Daenerys Targaryen: The Rise and Fall
From the very onset of HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” Daenerys Targaryen (played masterfully by Emilia Clarke) has been central to the unfolding drama of George R. R. Martin’s vast Westerosi universe. While introduced as a meek and obedient princess, she draws from her family’s tangled past and the heartaches she endures, evolving into a dominant force in the battle for power. Though she ascended to the coveted Iron Throne by the series’ climactic eighth season, Daenerys’ journey echoed the tragic legacy of her ancestors—her father, “The Mad King” Aerys II Targaryen, in particular. Daenerys’ end was tainted by the same affliction of madness that consumed her father, culminating in her untimely assassination by Jon Snow.
Of course, it’s pivotal to note that while the TV series offers one perspective of Dany’s arc, George R.R. Martin’s novels may hold a different fate for the Dragon Queen.
The Missing Link: Targaryen Purple Eyes
The Targaryens are renowned for their signature platinum locks. However, in Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire,” a second familial mark sets them apart from the rest: a captivating shade of purple eyes. This genetic trait, emblematic of the Targaryen lineage, failed to grace the characters of both “Game of Thrones” and its subsequent prequel, “House of the Dragon.”
Why the oversight? The decision was rooted in pragmatism, not creativity. “Game of Thrones” showrunners, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, pointed out via a season 1 DVD commentary that using purple contact lenses seemed unnatural, and toying with CGI simply complicated the production. There’s even chatter that actors Emilia Clarke and Harry Lloyd, who portrayed Daenerys and her brother Viserys respectively, found the purple contacts too vexing to wear. Consequently, the series settled for Clarke’s natural green eyes, a deviation the prequel would later adopt.
The Weight of Purple Eyes in Westeros
To an outsider, the choice of eye color might appear trivial. However, for followers of the Targaryen saga, the elimination of this feature is consequential. The novels outline various shades of Targaryen purple eyes, from indigo to violet, signifying their potent Valyrian descent. This rare eye hue, coupled with their distinctive hair, stands as a testament to the Targaryen might and their ancient Valyrian roots.
In forgoing the purple eyes, the TV adaptation risks diminishing a significant symbol of the Targaryen legacy. Nonetheless, despite this aesthetic shortcoming, Daenerys’ identity remains undisputed. “House of the Dragon” continues to delve deep into the labyrinthine annals of House Targaryen, reiterating their unique and often tumultuous role in shaping the fate of Westeros.
