Is Daenerys Queen Fit for the Iron Throne? A Critical Analysis

The recent events in Season 8, Episode 4 of Game of Thrones raised profound questions about Daenerys Targaryen's suitability to sit on the Iron Throne. Many critics argue that she is a tragic hero turned villain, but is there more to the story? This article delves into why Daenerys might be unfit for the monarchy, the implications of her rage and the impact of her council's decisions.

Why Daenerys is Unfit for the Throne

Daenerys Targaryen is a character who embodies righteousness and a strong sense of justice. However, her noble ideals often clash with the harsh realities of governance. As the Queen of Meereen, she finds herself facing a myriad of challenges that she is ill-equipped to handle. The need to compromise her ideals in pursuit of peace with the slave masters of Astapor and Yunkai is a difficult pill to swallow. This relentless need to balance justice with political pragmatism is something that even the most well-intentioned leaders struggle with. The lords of Westeros, while not necessarily evil, are predominantly selfish, making their cooperation nearly impossible. Daenerys would likely find herself at odds with them, leading to endless conflicts.

The Protector of the Realm vs. Civil Governance

The role of the Protector of the Realm, as opposed to the actual civil governance, is more aligned with Daenerys' strengths. Unlike the Iron Throne, which demands a blend of political savvy and personal sacrifice, the Protector of the Realm focuses on defense and security. This role aligns more closely with Daenerys' inherent strengths and would be less demanding of her personal integrity. She could use her dragon's power to defend the realm without the need to rule over it directly.

The Brutal Reality of the Throne

The climax of the episode sees Daenerys sitting on the Iron Throne, an image that signifies her ultimate victory yet is also chillingly fraught with violence. The rage that encompasses her as she does so would melt the very earth to molten slag. While this would be a thrilling spectacle, it is unlikely to garner support. This ending is not as captivating as Jon's steady but unspectacular rule, leading to a lackluster conclusion.

Daenerys' Stubbornness and In-Character Inconsistencies

Daenerys is known for her stubbornness, a trait that serves her well in battle but hinders her in governance. Despite the common masses supporting her, her actions still result in the sufferings of the innocent. Her council, composed of individuals like Tyrion and Varys, who advocate the right course of action, are often sidelined or ignored. The council's recommendations are often dismissed, leading to disastrous decisions. For instance, Sansa's sensible suggestion for the army to recover is met with a lack of detailed planning and an unrealistic timeline. This council's role is crucial in providing the right perspective, which Daenerys often lacks due to her raging emotions.

Dany's vision of burning Red Keep to the ground to claim the throne seems out of character. Such an act would indicate a complete disregard for the lives of innocent civilians, which is a far cry from her initial noble aspirations. The show's depiction of her council as a bunch of fools only exacerbates the issue, making her death by conspiracy seem inevitable. Despite the urgency, she engages in lengthy discussions about the next course of action, which, while noble, ultimately fails to produce a viable strategy.

The Final Council Meeting

The council meetings reveal a stark contrast between Daenerys' desires and the practicalities of war. The council suggests a surgical strike, a rationale that seems more akin to wishful thinking than a sound strategy. Tyrion, despite his intelligence, underestimates Cersei and fails to recognize the severity of her threats. The council's inability to provide concrete plans and only wishful thinking is a clear sign of their own shortcomings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Daenerys Targaryen, despite her noble intentions and powerful abilities, is not well-suited for the role of monarch. Her insistence on unyielding justice often hampers her ability to govern effectively. The Iron Throne, with its demands for compromise and political acumen, is a role she struggles to play. A role that allows her to focus on defense and security, such as the Protector of the Realm, would be more in line with her strengths. The tragic ending of the show leaves one to ponder the futility of power, especially when it is wielded with righteousness but without the wisdom to govern.