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Will Daenerys Die in Game of Thrones Season 8?

Game of Thrones: How Jon and Daenerys's Romantic Dragon Date Teases a Tragic Future

If there's one thing that Game of Thrones fans understand, it's that no one, especially your favourite characters, is safe. Since the moment Daenerys Targaryen has entered the scene, her life has been in constant danger from all sides, and she's met every threat with "fire and blood." With Game of Thrones' final season finally here, the dangers have never been greater and we're combing over every clue for a hint of what the Dragon Queen's fate may be. Now, call us paranoid, but it looks like we may have gotten a tiny hint that all won't be well for Daenerys, and we're absolutely shook.

In season eight's premiere, there are a lot of things going on for Daenerys. She's arriving in Winterfell, meeting the family of her new lover (whew), trying to keep her dragons happy, and figuring out how the Northerners feel about her. It's rocky from the get-go: the people of the North make it super clear that they didn't invite the queen and her retinue and they don't agree with their former king's decision to bend the knee. But that's totally fine, because Daenerys still has Jon, right? The two even embark on a romantic dragon ridge through the North, ending up at a gorgeous waterfall in the snowy wilderness. Taking in the stunning view, Daenerys turns to her beau and tells him, "We could stay a thousand years. No one would find us." The two embrace and it's all very sweet and endearing (if you ignore the fact that they're related and still don't know). But if something in your head gave you a nagging feeling, there's a good reason behind that.

We've actually heard a similar phrase spoken to Jon Snow before, and the woman who said it to him didn't end up faring too well. In fact, she died in his arms not too much later. Ygritte, Jon's wildling lover (played by his real-life wife, Rose Leslie) said as much to him back in season three when they consummated their relationship in a cave. "I don't ever want to leave this cave, Jon Snow," Ygritte says. "Not ever." Considering she dies in his arms in season four, maybe they should have stayed there after all. And that's exactly what she says to him as she takes her last breath.

It's a little creepy how similar the phrases are, especially when you consider the similarities between the relationships as well. Both Daenerys and Ygritte are tough, well-respected women who challenge Jon. They're also women who aren't quite right for him, whether it's because Ygritte is a wildling that never wants to live on the other side of the wall or that Daenerys is, well, his aunt. They both are whirlwind romances that don't bode well for either party. So, it's possible Daenerys's words may hint at her dismal fate in the future.

Now, we don't want to think of one of the show's well-loved characters meeting their untimely end, but considering how Daenerys is always jumping into the line of danger, it's not far-fetched to believe she won't make it out of the final season alive. Keep reading for our theories on how the Dragon Queen might end her journey on Game of Thrones.

Image Source: HBO

She Becomes the Mad Queen

We all know that Daenerys's favourite word is her dragon's trigger phrase, "Dracarys." She burned more than a few of her enemies and racked up a kill count that puts Arya's list to shame. As the seasons have progressed, her demands for absolute loyalty and penchant for taking what she wants with fire and blood has drawn concern and reproach from those around her. Most notably her decision to tell the Lannister soldiers to "bend the knee or die," leading to the deaths of Randall and Dickon Tarly. Her growing paranoia with those she holds close, including Tyrion and Varys, can be seen as a sign of her slowly losing her grip. There's a difference between making a show of power and using power to choke out anyone around you. As her campaign for the Iron Throne continues, Daenerys veers towards the latter a little more often.

It isn't crazy to think that Daenerys might be slipping into her father's old habits and will soon earn the moniker of the Mad Queen. Much like her father fall to the sword of Jaime, Daenerys's end could come from someone she looks to for protection, like Jorah, Jon, or even Tyrion.

Image Source: HBO

Viserion Kills Her

It would be a cruel twist of fate, but Daenerys could meet her end at the claws of one of her own children. With Viserion under the control of the Night King, his mother would have no power over him. And I can't imagine Daenerys being able to stomach the thought of killing her own child. In the thick of battle, she could falter when it comes to attacking her undead child, giving the dragon all the opening he needs to do the deed.

Image Source: HBO

She's Betrayed by Someone Close to Her

We've already mentioned how Daenerys is paranoid about being betrayed by those around her, but maybe she has a good reason to be. She already knows Varys doesn't mind usurping one ruler for another and she's constantly suspecting Tyrion of plotting with his siblings. And Ser Jorah has already betrayed her once before! It's not a stretch to believe that one of them might turn against her should they stop believing in her righteous mission.

After all, there's still a prophecy surrounding her that's meant to be fulfilled. In the House of the Undying, she's told "Three treasons will you know . . . once for blood and once for gold and once for love." Jorah betrayed her for gold, Daenerys has always believed that Mirri Maz Duur was the betrayal for blood, which leaves a third. This could be Tyrion betraying Daenerys for his family, though Tryion would actually fit all three treasons:

  • Blood because it would be for his family
  • Gold because the Lannister's colour is gold
  • Love because the one thing we know about Tyrion is that he loves his family

  • Or the third treason could come from someone else, like Jon, betraying her for his known family, the Starks, who Daenerys has definitely rubbed the wrong way in the show.

Image Source: HBO

She Dies in Battle

This is probably the most likely end for Daenerys. The Dragon Queen has made her mark as a conqueror and dying in battle would be an honourable end for her. Especially since she's temporarily casting aside her campaign for the Iron Throne to fight the Night King in the North. If she were to die in battle without ever sitting on the throne, this would fulfil another vision Daenerys had in the House of the Undying, where she is called away from the Iron Throne by the sound of her dragons. The three of them lead her across the Wall to a tent where Daenerys finds Drogo and their unborn child Rhaego waiting for her.

It's pretty clear what this vision is saying: her mission in the North will take her away from being queen and bring her to the North, where she will meet her end and join her family in the afterlife. And for Daenerys, that might be the happiest ending. She will never love anyone like she loved Drogo and their baby, not even Jon Snow. She's spent years fighting since she lost them and being back with them with no concerns of battles or securing her crown, could be her peace.

Image Source: HBO

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She Dies in Childbirth

Now, let's take this to the other side of the spectrum. Say Daenerys does fall in love with Jon, which they seem to be on their way towards in the season premiere. Aside from the fact that they don't know their siblings, the two seem to find a sense of happiness in one another (when everyone isn't stressing Jon about his choice). Though Daenerys believes she can't have children because of the curse from Mirri Maz Duur, a theory suggests that the death of her child (Viserion) paid the way for the life of her unborn child with Jon.

So, voila, Daenerys's womb quickens and there's a baby Targaryen on the way! But, things always happen in cycles and much like her mother before her and Jon's mother, Daenerys could pay the ultimate price for her happiness and die in childbirth.

Image Source: HBO

She Dies to Fulfil a Prophecy

If there's one thing Daenerys and Jon have in common (aside from genetics) it's prophecies. The two are involved in so many, it's hard to keep them all straight. But one thing is obvious, one of them is meant to die in some horrific way. The most popular theory around is that Jon is Azor Ahai, which is cool but means that Daenerys is the stand-in for Azor Ahai's wife, Nissa Nissa — which ends in her death. Yikes.

Image Source: HBO

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