Will Daenerys become 'Mad Queen'? Here's what fan theories say
The last Game of Thrones episode had two crucial scenes featuring Daenerys. One was with Sansa Stark and the other with Jon Snow. In both, an important aspect of her character was visible: she wants the Iron Throne more than anything else. Going by her reactions, it seems she could become like her father, 'Mad King' Aerys. Read on to know what theories say.
Who is the Mad King? Why was he named so?
Aerys II Targaryen, the father of Daenerys, Viserys, and Rhaegar, was the king of the seven kingdoms before Robert Baratheon. His reign marked the end of the 300-year long Targaryen dynasty because his son Rhaegar 'kidnapped' Lyanna, Ned Stark's sister, whom Robert loved, causing him to rebel and overthrow Aerys. He was nicknamed the 'Mad King' because he liked burning people for fun.
Jaime Lannister said this while talking about the Mad King
"He loved to watch people burn, the way their skin blackened and blistered and melted off their bones. He burned lords he didn't like. He burned Hands who disobeyed him. He burned anyone who was against him. Before long, half the country was against him."
Her conversation with Jon could hint Dany's dark fate?
When Jon told her about his true lineage (he's a Targaryen and Dany's nephew), she forgot all about the war at hand and saw him as a threat to her claim to the throne. "If it were true, it would make you the last male heir of House Targaryen. You'd have a claim to the Iron Throne," she said to Jon with anguish.
Born of incest, most Targaryens grow insane and ruthless
There is a famous saying in Westeros, "Every time a Targaryen is born the gods flip a coin." Some Targaryens have been great rulers while others, like the Mad King, have been atrocious. Now, between Dany's brothers, Rhaegar was good while Viserys was the evil one. If we go by the saying, the narrative of the Mother of Dragons can go in any direction!
Dany claims she's not Aerys, her actions seldom match it
There have been instances in the show, especially during her Slaver's Bay arc when she could've ruled with force but didn't. However, she has been ruthless at times. She burnt father and brother of Samwell Tarly when they refused to bend the knee to her, even after Tyrion advised against it. What if her powers are left unchecked? Wouldn't her dragons burn everything down?
The lust for power can corrupt even the best people
Over time, ruling Westeros has become the prime goal of Daenerys. The rulers before her haven't been quite just and the one currently ruling Westeros (Cersei) is arguably the worst of them all. Till now, Jon Snow is the only ruling prospect who's had no intention to be a King. Maybe the end of the series will see ice (Jon) and fire (Dany) colliding!
