Religion in Game of Thrones
The Powerful Influence of Daenerys Targaryen
It is no secret that traditional religious structures are certainly in place in the Game of Thrones universe, however, an interesting change in perspective is to consider the characters that become prominent figures in their community and gain a following in the way that a religious figure might. This is unconventional as these characters are not Gods, which is typically a necessity in order to call a following a religion, however, these characters tend to achieve something great, and are ultimately looked up to by the masses. Not only do these characters achieve something great, but they typically rise up against the odds by having magical or nonhuman elements of their being which help them succeed.
Who is Daenerys?
A prominent character who exemplifies this definition of ungodly-godliness is Daenerys Targaryen (also known as "Dany"). She is the only daughter of Aerys Targaryen (also known as the "mad king"). Aerys was murdered prior to the beginning of the series by Robert Baratheon who usurped the throne through "Robert's Rebellion". The name "mad king" explains his behavior perfectly as near the end of his rein Aerys planted wildfire throughout the city of King's Landing as he claimed he was going to burn it down. The history of the Targaryen family is very telling as to why Dany begins a quest for good in her being. In Den of Geek's article, "The Real History of Game of Thrones: Daenerys Targaryen" they put it very simply, "Daenerys Targaryen is (also) the product of three hundred years of incest. There is also an old saying in Westeros that every time a Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin to decide if the child will be sane or mad. Incest does that."
Daenerys starts off the series by being an underdog as she is overshadowed by her brother Viserys who wishes to gain back the throne for himself. They are the only two known Targaryen's left in the world, therefore have had to hide for a long time out of the risk of being killed. However, Viserys uses Daenerys to be sold into a marriage with the King of the Dothraki religion, Khal Drogo, so he can gain men for his army. Daenerys does not want to be married off, but gets threatened by her brother to do so for the greater good. This is likely the lowest point for her in the series as she has no control over her life. However, it only rises from this point for her.
Although Dany recognizes the terrible things her father (and likely the rest of her family did), she takes it upon herself to begin a quest to gain back the iron throne that she claims is still rightfully her family's. She powers through plenty of hardship in order to gain back the power that had been stripped from her. This strength that she displays is exactly why she becomes a prominent figure in the lives of people that she influences throughout the series. She knows what it is like to be at the very bottom, therefore she attempts to help people who still face discrimination.
Dragons as a Symbol of Uprising against Oppression
The first symbol of Daenerys as a rising religious figure is when her dragons are born. On the day of her wedding she is gifted three dragons eggs that have been turned into stone with passage of time as no living dragons have existed on the planet for centuries. Coincidentally, the dragon is a massive symbol of her family as Targaryen's are known to rise up from the ashes, and also have uncontrollable tempers. However, she represents only the former which makes people respect her.
Her dragons are born out of fire as she burns alive the witch who curses her husband and unborn child, leaving her with neither. This fire is symbolic of the rage that she feels in this moment as this woman has taken everything from her. So, she places the dragon's eggs in the dirt, ties the witch to a wood post, and catches it on fire. Daenerys then begins then to step into the fire, which is seen as a suicide attempt by everyone watching, however, when the sun rises the next morning she wakes, unburned by the fire, and accompanied by three newborn dragons. This is a huge moment in the series as it begins to put Daenerys in a more dominant position. After this she is worshipped by the remaining Dothraki people with her who witnessed the event. She is now seen as a God who can survive fire and bring dragons back to the earth - something that has never been done before.
"Daenerys Targaryen gives birth to three Dragons - Game of Thrones S01E10"
Uploaded by Game of Scenes
Here we see the moment where Daenerys wakes from the night with the newborn dragons, and appearing unburned. Near the 5:30 minute mark is when everyone around her begins to bow down.
Uncontrollable Influence
Once the Dothraki people witnessed Daenerys (literally) rising from the ashes, word is spread about her being "unburnable". As well, because she has dragons to defend her now as she is their mother, she is essentially untouchable too.
Many people do not believe the story of this happening that did not witness it. This is reminiscent of religious figures in the real life as there will always be people who are skeptical about what is claimed to have happened. Many people in the Game of Thrones universe do not see her as a true threat because they believe her surviving fire and birthing dragons is simply a hoax.
However, her influence is powerful amongst most people that meet her. Up until the very end of the series, she is on a quest to gain back what is truly her family's, however, she refuses to do it through a dictatorship. She claims that a Queen that has to force her influence upon a nation is not truly the Queen. This has been proven in the way that The Sparrows have previously overthrown the crown.
One of her conquests is freeing any and all slaves who are living under this kind of dictatorship. She gains praise through the good that she does as she feels innocent people should not suffer due to an oppressive government. Therefore, she is put on a pedestal by people who she saves.
"Mhysa"
Once Daenerys overthrows the city of Yunkai in order to free the slaves who have been endlessly oppressed, they surround her, chanting, "Mhysa" which translates to "Mother".
Queen or God?
After accomplishing plenty of good deeds in her time with power, it is clear the populations which consider her their Queen and rightful heir to the throne view her in a different way than most Queen's have been viewed. This is because she is a symbol of uprising and change in the world. There is a religious undertone in all of this. The people that follow her rule worship her at her feet as anything that she sets her mind to she can accomplish. Perhaps this is due to the help of the dragons as a weapon, however, it is evident she is more than just a Queen - she is a symbol of better times to come. With her lead, she brings forth a prophecy of better living for all. Those who are with her - such as the Unsullied - are with her religiously until the end. This is the power that she holds - it is beyond that of a politician.