Why Didn't Daenerys Sail Back to Essos When She Realized No One Loved Her in Westeros?

Daenerys Targaryen, a complex and multifaceted character from the hit HBO series A Song of Ice and Fire, made the choice not to sail back to Essos after realizing her isolation and lack of support in Westeros. This decision was deeply ingrained in her sense of duty, ambition, and the tragic flaws that defined her character. Let's delve into the reasons behind her choices:

Desire for Power and Legacy

Daenerys was driven by an unquenchable thirst for power and the establishment of her legacy. Her return to Essos would have meant abandoning her quest for the Iron Throne and the dream she had nurtured for so long. The Game of Thrones delves into her relentless pursuit of power, which was a central theme throughout her journey. In contrast, the books, as authored by George R.R. Martin, highlight her genuinely altruistic motives. Her chapters in A Song of Ice and Fire reveal that she was initially focused on finding a safe haven, like the house with the red door, rather than the Iron Throne. However, as the series progresses, her desire for control and her ambition grow, leading her to a more complex and less benevolent character.

Isolation and Paranoia

As the series progressed, Daenerys became increasingly isolated and paranoid. Her belief that she was destined to rule made her resistant to the idea of retreat. Instead, she saw herself as the only one capable of bringing change to Westeros. This isolation and paranoia were not just a result of her character's development on screen, but also reflected the darker, more realistic portrayal in the books. Her vision of herself as a savior was fueled by her sense of duty and her belief in her unique ability to bring about a better future for Westeros. The books explore her psychological state in more depth, showing how her belief in her divinity and her crusade against injustice drove her further from Essos.

Loss and Betrayal

The deaths of key allies and the feeling of betrayal by those she trusted, such as Jon Snow and Missandei, contributed to her sense of being cornered. These painful experiences, both on the show and in the books, fueled her determination to assert her power rather than retreat. Her personal losses and the feeling of being let down by the very people she thought she could trust were pivotal in shaping her character's decisions. In the books, her relationships with these characters are more nuanced and less idealized, which adds depth to her character's struggles and justifies her more resolute actions.

Sense of Duty and Connection to Dragons

Daenerys felt a strong sense of responsibility to the people of Westeros, especially those who had supported her. She believed that her vision for a better world was worth fighting for, even at the cost of her personal happiness. This sense of duty was further reinforced by her deep connection to her dragons. Her bond with Drogon symbolized her connection to her identity and power. Leaving Westeros would have severed that connection, making it difficult for her to relinquish her claim to the throne. The books delve into her emotional bond with her dragons, showing how they played a crucial role in her identity and her resolve to conquer the Seven Kingdoms.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Daenerys' choices were shaped by her complex character arc, highlighting themes of ambition, isolation, and the struggle for identity in a world marked by conflict and betrayal. The Game of Thrones TV series and the books by George R.R. Martin offer different perspectives on her character, but both reveal a deeply nuanced and flawed figure. While the series presents a more dramatic and emotional character, the books provide a more realistic and psychologically grounded portrayal, enriching our understanding of her motivations and decisions.