5 Smart Theories About Daenerys Targaryen In The Winds Of Winter That Are Different From Game Of Thrones

Daenerys Targaryen is one of the primary protagonists in Game of Thrones, but her story in The Winds of Winter could end up differing quite a bit from the show. The ending of HBO’s Game of Thrones infamously saw Daenerys turn from one of the show’s most beloved characters to a menacing mass murderer in the penultimate episode, with many book-reading fans drawing the conclusion that events would turn out differently in George R.R. Martin’s novels. Or, at least, arrive there differently.

Readers have been waiting for The Winds of Winter, the sixth volume of Martin’s A Song of Ice & Fire book series, for over a decade now. It’s left plenty of time to speculate and develop outlandish, tinfoil-hat theories connecting practically every character to the Iron Throne, Azor Ahai prophecy, or the murder of another character. There are some theories that are rather smart, using info from A Dance with Dragons and previous novels, along with Martin’s writing patterns, to suggest possibilities for the next book.

5. Daenerys Will Marry Euron Greyjoy

Dany & Euron Could Have A Deadly Fling

Euron Greyjoy wanted to marry Daenerys in Game of Thrones, at least until Theon and Yara beat him to Meereen and swore fealty to her. The books could turn out quite differently, and Daenerys will want a powerful ally in Westeros. Euron has already sent his brother, Victarion, to meet with Dany on his behalf, and he possesses a horn that he believes can control dragons.

This theory doesn’t suggest that Daenerys and Euron will fall in love, but rather, he could be the latest in a line of men to try to use her for her name and inherent power. Euron somehow forcing Daenerys into marriage and/or managing to steal one of her dragons could both be pivotal moments that could lead to her descending into madness. Euron is a compelling X-factor in the final two books, but he’s likely not an end-game Iron Throne candidate, so it wouldn’t be shocking for Daenerys to defeat him after a complicated relationship in Winds.

4. Daenerys Will Be Driven Mad By Aegon

Aegon’s Support In Westeros Could Drive Her Mad

Another marriage or rival candidate who’s often paired with Daenerys in predictions is Aegon Targaryen, also known as Young Griff. With Young Griff beating Dany to Westeros and arguably having a better claim to the Iron Throne than her, readers have often assumed that he’d be a source of her madness. Of course, Daenerys went mad in the show, but having her reach that point due to a rivalry with Aegon could be more compelling, especially if he managed to win over the people of the Seven Kingdoms before she did.

3. Daenerys Will Make One Last Stop In Braavos

There’s A Lot To Learn In Braavos

Everyone wants Daenerys to get to Westeros, and she will, but it would make sense for her to make one last stop along the way. Conquering Braavos is highly unlikely, but there are a few practical and narrative reasons to stop there despite it being out of the way. First, the Iron Bank of Braavos would be a faction to have on her side, particularly with three dragons to support her invasion.

From a narrative perspective, Daenerys’ backstory includes childhood years spent in Braavos, though there’s some evidence to suggest she didn’t actually live there, meaning her arrival could offer clarification on elements of her past. Second, Tyrion’s first wife, Tysha, is believed to live in Braavos, and he spent most of A Dance with Dragons longing to find her somewhere in the world. After so many years, this would be a fascinating reunion.

2. Daenerys Will Be Azor Ahai

Daenerys Could Still Be The Prophesied Hero

While some Game of Thrones fans believe that Daenerys Targaryen was Azor Ahai, the TV show never provides a concrete answer regarding the book series’ most famous prophecy. While it may be too hopeful to believe that Daenerys will be a prophesied savior, the possibility of her defending the Seven Kingdoms against the White Walker isn’t mutually exclusive to her ending the series as an evil tyrant. In terms of what readers know about the prophecy, there’s practically no one who fits the bill better.

1. Drogon Is The Stallion Who Mounts The World

Drogon Could Fulfill One Of The Series’ Oldest Prophecies

This theory was partially fulfilled in Game of Thrones, with Dany uniting the Dothraki and leading them over to Westeros. However, the show never properly ties this back to her time with Khal Drogo, the prophecy, and the dosh khaleen believing her son to be the Stallion Who Mounts the World. The original prophecy was made regarding Rhaego, but it’s highly possible that it actually refers to Drogon or even Daenerys herself.

Daenerys ending A Dance with Dragons on the Dothraki Sea puts her in the prime position to unite the Dothraki like she did in Game of Thrones, but the books should offer more regarding what this actually means. Daenerys will have to fight to win over the khalasar, and Drogon will be her primary ally. The Dothraki won’t bow to a woman without force, but they will follow her once Drogon has killed their leaders.