynamics and different geographical locations are incredibly interesting, and I love the politics (Littlefinger and Varys are amazing). I also love the fantasy elements and I think they are so well woven into the plot; this is a political, character driven story overall and I think that is so important. I was going to talk about a few of my favourite characters but in trying I’ve realised that I honestly love them all, it’s too hard. Most of my thanks goes to GRRM because his source material definitely makes the programme what it is, but the acting, costume design, special effects and so many things that come together make this an amazing programme. The writers made mistakes and I feel that the show would have benefitted from another season or two, but I’m happy they pitched the idea of a tv programme, or we might never have had the chance to watch this. If you were let down by the last couple of seasons, I’d recommend reading the books, they are absolutely amazing and don’t feature any of the issues within the tv show (such as the unnecessary horrific rape between Daenerys and Khal Drogo and Cersei and Jaime). The books also have time to add depth to the minor plot points and are so so intricate. I’m now going to rewatch Game of Thrones immediately.

Killing eve

This is such an unusual programme and the relationship between Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer really make it. The mystery and music are used so well to create an intense and intoxicating atmosphere that keeps you really intrigued. I think season two has been my favourite so far, but I love the different plot points and elements of focus that each season brings, as well as the ever-changing dynamics between Eve and Villanelle. The characters in this programme are amazing, I love Carolyn and Constantine, and I’m so interested in Villanelle and Constantine’s relationship. I don’t want to say too much about the show, I think it’s better to watch it not knowing too much but it’s so intriguing and very addictive (however, I do think it might be a love it or hate it type of show). This is also one of the rare instances where I’ve liked the programme better than the book it’s based on, the writers have developed the story so well, and the actors are exceptional (Jodie is the queen of accents). The fact that this is a female driven story that steers away from gender stereotypes and positively represents sexualities (this is a hard one to explain because the story is written in a way that promotes good gay and bisexual representation, however, Villanelles relationships or rather fixations are definitely not okay hahaha, I hope you get what I mean).  

Gavin and Stacey

I love programmes that focus on everyday events and ‘normal’ relatable characters that focus on ‘British humour’. The characters in Gavin and Stacey are obviously slightly characterised for humour but I relate to so many aspects of the events and both families are incredibly relatable (I agree with Smithy, food is not for sharing and I will always get my own hahaha). It is the ability to empathise with the characters that make this programme so funny and heart-warming, this is such a good programme to watch if you feel a bit down or in need of comfort. The Christmas special just reaffirmed how well loved this programme is and created a sense of community with everyone else watching. James and Ruth are incredibly good writers and extremely funny actors, what a skill to write a show where the title characters are the least interesting. I would love to hear from anyone outside of the UK who has watched this programme, I’d be really interested in how it comes across. 😊 p.s the catch phrases will stay in your mind forever, I find myself saying ‘Oh my Christ!’ constantly hahaha.

The Inbetweeners

This is another programme with this type of British humour, the caricatured personalities are still incredibly (and depressingly haha) relatable and lots of the joy of this programme is cringing at the misfortunates as you decide what character you are most like. I’ve probably seen each episode 20 times and I still find is so funny, I’ve never really watched anything from the same genre that lives up to it. I think my favourite episodes are maybe Caravan club, and Will’s birthday with the French guy.  I think I might be a mixture of Neil and Simon, but as long as I don’t become Jay I can deal with it.

Friends

This is the type of programme that I will always find funny and comforting, and I probably know 90% of the words to every episode. The characters are incredibly likeable (although I’m still not sure how to feel about being compared to Phoebe more than once hahaha, I think I’m her with a lil bit of Chandlers sarcasm and self-loathing thrown in) and it’s overall just a classic, I’m not even sure what to say about it because everyone has seen it! I think Ross is probably very underrated (although he does have many MANY issues), so many of his moments are the best (holiday armadillo, sandwich, english accent at uni, FRONT AND BACK), but I love every character. I also appreciate the minor characters, Gunther’s hair, Mike’s piano miming and Janice’s laugh will stay with me forever. I just rewatched Friends in order and strangely season one and ten are my least favourites. In saying this, I’ll watch any episode that’s on forever and feel instantly comforted.

