How Daenerys Redeemed Herself in the Eyes of Her Dragons

Daenerys Targaryen, the mother of dragons, won back the trust of Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion through a combination of emotional connection and leadership qualities. This journey is vividly depicted in Game of Thrones during her captivity in Meereen in Season 6.

Emotional Bond: The Heart of Reconciliation

A deep emotional bond has always existed between Daenerys and her dragons, which she nurtured from their very hatchling stages. Her genuine love and connection were foundational in regaining their trust after a period of estrangement and wildness during her captivity.

Demonstrating Control: Resilience and Leadership

When Daenerys faced her captors, the Dothraki, her strength and resilience were on full display. Her ability to emerge unscathed from the fire symbolized her Targaryen heritage, emphasizing her identity as the rightful mother of these creatures. This act reinforced her role as their leader.

Reunion: Establishing Authority

Upon returning to Meereen, Daenerys sought out her dragons, who had grown wild and unruly. She approached them calmly and confidently, demonstrating her authority and establishing her role as their mother. This reunion marked a significant milestone in their relationship.

Using Dragons Strategically: A Seamless Bond

Daenerys’s true bond with her dragons became most evident when she rode Drogon into battle. This act was not just a display of power but a profound statement of unity between a mother and her children. Later, she further solidified this bond by commanding her dragons effectively in battle, reinforcing her role as a capable leader.

Conclusion: Redeeming Trust Through Shared Experiences

The turning point in Daenerys’s journey was when she began to understand that trust is built through shared experiences. By facing challenges alongside her dragons, she reinforced their bond. Her moment of vulnerability, chaining Rhaegal and Viserion, highlighted her struggle to maintain control over both her dragons and her moral compass. This made her more relatable as a character.

Discussion: Deeper Emotional Connections

Many fans initially doubted Daenerys's ability to command the dragons, considering how she had nurtured them from hatchlings. The act of riding Drogon was not just a display of power; it was a profound statement of unity. Characters who display deep connections are more relatable and engaging. Moreover, Daenerys’s actions during critical moments, such as freeing the Unsullied and burning her enemies, solidified her role as a protector rather than just a conqueror. These moments were essential for establishing her authority and proving her worthiness as their leader.

It is important to note that there were moments when Daenerys’s decisions seemed reckless, like chaining the younger dragons in Meereen after Drogon killed a child. However, this internal conflict made her more relatable as a character. Watching someone grapple with their emotions, sometimes making mistakes, can lead to growth. The real turning point was when Daenerys reclaimed her identity as the Mother of Dragons, a culmination of all she had fought for.