Sansa Stark's Perception of Daenerys Targaryen: A Clash of Visions

The dynamic between Sansa Stark and Daenerys Targaryen is complex and evolves dramatically throughout the A Song of Ice and Fire series, culminating in a significant ideological conflict. As A Game of Thrones progresses, Sansa's opinion of Daenerys shifts from initial admiration to growing skepticism and ultimately mistrust.

Sansa Starks Opinion of Daenerys Targaryen's Leadership and Motivations

Throughout the series, Sansa becomes increasingly skeptical of Daenerys's leadership style and motives. This skepticism stems from her concerns about Daenerys's claim to the Iron Throne and her willingness to go to extreme lengths to achieve her goals. Sansa values the North's independence and is fiercely protective of her home and people. This deep-seated pride and dedication to the North puts her at odds with Daenerys's broader vision of unifying all of Westeros under her rule.

The Evolution of Sansa's Perspective

Sansa's mistrust of Daenerys deepens as the series progresses, particularly after the revelation of Jon Snow's true parentage. This revelation highlights the strategic differences between them. While Sansa's long-term goal is to ensure the safety and autonomy of the North, Daenerys's vision encompasses a larger realm under her iron rule. The tension between these visions comes to a head during the final season of the series, leading to a significant conflict between the two characters.

The Underlying Causes of the Conflict

Ironically, Sansa initially desired to be in the South, seeing it as a sophisticated and glamorous place where everything happened. However, her experiences in the South and the Vale of Arryn taught her the value and pride of her North. When she met Daenerys, Sansa's immediate goal was to win the war against the impending threat of the Army of the Dead, but her longer-term strategy was to ensure the survival of the North through the oncoming long winter.

Daenerys, on the other hand, was driven by her ambition to claim the Iron Throne. This goal was in direct opposition to Sansa's desire to protect the North's existence. Daenerys's lack of concern for the day-to-day necessities of her subjects, such as obtaining food or enduring winter, contrasts starkly with Sansa's pragmatic approach.

When Daenerys took action that could have been seen as pragmatic, like showing that she had figured things out, it reinforced Sansa's skepticism. For instance, when Daenerys involved Gendry in her plans, the move was more about demonstrating that she had the wherewithal to handle leadership challenges rather than genuinely considering the welfare of the North. Sansa was unimpressed with these actions, further solidifying her guarded and often distrustful stance towards Daenerys.