The Unveiling of a Hero: Daenerys Targaryen's Journey in A Song of Ice and Fire

As an avid reader ofA Song of Ice and Fire, particularly through the eyes of Arya Stark, I never harbored doubts about who the true hero of the series would be. Initially, my expectations were shaped by a mix of familiarity and skepticism regarding Daenerys Targaryen. I admit, I never envisioned Daenerys as the ultimate hero, nor did I believe her to end up with Jon Snow. However, as the books unfolded, my perspective began to shift, driven by a series of pivotal moments and revelations.

Unveiling the Mysteries

The series began with two significant enigmas: the parentage of Jon Snow and the identity of the nameless criminal in the Black Cells of the Red Keep. Both these mysteries were intricately linked to Ned Stark and Arya Stark, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Ned Stark, burdened by memories of the Sack of King's Landing and filled with a sense of duty to his sister, Lyanna, was instrumental in setting off these mysteries.

Arya Stark, portrayed as a resilient and determined young woman, played a crucial role in these narratives. Her bond with Jon, her protector and love, as well as her friendship with Jaqen H'ghar, led to a series of unimaginable events. These relationships and adventures in places like Harrenhal and Braavos highlighted the significance of these characters beyond just the main narrative.

Daenerys Targaryen: The Known Unknown

Daenerys, on the other hand, remained a known variable from the beginning. Her identity was clear, but her role in the forthcoming events always appeared to be a source of intrigue. I thought knowing her identity from the start would make her a less impactful hero. George R.R. Martin, the author, did not seem inclined to give the protagonist status to one who was so clearly part of the plot from the outset.

The books hinted at Daenerys' eventual role as a hero, although I always thought that the ultimate victory against the Others would involve less of a direct starring role for her. Instead, I believed she would die in battle, fail to win the throne in a bid for power, or abandon her ambitions for love. Even the portrayal of her in the first book, where she talks about her childhood at Dragonstone and the burning city of King's Landing, could be interpreted in multiple ways: as a dance of dragons or a loss of home and the ancient heritage.

The Unexpected Revelation

It was Arya's perspective that shaped my interpretation of the story. I felt she was the central figure, her adventures in Harrenhal and Braavos, and her relationships with Jon Snow and Jaqen H'ghar were the most profound. However, even as I acknowledged Daenerys' importance, I never truly believed that she would be the preferred hero or that she and Jon would rule together. My belief in her true role as a hero began to shift after Alan Taylor, the creator of the HBO adaptation, revealed that George R.R. Martin had explicitly stated they were about Dany and Jon.

"When we were shooting Season 1 and no one had seen the show yet, we were in Malta," Alan Taylor remembered. "Back then, there was not a lot of secrecy because nobody was paying attention. George R.R. Martin came to visit, and he was being quite open about his plans. He mentioned something along the lines of, 'It really is all about Dany and Jon.' I was surprised because at the time, I thought well, Robb Stark’s going to be king next, or who knows where this story is going. But it was absolutely clear to him that within this sprawling scale, the whole story was coming down to this partnership."

This revelation brought my journey to a pivotal point. Despite Martin's statement, I still believe that the show was more influenced by Taylor's interpretation of the narrative. The books and the show remain distinct, with the latter sometimes deviating from the former's original intentions.

Conclusion

In retrospect, my skepticism about Daenerys Targaryen as a hero stemmed from my deep familiarity with the books and the expectations they set. Yet, the tapestry of events, the intricate character arcs, and the strategic alliances of the characters in the series gradually led me to reconsider my initial perceptions. Whether through Arya's adventures or Daenerys' growing influence, the story of A Song of Ice and Fire continues to unfold with a richness that keeps readers engaged and questioning the true nature of the hero.