The Consequences of Daenerys Targaryen Burning the Red Keep in Game of Thrones

In a pivotal decision that shifts the course of events, imagine Daenerys Targaryen marching into the Red Keep of King's Landing and instead of waiting to defeat the Night King, she opts to burn the castle and order the city to surrender immediately. This strategic choice would change the dynamics of the Seven Kingdoms, leading to various outcomes that could have shaped the series in unexpected ways.

Short-Term Consequences

From a short-term perspective, the immediate repercussions of Daenerys burning the Red Keep would be drastic. Cersei Lannister, fearing for her life, would likely die in the fire or be swiftly dealt with. This would allow Daenerys to claim the Iron Throne with relative ease. The fire, being indiscriminate, would ravage much of King's Landing, making it a matter of time before the city is reduced to ruins. The Westerlands, though resistant, would eventually fall in line, as their loyalty to the Lannisters wanes in the wake of their leader's death. However, this period of resistance would be brief, and the consequences for the North, Vale, and beyond would follow suit.

Long-Term Consequences

The long-term ramifications would be far more complex and potentially catastrophic. Assuming the war with the White Walkers is won, Daenerys would likely face significant backlash. People might view her as a brutal foreign invader, a potential Mad King 2.0, or both. These perceptions would lead to a vicious cycle where she responds with even more heavy-handedness, leading to a popular rebellion or her assassination by key characters such as Varys, Arya Stark, or even Jon Snow if he turns on her. This would create a reactionary pattern where Daenerys' rule would be short-lived and turbulent.

Alternative Scenario: Immediate Conquest of King's Landing

If Daenerys had chosen to burn the Red Keep and conquer King's Landing from the outset, several critical factors would have changed the trajectory of the series:

Three Grown Dragons for the Attack: Instead of waiting, Daenerys would have three fully grown dragons at her disposal for the attack against the Night King. This would amplify her power and presence, making her victory over the White Walkers quicker and more decisive.

Less Defense to Overcome: With the Red Keep destroyed, King's Landing would have fewer defensive structures to contend with, making the overall resistance less formidable.

Financial Allies Remain Unscathed: Her financial allies, such as Highgarden and Dorne, would have survived the attack, ensuring a stable financial base that could support her long campaign.

With these strategic advantages, Daenerys would be in a much stronger position to unify the Seven Kingdoms. People would be more inclined to support a peaceful tyranny rather than a constant state of war. This could have seen her rise to the throne without the need for a protracted and violent conquest.

Impact on Other Characters and Events

The immediate impact on other key characters would also be significant. When Daenerys takes the throne immediately, several events would be prevented or altered:

No Adventure North of the Wall: Daenerys would have no pressing need for Jon to lead her forces beyond the Wall. This would save lives and resources that could be used elsewhere.

Financial and Military Support: The Golden Company, ship-mounted scorpions, and Varys' support would remain on her side, giving her a more robust network to support her campaign.

No Messandrie DEATH: The key character, Messandrie, would survive, providing valuable intelligence and support for Daenerys' forces.

Lord Friendzone's Survival: If such a person exists, he would likely remain alive, adding to her strategic advantage.

Additionally, with three fully grown dragons, Sansa Stark and Jon Snow would be more likely to bend the knee, and Winterfell could be more easily controlled, further solidifying Daenerys' position.

Ultimately, this alternative scenario presents a more cohesive and manageable path to Daenerys' rule, with fewer complications and a more straightforward rise to the Iron Throne. The consequences of her decision to burn the Red Keep would ripple through the series, reshaping the events and characters in ways that offer a unique and compelling narrative.