What if Daenerys didn’t burn King’s Landing? It’s a question that has haunted Game of Thrones fans since the series finale aired. The Mother of Dragons’ fiery rampage was one of the show’s most controversial moments, sparking endless debate about character development, destiny, and moral downfall. But imagine a different path—one where Daenerys chose mercy over vengeance. How would the battle have ended? Who would have taken the throne? In this alternate ending, we explore how a single decision could have reshaped the fate of Westeros and redefined Daenerys Targaryen’s legacy forever.
The Build-Up to King’s Landing: The Key Decisions Before the Burn
Daenerys’ journey to King’s Landing has been fraught with tension as she faces off against other factions, particularly Cersei and her forces. The animosity between Daenerys and Cersei has been building, with both women vying for control of the Iron Throne. As they head towards the final battle, the stakes are high and the tension between the two factions is palpable. Daenerys has faced betrayal and opposition from various other factions, adding to the sense of conflict and impending showdown. The stage is set for a dramatic and intense confrontation as Daenerys and her allies make their final push towards King’s Landing.
Daenerys’ mindset going into the city is driven by her desire to free the oppressed and bring justice to those who have suffered under tyranny. Her increasing isolation as a Targaryen and her struggle between compassion and thirst for power are key factors in her decision-making process. On one hand, she wants to be a compassionate and just ruler, but on the other hand, she also feels the pressure to assert her power and claim her rightful place on the throne. These conflicting motivations contribute to the complexity of her character as she navigates the challenges of leadership.
The critical moment in which Daenerys Targaryen decides whether or not to burn the city of King’s Landing is a pivotal and highly debated point in the Game of Thrones series. Her decision to ultimately burn the city has significant consequences, as it leads to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and the destruction of a historical and cultural landmark. Had Daenerys chosen not to burn the city, it is likely that her relationships with Tyrion, Jon Snow, and others would have been very different. Tyrion, who was already questioning her methods, may have continued to support her and advise her as her Hand. Jon Snow, who was deeply troubled by her actions and ultimately betrayed her, may have remained loyal to her cause.
The Immediate Impact: The Fall of Cersei and the Battle for the Throne
If Daenerys had chosen to spare King’s Landing, there were several alternative ways she could have dealt with Cersei. She could have chosen to imprison her, seeking a more diplomatic and legal solution to bring her to justice. Daenerys could have also attempted to negotiate peace with Cersei, potentially offering terms for surrender and reconciliation. Additionally, she could have pursued a political solution, working with other leaders and houses to diminish Cersei’s power and influence. These were all potential alternatives to the violent and destructive course of action that ultimately unfolded.
If Daenerys did not go mad, Jon Snow’s role might have evolved differently. His relationship with her could have potentially developed more positively, and their partnership might have led to a more coordinated effort in confronting Cersei. However, it’s difficult to predict how their dynamic would have changed without the circumstances of Daenerys’ descent into madness. It’s possible that Jon may still have eventually confronted her if he felt her rule was unjust, but the outcome would likely have been quite different. Ultimately, without the events that unfolded in the show, it’s hard to say for certain how Jon’s role would have been impacted.
The Battle of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones was a pivotal moment in the series, and the outcome was heavily debated among fans. It is likely that there would have been a traditional siege and battle for the throne, as that was the direction the story was headed. Tyrion’s plan to take the city with minimal bloodshed may have ultimately failed, as Daenerys’ destructive actions led to the city’s downfall. However, it’s possible that Cersei’s eventual defeat could have been through diplomacy, as there were attempts to negotiate a peaceful surrender before the battle began. Ultimately, the outcome of the battle was a combination of both military tactics and political maneuvering.
The Aftermath: What Would Westeros Look Like After King’s Landing?
If Daenerys had taken the throne without the destruction of King’s Landing, it is possible that she may have been able to maintain her moral integrity and rule with fairness and justice. However, it is also possible that the lords of Westeros may have tried to undermine her rule, as they did not fully support her claim to the throne. As for the future of the Targaryen dynasty, it is difficult to predict how the people of Westeros would have reacted to her continued reign. It is possible that she may have faced rebellion, or she may have been able to establish a lasting Targaryen dynasty if she was able to gain the support and loyalty of the people and the lords of Westeros.