Orange is the new black

I haven’t seen this since the final season came out, so my memory has faded a little bit, but this is such an incredible programme. I love the time that has been spent developing each character’s arc and creating everyone’s voice and story, and the way that the writer’s use the plot to highlight social justice issues. I would define this as a drama/dark comedy, and I think there is an incredible balance between each of these elements. This is another example of a tv show that I have enjoyed more than the book it’s based on (although the book is good), and it was such a good decision to move on from Piper’s story to represent the less privileged characters that make up the majority of the prison system. I have so many issues with the prison systems and justice system in general (particularly America’s, the gun crime and corruption between police officers and POC is horrific), and this programme does such a good job of emphasising that woman in prison are people before they are criminals, so many crimes are related to addiction and mental health issues, and the lack of rehabilitation and prison conditions are doing nothing positive to counter the cycle of deprivation and lack of opportunity. I would definitely recommend this programme to all and think it has something to offer everyone, please do be prepared to cry (although you will laugh lots too). 😊

Grey’s anatomy

This is a programme that I watched around two years ago and haven’t seen since, I’ve still to watch the last season but I’m really not in the place to be crying at 3am just now haha. This programme is not realistic, both in terms of the number of main characters to die horrific deaths and- as my nurse friend has informed me- examples of the medical treatments administered. My memory is a little bit fuzzy as to what exactly makes this so addictive (and has made me stay up until 5am on many a night), but I think it’s the interesting characters and melodramatic yet easy to watch plots that create an addictive combination (interestingly, I find Meredith incredibly annoying and yet that doesn’t put me off the programme). I think the earlier seasons are slightly more enjoyable as everything felt new and the many MANY character deaths felt slightly more realistic, and I preferred the programme before (SPOILERS!):

Sandra Oh left (I love her), and most of the main characters died or left the show. Lexie’s death got me most of all, that was one of the few that wasn’t spoiled for me and I SOBBED at 3am, that whole episode was so intense and haunting. I may eventually re-watch Grey’s (when I want to torture myself haha) and return to the crazy world. 😊

Honourable mentions:

Misfits– this programme is incredibly unique and funny, I love the black humour, characters, and crazy plotlines. The music in this show is also amazing, I created many an angsty playlist based on this show in my teenage years. I preferred Misfits before Nathan left (he was an incredible character), but it stayed original throughout.

Peaky blinders– this would probably be in my favourites, but it’s another show I haven’t seen for ages so I can’t remember much about it (and I haven’t seen the last season, please no spoilers). I really enjoy the suspense and atmosphere, I love a programme that can feel relatively slowly paced but keep me intrigued, and I of course love Tommy Shelby and the outfits. I will also always be thankful to Peaky Blinders for sparking my love of Arctic Monkeys (I’m starting to realise that music has a large part to play in my enjoyment of a tv show or film).

You– a good example of black humour, my old favourite. This is such an interesting concept for a show and every time I watch it, I binge it within a day. Somehow despite the incredibly annoying characters (Joe’s a psychopath, Beck is so irritating, and I despise Love), this is amazing. I think the characters are actually meant to be annoying to parallel society and reflect Joe’s perception (I hope so anyway because it’s quite a talent to write such intensely irritating characters). Based on this list I think I’m drawn to a good psychopath now and again.

Black mirror– another incredibly interesting concept, I love this programme. If you haven’t seen it, I will advise that it’s very dark and maybe not ideal for these crazy pandemic times haha, but it’s so so interesting. I also love that each episode is standalone (although that didn’t stop me from binging it), though there are little linking features throughout, such as that one song that comes up in most episodes. This was another show that made me look a bit like a psychopath when I recommended it to family and friends, given that the first episode really sets the tone with the prime minister/pig scenario (I actually think they’ve swapped the Netflix order so that that episode doesn’t put people off haha).

Girls/broad city– every so often I like a self-involved parody of twenty something year olds in New York. I really enjoyed watching Girls, however, I’m vaguely aware that there is controversy surrounding Lena Dunham and Girls has a number of issues, such as the lack of representation of POC in the early seasons. These characters are incredibly selfish and very unlikable towards the end haha, but this is almost the point of the programme and it’s well written. Broad City has the same humour and satirical vibe (sorry for saying vibe hahaha I can’t think of another word), but a far better representation of issues of feminism, racism and discrimination throughout- although it is predominantly a satirical comedy.

Vampire diaries– this is such a guilty pleasure; I haven’t watched this in a couple of years and I’m so tempted to rewatch it during lockdown. Elena is incredibly whiney, and Stefan irritates me (as do many of the characters) but there are surprisingly touching elements and I love the melodrama (I love Damon hahaha). I did stop watching when Nina left, I don’t think it was the same after this point. The programme has many problems but for its teen angsty vampire genre, it is not the worst I’ve seen.

Overall, I think my favourites are character driven, heart-warming addictive tv shows, with a few psychopaths and eccentric characters thrown in. I also like to torture myself with programmes that will make me cry at 3am. Please let me know some of your favourite programmes and feel free to recommend! Thank you for reading, I hope you’re well! 😊