One of the main problems with ‘Game of Thrones’ for years has been Daenerys Targaryen‘s evolution from a liberator to the “Mad Queen”. The series suggested her darker side, but many viewers felt she was brought out of the woods too soon.
Now, ‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 has unwittingly brought that discussion back into the fold by showing us another dragon queen’s invasion of King’s Landing. However, in a much more controlled fashion.
Rhaenyra Wins The Throne Without Destroying King’s Landing In ‘House of the Dragon’
The much-anticipated victory of Rhaenyra Targaryen over the capital does not negate the ending of ‘Game of Thrones’. However, it is a fascinating contrast that shows what many felt was lacking in Daenerys’ final episode.
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‘House of the Dragon’ season 3 sees Rhaenyra finally take over King’s Landing when she makes a deal with Alicent Hightower, and the city can be entered with minimal resistance. The takeover is mostly peaceful.
Despite regaining the Iron Throne, Rhaenyra doesn’t seek revenge. She eventually beheads Otto Hightower to his death. However, it is not an outburst of emotion, it’s a political decision. It’s a measured response, a reflection of a ruler who has maintained a balance between justice, optics, and responsibility, amid so many personal losses.
That measured triumph inevitably brings to mind the destruction of King’s Landing and Daenerys’ doomed campaign, which ended in a measured defeat.
Rhaenyra’s Rise To Iron Throne Exposes The Biggest Flaw In Daenerys’ ‘Game Of Thrones’ Ending
One of the most polarizing character arcs in television history is Daenerys’ fall. Over eight seasons, she struggled to free slaves, forge alliances, and seize her family’s throne. However, in the final episodes of the show, she suddenly massacred civilians after being a clear winner in the battle, and was killed by Jon Snow shortly after.
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It didn’t have to be the whole Daenerys falling victim to power and grief thing. The pacing was a big issue for many fans. As her last few episodes approached, her emotional breakdown happened so rapidly that it seemed to be unrelated to her well-developed character arc.
‘House of the Dragon’, on the other hand, allows Rhaenyra a chance to deal with these pressures without giving up her humanity. It’s unclear what the rest of her journey will be like. However, her ascension to the Iron Throne proves that a Targaryen monarch can come to the throne without being as destructive as Daenerys.
That distinction is hard for many long-time ‘Game of Thrones‘ fans to miss. It may be the closest HBO has come to showing how another version of that final victory could have looked.
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