Madness and Greatness: A Deeper Look at the Targaryen Theme in Game of Thrones

In the world of Game of Thrones, the Targaryens have long been associated with madness, a topic that has sparked a great deal of debate and discussion. However, the relationship between madness and greatness among the Targaryens is more complex than it initially appears. This article delves into the deeper meaning of the 'madness and greatness are two sides of the same coin' theme in relation to the Targaryens and specifically, Daenerys Targaryen.

Understanding the Theme

The 'madness and greatness' theme in the Targaryen legacy is not simply an indication that half of them are mad and half are great. It is, instead, an evocative metaphor highlighting what it takes to achieve greatness: one must be willing to embrace what many consider madness. This theme is particularly relevant to Daenerys Targaryen and provides a profound commentary on her character development throughout the series.

The Explicit Introduction of the Theme

In the books, the concept of madness and greatness is explicitly introduced to Daenerys Targaryen in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. In A Dance with Dragons, a scene in Daenerys' VI chapter underscores this theme:

“I am no maester to quote history at you, Your Grace. Swords have been my life, not books. But every child knows that the Targaryens have always danced too close to madness. Your father was not the first. King Jaehaerys once told me that madness and greatness are two sides of the same coin. Every time a new Targaryen is born, the gods toss the coin in the air and the world holds its breath to see how it will land.”
Daenerys VI ASOS

This is the only time in the books where the Targaryens are explicitly linked to madness and greatness. The 'coin toss' metaphor suggests that the Targaryens are born with a chance to either achieve greatness or succumb to madness, but the weighing is left to fate and the world.

Daenerys: A Case Study in Madness and Greatness

Daenerys Targaryen's journey is a prime example of the 'madness and greatness' theme. Her decision to walk into a pyre to hatch her dragons was deemed mad, but it was also a daring and visionary act that set her on the path to power. Similarly, her acts of freeing slaves and attempting to change the world were seen as mad by most, yet they were critical for her ultimate greatness.

“No. He cannot have my son. She would not weep, she decided. She would not shiver with fear. The Usurper has woken the dragon now she told herself … And her eyes went to the dragon's eggs resting in their nest of dark velvet. The shifting lamplight limned their stony scales, and shimmering motes of jade and scarlet and gold swam in the air around them like courtiers around a king. Was it madness that seized her then, born of fear, or some strange wisdom buried in her blood?
Daenerys VI AGOT

Daenerys's actions frequently bordered on madness, yet they were also bold and pioneering. Her defiance of the institution of slavery, her determination to conquer Westeros, and her approach to the diseased citizens of Astapor all display characteristics of one who is willing to do what is considered impossible.

The Mythological and Historical Parallel

Further evidence of the 'madness and greatness' theme can be found in historical precedents. Aegon the Conqueror, often regarded as the greatest Targaryen, was initially maligned as mad for his plans to conquer all of Westeros:

“A bold plan,” Grand Maester Orwyle said cautiously when he heard it. Mushroom prefers “madness” but adds, ‘they called Aegon the Dragon mad when he spoke of conquering all Westeros.’” – Fire and Blood

Such examples show that being considered mad is not an entirely negative trait; it can be a sign of someone willing to challenge the status quo and strive for something extraordinary.

Conclusion

The 'madness and greatness' theme in the Targaryens is a testament to the delicate balance between bold action and societal norms. While some may label them mad, the Targaryens are also seen as great for their willingness to defy expectations and take risks. This theme, explicitly introduced to Daenerys Targaryen, serves as a powerful critique on the nature of greatness, challenging readers to question what they consider madness and what it takes to achieve true greatness.