Daenerys Targaryen's Strategy in Game of Thrones: Marriage for Control in Essos

In the fifth episode of the fifth season, Kill the Boy in Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen's strategy in Meereen reveals her complex desire to both rule effectively and secure her eventual return to Westeros as a legitimate ruler. This essay explores Daenerys's motivations for marrying Hizdahr zo Loraq and the strategic implications for her rule in Essos and beyond.

The Strategic Marriage in Meereen

Daenerys's Ruler Intentions: Upon taking the city of Meereen, Daenerys Targaryen faces the challenge of establishing control. She realizes that her power in Westeros depends on her reputation and influence in Essos, particularly in Meereen. Her journey to regain rule over the Seven Kingdoms is a long one, and Meereen serves as a crucial test for her leadership and authority.

Marriage as a Tool for Power

In the political landscape of Essos, particularly in Meereen, Daenerys employs marriage as a tool to gain leverage and establish her rule. The marriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq is not merely a personal relationship but a strategic alliance. This move is the first step in demonstrating her ability to navigate complex political situations and adapt to the needs of different societies.

Three Qualifications of the Marriage

Distance and Isolation: Meereen is geographically and culturally distant from Westeros. The lack of reliable communication and the absence of common traditions mean that the news and influence from Westeros are negligible. Hizdahr, a native of Meereen, is seen as an essential figure in consolidating Daenerys's rule. Targaryen Prestige: Daenerys's claim to the throne is bolstered by her dragons, her Targaryen lineage, and the sheer weight of her family's historical power in Westeros. She leverages this prestige to assert her authority in Meereen. Narrative Implications: The author, George R.R. Martin, suggests that Hizdahr's life is likely to end prematurely in the narrative. This foreknowledge allows Daenerys to manipulate the situation to her advantage.

By marrying Hizdahr, Daenerys is not committed to maintaining this alliance in the long term. Her primary objective is to stabilize her rule in Meereen, and the marriage serves as a means to that end. She retains flexibility in choosing tools for ruling, including the marriage, which can be replaced if necessary.

Daenerys's Concerns and Aspirations

Meereen: A Litmus Test: For now, Daenerys's focus is on Meereen. She is conscious of the fact that the Seven Kingdoms will not accept Hizdahr as their king. The citizens of Meereen, too, are unlikely to see Daenerys as a legitimate queen, citing her status as an uncouth barbarian.

In the book, Barristan Selmy advises Daenerys against marrying Hizdahr, stating, 'The Seven Kingdoms will never accept Hizdahr zo Loraq as king. No more than Meereen will accept Daenerys Targaryen as queen.'

Future Aspirations: Daenerys's ultimate goal is to rule all of Westeros. Therefore, her marriage in Meereen is a temporary measure to secure her immediate goals. Once she is ready to return to Westeros, she can leave Hizdahr behind and make new alliances, including marriages, as needed.

Leaving Hizdahr Behind

Daenerys's flexibility in her alliances is a testament to her strategic acumen. While she may choose to marry Hizdahr in Meereen to gain immediate stability, she is prepared to abandon this alliance when the time comes. The journey to Westeros demands that she remain adaptable, and her marriage in Meereen is but one step in a longer, more complex strategy.

Conclusion

Daenerys Targaryen's strategy in Meereen highlights her pragmatic approach to ruling. The marriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq is a tool for consolidating power and establishing her rule in Essos, a crucial step towards her ultimate goal of reclaiming the Iron Throne in Westeros. This essay has explored the strategic implications of this move and how it aligns with Daenerys's broader aspirations and the dynamics of the world of Game of Thrones.

Understanding the complexities of the political landscape in Essos and the strategic importance of the marriage to Hizdahr allows us to appreciate the depth and nuance of Daenerys's character and her journey towards the Iron Throne.