Daenerys vs. Henry VII: Parallels in History
In the vast and complex universe of “Game of Thrones,” characters are often compared to actual historical figures, and the parallels between them are fascinating and meaningful. One such exciting comparison is between Daenerys Targaryen and Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty. In this analysis, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two ambitious leaders and see how history and fiction intertwine compellingly.
Well, yes, the question is as serious as it gets. Could Daenerys be Henry VII? That King of England, founder of the Tudor dynasty and father of the no less famous Henry VIII? Take your time with an answer. After all, when I started writing on Medieval topics, I left all options open.
Could Daenerys be a new Henry Tudor?
- Daenerys, as the last descendant of the Targaryen dynasty, had a claim to the Iron Throne of Westeros. On the other hand, though loosely connected to the royal line, Henry Tudor could claim the throne of England through his Lancastrian heritage from his mother, Margaret Beaufort.
- The gossip could fight off both characters’ claims: although both had claims to the throne, they were contested. In the case of Daenerys, many challenged her claim based on the legitimacy of the Targaryen dynasty after the wars following the Civil War. Henry Tudor had a more complicated and indirect claim to the throne and was more readily challenged by those who supported the York dynasty.
- Daenerys used the dragon as a symbol of House Targaryen, known as the ‘Mother of Dragons’, having direct ties to these mythical creatures. Henry Tudor adopted the symbol of the red dragon, claiming descent from the legendary King Arthur, to bolster his legitimacy and inspire supporters.
- Daenerys had exiled supporters who wanted to restore the Targaryen dynasty and had rallied around her to support her in her fight for the throne. Similarly, Henry Tudor rallied supporters disaffected by Richard III’s reign, and many fled to France, where Henry found support to build an army.
- Daenerys was encouraged by her advisors and allies to believe that the people of Westeros wanted her as queen. Similarly, Henry Tudor was reassured by his supporters that the English wanted him to rule, which motivated him to continue fighting for the throne.
- Daenerys had Barristan Selmy, a respected veteran and former commander of the Kingsguard, on her side, giving her military experience and legitimacy. Henry Tudor had the Earl of Oxford, an experienced military leader, to support him in his campaign against Richard III.
- Daenerys struggled financially but raised resources through various means, including appropriating Xaro Xhoan Daxos’s fortune. Henry Tudor had limited funds, but his mother, Margaret Beaufort, was wealthy. However, being in exile, Henry did not have direct access to his mother’s fortune, which made it difficult for him to raise the funds needed for his military campaign.
- In one episode, Daenerys got the army she needed by freeing slave soldiers and using mercenaries. Henry VII had about 2,000 mercenaries in his army of 5,000 men. If the French King Charles VIII had not wanted to cause trouble for the House of York, which had stabbed his godfather, the Lancastrian Prince of Wales, Henry Tudor might never have been able to raise this army.
In retrospect, however, we now know that Daenerys failed to triumph as Henry Tudor did in real life. Nevertheless, the comparisons are interesting and give us a fascinating insight into how fiction and historical reality can intertwine.
Conclusion:
Analyzing these parallels shows how George R.R. Martin drew inspiration from natural history to create complex and compelling characters. Although the fates of Daenerys and Henry Tudor are different, their similarities emphasize the universal themes of the struggle for power, loyalty, and determination. This comparison reminds us of the profound historical influences found in contemporary fiction, giving us a deeper understanding of the characters and their stories.
