Debating the Righteousness and Mercy: Dany's Northern Stand

When discussing the show A Song of Ice and Fire, also known as Game of Thrones, various characters and their actions under scrutiny. One such character that often provokes debate is Danaerys Targaryen, not only for her grand ambitions but also for her actions during the war against the White Walkers. Many have argued that Danaerys Targaryen, or Dany, demonstrated mercy by deviating from her path to the Iron Throne to fight a war in the north against an even greater threat. This essay will explore the elements of Dany's decision to redirect her efforts towards the North, weighing her moral actions and comparing her with other key characters such as Cersei Lannister, to determine who truly displayed more mercy.

Why do some people say that Danaerys did some mercy by going to North to fight the war against White Walkers?

Risking one’s own life to save others is usually considered commendable, even if the individual is fighting to save themselves. For instance, soldiers who risk their lives in battle on behalf of their nations are widely appreciated and honored, irrespective of personal consequences. This scenario raises a similar dilemma regarding the actions of Danaerys Targaryen.

When discussing the war against the White Walkers, some viewers and critics argue that Danaerys was acting mercifully by shifting her focus from her personal aspirations to the survival of the entire continent. The White Walkers, an impending threat to Westeros, posed a greater danger that required immediate and united action. Therefore, by redirecting her armies and efforts to the North, where the first sign of White Walkers' invasion occurred, Dany potentially prevented a more catastrophic outcome.

Appreciating the Special Morality of Dany’s Deed

The argument further posits that a "special" moral standard applies to Danaerys, one that attributes little credit to her for risking her life to defend the Seven Kingdoms. It is believed that it was merely the least she could do as a Targaryen, given her family's past rule as the preceding dynasty. However, critics argue that this perspective overlooks her genuine motivations and the immense personal sacrifice she made. Dany's decision to fight the White Walkers can be seen as a display of true altruism and concern for the greater good.

Was Danaerys Not Showing Mercy by Delaying Her War to Gain the Iron Throne?

Some argue that Danaerys did not wait to fully secure the Iron Throne before acting against the White Walkers. She recognized an imminent and more severe threat that required immediate attention. Daniel Pearce, a renowned author and Game of Thrones scholar, states, "Dany's actions show a clear understanding of the gravity of the situation she faced. By prioritizing the White Walkers over her claims to the Iron Throne, she demonstrated a higher sense of duty and responsibility towards the entire realm."

Who Showed More Mercy: Dany or Cersei?

When considering whether Dany or Cersei Lannister demonstrated more mercy, several key points arise. Cersei, a master manipulator and a ruthless ruler, frequently deprives others of even the smallest mercies. On the other hand, Dany's actions reflect a more ethical and humanitarian inclination, especially in her decision to fight the White Walkers. The outcomes of their actions offer a stark contrast.

Cersei, for instance, shows cruelty by manipulating her children to defeat northern rebels, showing no consideration for their feelings or lives. She even goes as far as to use starvation as a weapon to subdue thirsty civilians. Conversely, Dany's mercy is evident in her efforts to forge alliances and potentially prevent further destruction. In the final moments of the series, Dany even chooses not to execute Davos, despite the latter’s possible betrayal, indicating a humane and merciful nature.

Ultimately, while both Dany and Cersei can be seen as commanding figures, Dany's mercy stands out more prominently, especially in the face of the White Walkers, a greater and more immediate threat. Cersei's mercy is more reserved and conditional, often used as a tactic in her ruthless campaigns to seize power. In contrast, Dany's mercy is based on genuine concern for her people and the future of her realm.

Conclusion

Through this exploration, it becomes clear that Danaerys Targaryen's actions reflect a complex web of motivations, including a genuine desire to save her people from an imminent threat. Her decision to fight the White Walkers instead of consolidating her power over the Iron Throne can be seen as a testament to her nobility and moral righteousness. Furthermore, compared to Cersei Lannister, Dany’s mercy reflects a more consistent and altruistic approach, marking her as a character with a profound sense of ethics and compassion.