The Shocking Plot Twist That Completely Altered Daenerys Targaryen's Epic Journey in Game of Thrones

Summary

Game of Thrones' cuts to Daenerys Targaryen's arc had a negative impact on her story and ending, making her villain turn controversial.

The show failed to properly establish Dany's transformation into the "Mad Queen" as important details from the books were omitted. By incorporating Daenerys' prophecies and visions, it would have enhanced her character and provided greater depth and credibility to her motivations and actions.

Game of Thrones made several significant alterations to Daenerys Targaryen's storyline in the A Song of Ice and Fire books, which ultimately had a negative impact on her character development and ultimate outcome. Daenerys, portrayed by Emilia Clarke, was initially portrayed as one of the show's prominent heroes, which made her sudden transformation into a villain in season 8 surprising and highly controversial. Despite the passage of time throughout the series, there were criticisms that the show failed to adequately set up Daenerys' descent into madness, earning her the title of the "Mad Queen."

The conclusion of Game of Thrones was bound to be divisive, particularly when it came to Daenerys' story. If her destiny had always been to become a villain, there would inevitably be individuals who struggled to accept this narrative arc. However, the swift pace at which her transformation occurred in season 8 was a point of contention. It is worth noting that the inclusion of crucial details from the books, which were regrettably omitted, could have potentially improved the execution of her character arc.

Game Of Thrones Cut Major Daenerys Prophecies From A Song Of Ice & Fire

Daenerys Targaryen's narrative in Game of Thrones is fueled, in part, by a strong sense of destiny, influenced by several prophecies she encounters through visions or hears. A few of these prophecies were featured in Game of Thrones, such as her vision of being in the Red Keep's Throne Room in season 2, or her encounters with the enigmatic Quaithe during the same period. However, it is worth noting that the television series only scratched the surface of these concepts, as George R.R. Martin's books delve much deeper into the intricacies of her prophecies.

The House of the Undying sequence in Game of Thrones presents a stark contrast. While the show only depicted Daenerys in the Throne Room and meeting Khal Drogo and their son beyond the Wall, A Clash of Kings featured a total of 18 visions in this scene, accompanied by prophetic words. These visions encompassed various aspects of her past, including her childhood and the deaths of Viserys Targaryen, Mirri Maz Duur, and a mention of The Prince That Was Promised prophecy.

Similarly, A Dance with Dragons sees Quaithe returning to deliver more prophecies and warnings to Daenerys, which were not included in Game of Thrones. Among these, she directly urges Daenerys to "remember the Undying" and issues ominous warnings about impending threats and betrayals. The show likely omitted these prophecies to accommodate time restrictions and streamline the narrative. However, this omission leaves out crucial elements that establish Daenerys as a character deeply tied to her destiny and concerned about these prophecies, far more than portrayed in the show.

How Daenerys' Prophecies Would Have Improved Her Game Of Thrones Ending

Including more of Daenerys' prophecies and visions could have significantly enhanced her storyline in Game of Thrones. Firstly, it would have given greater weight to her unyielding determination to fulfill her destiny, as she had been consistently guided by these experiences. This would have reinforced her firm belief that she is destined to rule Westeros and justified her relentless pursuit of the Iron Throne.

Additionally, the inclusion of her prophecies and visions would have provided a clearer explanation for her deep-seated paranoia and lack of trust towards others. The consecutive losses of Jorah Mormont, Rhaegal, and Missandei, who were close allies and loved ones, would have had a more profound impact on her character development. If these tragic events were foreshadowed by the visions and prophecies she had received, it would have made her descent into anger and vengeance in the final episodes more coherent. Instead, the decision to exclude them from the narrative undermines the logic of her story arc in Game of Thrones.