The demise of Daenerys Targaryen stunned viewers, yet Game of Thrones laid a foundation for this outcome right from the early episodes. Adapted from George R.R. Martin’s acclaimed series, A Song of Ice & Fire, the HBO series took creative liberties, advancing the storyline beyond the source material. However, many pivotal moments were thoughtfully planned from the outset, building on concepts shared by Martin while also incorporating new elements exclusive to the show.
The conclusion of Game of Thrones sparked significant debate among fans, with numerous criticisms directed at the portrayal of the final seasons. Despite valid points made about the execution of key storylines, certain character arcs may align closely with Martin’s original intentions in the forthcoming novels. For instance, while Bran Stark’s ascension to the throne was contentious, it originated from Martin’s vision. Furthermore, Daenerys’s descent into madness culminating in her death at the hands of Jon Snow—although deeply polarizing—appeared to be a foregone conclusion.
Foreshadowing of Daenerys’ Death by Robert Baratheon & Jaime Lannister
Key Quotes Hinting at Jon Snow’s Betrayal
In the first season, two notable quotes inadvertently foreshadow Daenerys’s tragic end. In episode 2, Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark converse on the kingsroad, considering Viserys and Daenerys. While Ned dismissively insists they are merely children, Robert ominously expresses a desire for Daenerys to be dispatched by “a sharp knife and a bold man to wield it.” At that moment, Robert intended to employ assassins, never suspecting that the “bold man” would be Jon Snow himself.
Later, in episode 3, Eddard Stark travels to King’s Landing to fulfill his role as the Hand of the King and encounters Jaime Lannister in the Iron Throne room. Their discussion touches on the demise of King Aerys II Targaryen, where Jaime provocatively inquires whether it would have been more honorable to stab the Mad King in the belly instead of from behind. This moment parallels Jon’s eventual betrayal, where he too delivers a fatal blow to Daenerys in a similarly intimate manner.
Was Daenerys’s Death Planned as Early as Season 1?
Conceptualization of Daenerys’s Death Plan in Season 3
As we await the completion of Martin’s The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring, the extent to which he will mirror the show’s portrayal of Daenerys remains uncertain. However, behind-the-scenes discussions suggest that the notion of Jon killing Daenerys was a concept nurtured by the showrunners as early as season 3. It remains unclear whether this narrative choice will persist in the upcoming literary works.