Game of Thrones' changes to Daenerys Targaryen’s story ended up having a negative impact on Jon Snow years later.Game of Thronesmade several changes to the books with Daenerys’character and story, ranging from her appearance - in the novels she and other Valyrians have violet eyes - to supporting players and plot lines being scrapped in order to simply and expedite the narrative.
Many of the changes had their own butterfly effect, removing key parts of Dany’s arc which, ultimately, meant herGame of Thrones' endingfelt rushed (and proved extremely controversial). One scene that was crucial for her story is when she has visions in the House of the Undying, which happens inA Clash with Kingsand, subsequently, season 2 of the show. With links tothe Prince That Was Promised prophecy, her dragons, and her destiny,the changes didn’t just hurt Dany’s arc, but Jon’s too.
What Game Of Thrones Cut From Daenerys Targaryen’s House Of The Dying Visions
There Was A Lot More To It In A Song Of Ice & Fire
Daenerys' visions at the House of the Undying do take place inGame of Thrones' season 2 finale, “Valar Morghulis.” There, she sees a throne room ostensibly covered in snow, though it was ash when the vision was realized inGame of Thronesseason 8. She also passes through the Wall, and reunites with Khal Drogo and their son, Rhaego. It’s not a bad sequence on its own terms, but is a stark contrast to the books, where Dany experiences over a dozen different visions and warnings.
Everything Daenerys Sees In Her House Of The Undying Visions In A Clash Of Kings
Speaking toDartmouth Alumni Magazineback in 2017, co-showrunner David Benioff explained the thinking behind some of the show’s book changes in general (not specific to the House of the Undying), saying:
“It’s something that we told George a long time ago: For this to work, we have to make choices that are sometimes going to deviate from your intentions. Then there are a lot of things that work in prose that just wouldn’t work on screen, and part of that is just the nature of the beast. In George’s books so much of the story takes place in the characters’ minds. That’s one of the weaknesses of television compared to fiction - what people are thinking cannot be conveyed as easily, other by than having long voiceover monologues, which are boring.”
On the one hand, it’s easy to see whyGame of Thronescut down the sequence. There’s a lot packed in there, and the meanings of various parts of it remain debated and theorized over to this very day by die-hardA Song of Ice and Firefans. For general TV audiences, then it may well have been too confusing to include everything, especially if the writers already knew there’d be some deviations (for instance, the"cloth dragon"is most likely a reference to Young Griff, aka Aegon Targaryen, a character the show cut).
A Song of Ice and Fire books in release order
1996
1998
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2005
2011
A Dream of Spring
TBA
On the other hand, there’s so much in there that could’ve been kept. Things like the Red Wedding foreshadowing, the appearance of (and nods to) Rhaegar, and the blue flower growing in the Wall aren’t just vague, indecipherable visions, but clearly and directly apply to the events of the story and its most important characters. Plus,this adds so much to the fantasy and magic of the series, the powerful notions of prophecy and destiny, and plants the seeds of betrayal in Dany’s mind, all of which are central to her arc.
Daenerys' House Of The Undying Visions Could’ve Made Jon Being A Targaryen Better
It Also Would’ve Made His Real Name Less Confusing
For Jon Snow specifically,including more of Daenerys' House of the Undying visions would’ve improved the show’s eventual confirmation that R+L=J, and he is indeed the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Even just on quite a basic level, it at least would’ve added more weight to the idea in the show itself and provided more clues in that canon: the theory was always likely, but a lot more of it was driven by what’s in the books than what we saw on-screen for the first few years.
Game Of Thrones: Everyone Who Knew Jon Snow Was A Targaryen Before Him
Jon Snow learning he was a Targaryen became a key point in his character arc, but he was one of the last to learn who his real parents were.
It would also have added to the idea of Jon potentially being the Prince That Was Promised, helping to solidify the notion it was between him and Daenerys and, thus, that it had to be a Targaryen (something supported byAegon the Conqueror’s song of ice and fire dreaminHouse of the Dragon). That itself could have added more meaning to his parentage, sinceJon being a Targaryen didn’t matter too much in the end, a common point of criticism when it comes to season 8.
This also would have benefited his and Daenerys' relationship, and how she spiraled after learning he was a Targaryen. That would have made more sense, and had greater heft, if she’d had some of those visions earlier, being told of Rhaegar’s son as the Prince That Was Promised, of potential betrayals and a cloth dragon, alongside imagery directly relating to Jon himself. It could’ve connected all the way back to that moment, making her reaction more understandable.
Game Of Thrones: Why Drogon Didn’t Kill Jon Snow
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That Jon then killed Daenerys could be more poignant, too. Daenerys is told that one betrayal will be for love; this could’ve linked in the vision with Jon and Tyrion’s conversation, of how love is the death of duty, and sometimes duty is the death of love. Jon killing Daenerys is both killingforlove - to protect his family, and perhaps, in his mind, to save Dany from herself and becoming something even worse - but also the deathoflove.
In the show, there’s no real explanation for why [Jon] was called Aegon when Rhaegar already had a son by that name.
It also, quite simply, could have improved Jon Snow’s Targaryen name. In the show, there’s no real explanation for why he was called Aegon when Rhaegar already had a son by that name. But using the House of the Undying vision, there is a logical reason: that Rhaegar believed the Prince That Was Promised had to be called Aegon. It’s only a small detail, but it’s those details that help makeA Song of Ice and Firegreat, and would have enhancedGame of Thronesas well.
Game Of Thrones
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Based on George R. R. Martin’s ongoing A Song of Ice and Fire novel series, Game of Thrones is a fantasy drama set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. It follows noble families like the Starks, Lannisters, and Targaryen vying for control of the Iron Throne while a rising threat from the undead looms in the North. The series received significant critical success and amassed a loyal fan base due to its high production values, sprawling sets, iconic characters, and shocking twists.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones is a multimedia franchise created by George R.R. Martin. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is the basis for the award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones, which lasted for eight seasons. After the incredibly divisive final season of Game of Thrones, the series was followed up by the prequel series House of the Dragon, which also received critical acclaim.
