The Targaryens, a prominent family in the Song of Ice and Fire saga, are often recognized by their distinct characteristics; however, both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon neglect a notable trait: their purple eyes. While not every Targaryen descendant boasts the signature platinum hair and violet eyes typically associated with this illustrious house in Westeros, several key figures from George R.R. Martin’s original works do exhibit these features. Daenerys Targaryen serves as a prime example. Unfortunately, viewers of Game of Thrones might miss this nuance because Emilia Clarke portrays Daenerys with her own natural green eyes alongside the iconic blonde hair.
Even in House of the Dragon, which presents a broader array of Targaryen characters than its predecessor, the absence of purple eyes remains consistent. Characters like Rhaenyra and Daemon Targaryen, who should sport violet eyes according to the source material, continue to follow the trend of having only their platinum hair define them. For fans advocating for fidelity to the books, this decision raises questions about the omission. Ultimately, it mainly stems from practical considerations.
The Practical Reason Behind Daenerys & Other Targaryens Not Having Purple Eyes
Contacts Impacted Performances & CGI Would Be Costly
While there were options to depict Daenerys embodying her book-accurate violet eyes in Game of Thrones, the creators decided to omit this detail for several compelling reasons. In behind-the-scenes discussions for the season 1 Blu-ray release, showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss expressed concerns that contact lenses could hinder Clarke’s performance. They articulated that “actors act with their eyes, and [purple contact lenses] really hurt the emotion.” There were also rumors that the contacts caused discomfort for Clarke, which could negatively impact her portrayal of the character.
Another alternative could have been the use of CGI to alter Daenerys’ eye color digitally. However, Benioff and Weiss dismissed this option as inefficient, citing the high cost and time investment without a significant payoff. While devoted readers of the Song of Ice and Fire series may have preferred an accurate visualization, the eye color is ultimately a minor detail amidst the grander narrative.
This decision to forego Daenerys’ iconic eyes extends to other Targaryens in House of the Dragon, where actors portray their characters with their natural eye colors. The considerations of cost and the impact on performance remain significant factors in altering visual characteristics. Furthermore, after eight extensive seasons of Game of Thrones, introducing this change could have puzzled viewers who were unfamiliar with the lore, as many might not recognize the ancestral significance of the purple eyes.
Why Doesn’t Jon Snow Have Silver/White Hair & Purple Eyes?
His Stark Traits Are Dominant
In later seasons of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow’s true lineage is revealed to include Targaryen blood, making him the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. Despite this revelation, Jon’s physical appearance does not conform to the expected Targaryen aesthetics. The reason lies in the dominant Stark traits inherited from his mother, Lyanna Stark, contrasting with the typically recessive Targaryen characteristics. This divergence may actually serve a critical narrative purpose, ensuring that Jon’s external features allow him to remain incognito, a necessary element for his protection from Robert Baratheon and the unfolding drama of the show.
Had Jon displayed more prominent Targaryen features, it would not only have complicated Ned Stark’s efforts to hide his true heritage but also potentially disclosed his secret to viewers earlier than intended, thereby undermining one of the show’s most impactful twists. Maintaining a stark contrast between Jon and Daenerys’ appearances enhances the tension and mystery surrounding Jon’s identity, leading to a more rewarding experience for audiences as they piece together subtle hints throughout the story.
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