The fate of the smallfolk and nobles in King’s Landing and Westeros at large would have been greatly impacted by the actions of Daenerys Targaryen. As a liberator, she may have been initially seen as a savior by the citizens, especially those oppressed by previous rulers. However, her tyrannical side, as seen in her destruction of King’s Landing, could still have surfaced in some form, leading to continued hardship for the people. Her interactions with other houses, such as the Lannisters, Tyrells, and Starks, would have likely changed dramatically.
Key Character Arcs in a World Without King’s Landing’s Destruction
If Daenerys hadn’t burned the city, it’s likely that Tyrion Lannister would have continued as her Hand, given his experience and loyalty to her cause. His relationship with her may have evolved as they work together to rebuild and rule the city. However, it’s also possible that he would still have been caught in a moral dilemma, as he has always remained true to his principles even when serving under a ruler. As for Jon Snow, with Daenerys as a less tyrannical ruler, it’s likely that he would have remained loyal to her, especially considering his dedication to the greater good and his desire to bring peace to the realm.
Varys, as a key player and advisor, would likely have continued to support Daenerys as long as he believed it was for the good of the realm. However, his loyalty to the people and his commitment to doing what is best for them may have led him to manipulate events in order to prevent any harm or tyranny from coming to the realm. Grey Worm and Missandei’s loyalty to Daenerys may have softened as they witnessed her descent into madness and the destruction she caused. Sansa Stark’s claim to power would likely have strengthened in this new reality, as she had proven herself to be a capable leader and was already the driving force behind Northern independence.
The Larger Implications for Westeros: A More Unified or Divided Kingdom?
It’s difficult to say for certain, but there are several factors to consider. While Daenerys Targaryen’s vision of a united Westeros under her rule was certainly ambitious, the history of the Seven Kingdoms is rife with deep-seated regional rivalries and a legacy of previous kings and queens. These factors could have potentially sparked conflicts and resistance to Daenerys’ rule, despite her intentions for a peaceful and unified realm. Additionally, the power dynamics and allegiances of various noble houses would also play a significant role in determining the success of Daenerys’ efforts to unify Westeros.
Other kingdoms like Dorne, the Reach, and the Iron Islands would likely have varying reactions to Daenerys’s reign. Dorne, for example, has historically been supportive of the Targaryens, so they may be more inclined to accept her rule. The Reach, on the other hand, may have more reservations given their previous allegiance to the Tyrells. The Iron Islands, known for their independent nature, may resist any outside rule, including that of Daenerys. The influence of the Iron Bank, Essos, and the North could also play a significant role in shaping Daenerys’s power. The Iron Bank, with its substantial financial resources, could either bolster or undermine her reign depending on their support.
The long-term stability of the realm in Westeros is a complex and multifaceted issue. While Daenerys Targaryen may bring about initial peace and order through her rule, there are potential concerns regarding her ability to maintain long-term stability. Her eventual inability to rule peacefully could indeed lead to uprisings or rebellions, especially considering the volatile nature of the political landscape in Westeros. Factors such as the loyalty of her subjects, the distribution of power among the noble houses, and potential external threats all play a role in determining the realm’s stability in the long term. It is important to consider these factors and the potential consequences of Daenerys’s rule in order to assess the likelihood of continued peace and order in Westeros.
Conclusion
The major consequences of Daenerys not burning King’s Landing would have had a significant impact on the political landscape, character arcs, and the future of Westeros. Politically, it would have likely led to a more stable and unified realm, as the destruction of King’s Landing caused widespread chaos and uncertainty. Character arcs, particularly for Daenerys and Jon Snow, would have been drastically different, as their actions and decisions were heavily influenced by the events at King’s Landing. And the future of Westeros would have been altered, as Daenerys’s decision to burn the city ultimately led to her downfall and the ascension of Bran as King.