Would Daenerys' Fate Have Been Different Had She Returned to Meereen and the Dothraki Sea?
The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros stand transformed, and Daenerys Targaryen finds herself in a critical juncture. Would her history have been altered had she chosen to return to the lands of Meereen and the Dothraki Sea, instead of embarking on her ill-fated campaign for the Iron Throne? This article explores various possibilities and examines the potential outcomes.
Impact of Returning to Rule Over Peoples Who Welcome Her
A Win-Win Scenario: If Daenerys had returned to Meereen and the Dothraki Sea, she would have ruled over a populace that gladly welcomes her leadership. The structures of Meereen and the Dothraki Sea have a different set of values and needs, making her transition smoother. An interesting scenario emerges: the Night King, with his distinct native background and no desire for international politics, would have taken over Westeros. This ruler, rooted in the land, might have been better suited to the people's aspirations and expectations.
Ignoring Advisors’ Warnings
Unyielding Ambition: Despite her advisors' warnings, Daenerys remains resolute in her quest for the Iron Throne. Her unwavering pursuit of the Iron Throne, stemming from her belief in her importance as a ruler, could spell further troubles. Her refusal to admit defeat and the belief that she must conquer Westeros regardless of support indicate a persistent flawed approach to governance. Her steadfast determination might lead to a more tragic end, reinforcing the old adage that those who fight and run away come back to fight another day, metaphorically warning us of this potentially fatal lesson.
Life and Governance
A Lost Chance at Survival: Reflecting on the potential outcomes, one fundamental point stands out: life is a gift. In Bran Stark's poignant words, where there is life, there is hope. Daenerys' survival couldn't be guaranteed indefinitely, and the likelihood of her death increases if she continues to disregard expert advice. Jon Snow's legendary rebirth might be seen as an exception, but in the real world, no one comes back from the dead. In Westeros, believing in dragons as the solution to governance might have been her downfall, a lesson that underscores the importance of pragmatic and resilient leadership.
Her Governance and Future Implications
Unfit to Rule? Many argue that Daenerys Targaryen is not a fit ruler for either Meereen or Westeros. She appears to be driven by a sense of importance that is often tied to her dragons, which might not be the most effective way to lead a kingdom. Her tendency to solve problems with military solutions, ignoring the socio-political and cultural nuances, speaks to a lack of comprehensive governance skills. If she had decided to stay in Meereen or the Dothraki Sea, she might have faced internal strife, likely leading to her demise. Without her, both regions would have faced an uncertain future, but she might have escaped the ignominy of a failed campaign in Westeros.
The essence of governance lies in adaptability, resilience, and understanding the intricacies of the land and its people. Daenerys, with her misplaced sense of royalty and reliance on mythical solutions, might have made the wrong decisions but ultimately, her fate was sealed. As we ponder her past, it is a stark reminder that life is precious, and governance must be grounded in wisdom and pragmatism.
Conclusion
The question of whether Daenerys’ future would have improved by returning to Meereen and the Dothraki Sea is one of perspective. While it might have offered a different path, it would have come at the expense of solving the fundamental issues that plagued her reign in Westeros. Life, as we have seen, offered her a gift, but she chose to overlook it, leading to a tragic and cautionary tale for all leaders to ponder.