Daenerys Tarly’s Vision of a New Order: Breaking the Wheel in Game of Thrones

When Daenerys Targaryen utters the chilling phrase, 'I will make them pay, and I will make them suffer as they make others suffer,' she is laying the groundwork for a new order, one where tyranny and exploitation are no more. This is a pivotal moment in her character arc, as she commits to reimagining the world of Westeros.

Breaking the Wheel

In Game of Thrones, season 5, episode 8 (Hardhome) and season 8, episode 5 (The Bells), Daenerys Targaryen’s infamous declaration 'Break the Wheel' encapsulates her vision of a society that will no longer perpetuate the same cycles of tyranny and exploitation that have characterized the Seven Kingdoms. Dany is asserting her goal to create a more just and equitable world, one where power is not concentrated in the hands of a few but is instead distributed fairly among all people.

The Conflict: A New System vs. Old Masters

Daenerys’s broader vision involves a significant redefinition of what power means. In previous seasons, the rich houses of Westeros have consistently crushed the poor, forcing them into cycles of exploitation and tyranny. In episode 5 of season 8, Daenerys herself acknowledges that negotiating with the wealthy masters has gotten her nowhere. She believes that to truly liberate the oppressed, she must eliminate the very system that perpetuates this crushed status quo.

However, there is a clear paradox in her vision. She fights for the weaker and oppressed, yet her own desire to rule can be seen as self-serving. Some critics argue that her hypocrisy is evident, as she intends to conquer a nation and become its queen, thereby creating a new form of tyranny. This paradox is deeply embedded in her character and story arc, presenting a complex and multifaceted narrative.

The Ideological Battle

Daenerys’s ideology is rooted in the belief that there is no place for people who continue to adhere to the old ways in the new world she aspires to create. This approach is not dissimilar to the characteristics of a communist state, where the old order is abolished, and a new hierarchy is established based on the principles of equality and justice.

Daenerys’s philosophy also reflects her understanding of the cyclical nature of power. She aims to end socially unsustainable industries, such as slavery, which perpetuate cycles of exploitation and suffering. Yet, her own drive for power and control highlights a fundamental contradiction in her vision. By seeking to rule a nation, she continues the very cycle she seeks to break, with the ultimate goal being to place herself at the center of power.

The Misunderstanding of White Savior Complex

Daenerys’s actions reveal a blind spot in her understanding of the actual needs of the common people. By freeing slaves and leaving them in their home countries without the means to govern themselves or create new economies, she undermines the very principles of justice and equality she claims to fight for. This aligns with the concept known as the 'white savior complex,' where Westerners or those from more powerful backgrounds often view themselves as saviors, attempting to solve the problems of others without considering the broader context or long-term consequences.

Daenerys’s approach to governance and liberation is ultimately flawed, as it fails to address the root causes of oppression and exploitation. Her vision of a new world is based on her perceived righteousness and specialness, which may alienate the very people she intends to help.

Conclusion

As Daenerys Targaryen continues to navigate the complex landscape of politics and power in Game of Thrones, her goal of 'breaking the wheel' remains a central theme. While her intentions are noble, her actions and ideology often fall short of her stated ideals. Through the lens of her character, we see a thoughtful exploration of the challenges and contradictions inherent in seeking to create a more just society.