Will Daenerys Die in the Books?

For those eagerly awaiting the conclusion of George R. R. Martin's monumental epic, A Song of Ice and Fire, the fate of Daenerys Targaryen remains a top priority. In the television series, Daenerys's end was a shock to many, leaving fans asking the question: will Daenerys die in the books, and if so, in how many ways can her character arc be fulfilled?

Daenerys's Current State in the Books

As of the completion of A Dance With Dragons, Daenerys is still alive, albeit in a tenuous state. She finds herself in the Dothraki Sea, likely facing a formidable challenge. The books have several years before their completion, and George R. R. Martin has not yet concluded the series. However, the show's portrayal has already surpassed what the books have presented, setting up many of the major events that will likely mirror the show's ending.

Daenerys's Character Arc and Fate

Daenerys's journey has been one of transformation, from a vulnerable Khaleesi to a formidable queen, and ultimately to a cruel and merciless leader. If George R. R. Martin chooses to continue the series, he will have to address how her character evolves in the final books. Many speculate that Daenerys's fate in the books will be more nuanced than in the show, which saw her becoming a villain at the narrative's end. For instance, she is highly unlikely to face Cersei Lannister directly but will instead confront another major antagonist,?

Facing Fallback

The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring have not yet been released, but given George R. R. Martin's detailed character notes, it seems clear that Daenerys will meet her end. According to the show, instead of fighting Cersei, she will face Faline (an alternate name for the drawing), who has taken over the city from the Lannisters. This Fallback is likely to be more of a Cloth Dragon, a faction that will appeal to the masses due to their perceived heroism despite their Targaryen origins.

Citadel of Flames

Daenerys's character arc will culminate in a dramatic and destructive event. One of her signature traits is her unwavering belief in justice rendered through fire. In the books, this aspect is likely to manifest in a more significant way, leading to the destruction of King's Landing. This act represents the culmination of her transformation, where she transitions from a hopeful queen to a feared and monstrous leader.

Jon's Role and the Legend

Jon Snow's role in the ultimate confrontation with Daenerys remains uncertain. Given the show's scenes where Jon is portrayed as an enemy, it is plausible that in the books, he will play a pivotal role in bringing Daenerys's story to a close. He may be the one who kills her, although this is not a certainty as there are many potential scenarios.

The Prince That Was Promised

Another element that will likely impact Daenerys's fate is the legend of the Prince That Was Promised. According to the books, George R. R. Martin has provided the footnotes for six character endings, indicating that Jon Snow is a key player in the final events. The theory suggests that Melisandre may sacrifice Stannis's daughter, bringing back Jon Snow instead of Stannis. This act will likely influence the final battle, with Jon ultimately being the one to face and possibly kill Daenerys.

Final Thoughts

While the books have yet to conclude, the series' direction and George R. R. Martin's detailed notes suggest a bleak future for Daenerys. Her final scenes will likely be filled with destruction, transformation, and a battle for the very soul of Westeros. The question of whether Daenerys will die in the books is not entirely speculative, but the manner of her death and the events leading up to it will undoubtedly be more complex and nuanced than what the show presented.