She’s the one and only Khaleesi, the beloved Mhysa, Mother of Dragons and Breaker of Chains. Daenerys Targaryen has rightfully earned many notable names throughout her phenomenal journey on Game of Thrones. The queen without a flicker of fear in her bones has brought us some of the show’s finest moments.
From eating the heart of a horse to building an army of Unsullied, here are Daenerys’ best scenes and most powerful moments…
1. When She Ate The Heart of a Horse
Season 1, Episode 6
If it weren’t for this pivotal moment, perhaps Daenerys wouldn’t be the fierce woman she ended up becoming. Marked as one of the most shocking scenes in the first season, Khaleesi was made to eat the entire raw heart of a horse during an ancient Dothraki ritual. Not even blood smeared all over her mouth could taint Daenerys’ beauty. A girl with determination, stamina and will was born at this very moment. We, alongside Khal Drogo, felt immense admiration for the tough Targaryen.
2. When She Watched Viserys Die
Season 1, Episode 6
It takes a lot of courage to retaliate against your uncaring and controlling brother. After years of living in fear and being belittled, Daenerys finally got the strength to allow the murder of her brother, Viserys to go forth. At last, Khaleesi was triggered to make her way to the top and no longer be under Viserys’ thumb. This was the first of many future moments where justice was served and the very instant where Dany officially became the heir of the Targaryen dynasty.
Find out how Daenerys and Jon Snow are related in our awesome and detailed infographic!
3. When Her Dragons Were Born
Season 1, Episode 10
Daenerys went from Khaleesi to the Mother of Dragons in the season one finale. After feeling defeated with no husband or baby, our favorite protagonist rose from the fire and ashes (literally) and proved herself to be the true Dragon queen. Unburnt and unscathed, Daenerys survived the fire and emerged with her baby dragons. Bow down!
4. When Her Dragons Freed Her From The House of the Undying
Season 2, Episode 10
We knew the power was in Daenerys’ hands in the season two finale. When vulnerable, the dragons are there to save their mother. The scaly creatures were freed and Daenerys let retribution take its course on Pyat Pree. Drogon, Viserion and Rhaegal did as they were told and unleashed their fiery breath. Daenerys’ knows exactly how to use the dragons in her favor.
5. When She Took Drogon Back and Burnt Kraznys to a Crisp
Season 3, Episode 4
Daenerys has mastered her dragons, alright! Episode four of season three was undoubtedly her peak in the series. After being insulted by slave master, Kraznys, the Mother of Dragons decided enough was enough. With just an utter of the word, “Dracarys”, Drogon burst the misogynist into flames and was unleashed. No one throws chauvinist jibes at Daenerys!
6. When She Became Everyone’s “Mhysa”
Season 3, Episode 10
The Breaker of Chains freed hundreds of slaves and built herself an army of Unsullied by the end of season three. Daenerys acquired a god-like status when the freed slaves lifted her to their shoulders. Her newfound status as not only a queen but also a “Mhysa” in this episode helped encourage her quest to the Iron Throne.
7. When She Banished Ser Jorah
Season 4, Episode 8
Daenerys is no hypocrite! When one betrays her, justice must be served, even if the betrayal is by those she loves most. In the eighth episode of season four, Daenerys discovered that her closest confidant had been a spy the entire time. Emotionless and dead cold, the Mother of Dragons ordered Ser Jorah to leave and never return again.
8. When She Made Orders to Daario
Season 4, Episode 7
Women can be badass, powerful and commanding and all men like a woman who is in control. Season 4 showed us that Daenerys is very demanding and authoritative between the sheets as well! What Daenerys wants, Daenerys gets.
9. When She Ordered the Execution of a Freedman
Season 5, Episode 2
Many viewers didn’t agree with what Daenerys’ did in the second episode of season five. After giving the go-ahead for the execution of a freedman in public, Daenerys received a lot of backlash from her supporters. While it may have been a step too far for Mhysa, she showed that she holds people accountable to the law. Anyone who breaks it deserves punishment. Although a shocking decision, it was ultimately the justifiable thing to do.
10. When She Rode Drogon
Season 5, Episode 9
Fans were waiting forever for this phenomenal moment. We finally got to see Daenerys ride Drogon. Seeing the Mother of Dragons mount the scaly creature and watching her soar through the air with her blonde locks waving behind her, had us at the edge of our seats. It was about time Daenerys did what she was destined to do! This scene definitely counts as one of the best Daenerys episodes, yet.
11. When She Burnt the Khals Alive
Season 6, Episode 4
We had season one vibes all over again in the final moments of this epic episode! Daenerys showed everyone who’s queen when she set the Khals on fire and walked out of the flames unburnt. We felt the urge to bow down to The Mother of Dragons in front of our television screens. And no, Emilia Clarke didn’t use a body double! That’s all her!
Daenerys has some of the best lines listed in our Game of Thrones quotes selection!
12. When She Set the Masters’ Fleet on Fire
Season 6, Episode 9
Danaerys rode Drogon once again in the action-packed episode, Battle of the Bastards. We squealed with excitement as the dragon breathed its fire onto Dany’s enemies hundreds of feet below. Things got even better when Rhaegal and Viserion joined the carnage. We’ve never seen all three dragons in action like that!
13. When She Burnt Jaime Lannister’s Army
Season 7, Episode 4
Don’t mess with Dany or her dragons! Daenerys set the roof on fire (quite literally) in The Spoils of War when she burnt Jaime Lannister’s army in a scene we’ve all been waiting for. Proving just how indestructible she really is, Dany even managed to escape the wrath of Jaime’s spear, all thanks to her pet dragon, Drogon.
14. When she Went Beyond the Wall
Season 7, Episode 6
Out of all of Daenerys Targaryen’s scenes, this one has to be one of her most dramatic. Losing Viserion was a gut-wrenching moment for Dany but the heartbreak didn’t stop her from fighting on. Only the bravest go Beyond the Wall. She faced one of Game of Thrones’ biggest battles, the wintery weather and white walkers with all her might. Watching Dany’s three dragons burn the wights to smithereens was a satisfying moment indeed.
15. When she Fought the Wights
Season 8, Episode 3
After a grueling ride on Drogon during the Battle of Winterfell, Daenerys found herself being a damsel in distress once landing on the battleground. Lost without the help of her dragon, Dany proved that there’s still a fighter in her when she picked up a sword and started killing the ambushing wights. Thank goodness for Jorah who also helped to protect (and died for) the Queen of Dragons.
16. When she Burned Down King’s Landing
Season 8, Episode 5
This certainly counts as Daenerys’ biggest, boldest and most shocking moves on the show. Although it was not in her heroic character, there’s no denying it was powerful. Watching Dany burn down King’s Landing was disappointing, yet mind-blowing at the same time.
17. When she gave her Speech at King’s Landing
Season 8, Episode 6
We may have seen her fall by the end of the finale, but before her demise, Dany finally served as Queen Daenerys Targaryen, Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Her short-lived time as queen of Westeros was mighty indeed, especially when she gave that powerful speech atop the entrance of King’s Landing. Viewers truly felt her power and sinister grip over the kingdoms.
Daenerys has truly taken the world by storm. She went from being one of the most beloved characters on Game of Thrones to the most controversial. The internet has made jokes and memes in honor of her and you can even buy a miniature version of Daenerys as part of the official Game of Thrones merchandise!
This article was originally published on September 20, 2015