Daenerys Targaryen's Rule in Meereen

A Dance with Dragons

Daenerys struggles to maintain peace in Meereen, facing rebellion, war, and personal sacrifices, culminating in her flight on Drogon.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Sons of the HarpyThe Sons of the Harpy from "A Dance with Dragons". The Sons of the Harpy The Shadow War Daenerys faces a guerrilla war from the Sons of the Harpy, who murder her freedmen and Unsullied.
The Sons of the Harpy The Shadow War Daenerys faces a guerrilla war from the Sons of the Harpy, who murder her freedmen and Unsullied. The attacks escalate, creating fear and instability in Meereen. The First Victim Stalwart Shield, an Unsullied, is killed in a brothel. Daenerys sees his body and vows to find the killers. She realizes she is fighting shadows. The Response Daenerys offers rewards and creates the Brazen Beasts to patrol the streets. However, the violence continues, forcing her to consider political solutions.
Marriage to Hizdahr zo LoraqMarriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq from "A Dance with Dragons". Marriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq The Proposal To secure peace, Daenerys agrees to marry Hizdahr zo Loraq, a wealthy Meereenese nobleman.
Marriage to Hizdahr zo Loraq The Proposal To secure peace, Daenerys agrees to marry Hizdahr zo Loraq, a wealthy Meereenese nobleman. The Green Grace and Reznak mo Reznak urge her to accept. The Wedding Daenerys and Hizdahr are married in the Temple of the Graces. She agrees to reopen the fighting pits as a concession. The marriage is political, not romantic. The Cost Daenerys feels trapped. She gives up her love for Daario Naharis and her dreams of Westeros. The peace is fragile, and she doubts Hizdahr's loyalty.
The Opening of the Fighting PitsThe Opening of the Fighting Pits from "A Dance with Dragons". The Opening of the Fighting Pits The Celebration As part of the peace, Daenerys allows the fighting pits to reopen.
The Opening of the Fighting Pits The Celebration As part of the peace, Daenerys allows the fighting pits to reopen. She attends the games in Daznak's Pit, watching gladiators fight and die. The Dragon Appears During the games, Drogon appears, drawn by the blood and noise. He lands in the pit and begins to attack. Chaos erupts. Daenerys Rides Drogon Daenerys climbs onto Drogon's back and flies away from Meereen. She leaves behind her city, her husband, and her responsibilities. This act changes everything.
The Siege of MeereenThe Siege of Meereen from "A Dance with Dragons". The Siege of Meereen The Yunkish Alliance Yunkai and its allies besiege Meereen. The pale mare (bloody flux) spreads through the camps.
The Siege of Meereen The Yunkish Alliance Yunkai and its allies besiege Meereen. The pale mare (bloody flux) spreads through the camps. Daenerys's absence leaves the city vulnerable. Barristan Selmy Takes Charge Ser Barristan Selmy becomes the de facto ruler. He plans to break the siege and rescue the hostages. He also investigates the poisoning attempt on Daenerys. The Dragons Loose Quentyn Martell attempts to steal the dragons, leading to disaster. Rhaegal and Viserion escape, causing destruction. The city descends into chaos.
Daenerys in the Dothraki SeaDaenerys in the Dothraki Sea from "A Dance with Dragons". Daenerys in the Dothraki Sea Alone and Lost Daenerys survives in the wilderness, following a stream. She is sick, hungry, and alone.
Daenerys in the Dothraki Sea Alone and Lost Daenerys survives in the wilderness, following a stream. She is sick, hungry, and alone. She reflects on her choices and her identity. The Vision of Quaithe Quaithe appears in a dream, reminding her of prophecies. Daenerys must remember who she is: the blood of the dragon. The Khalasar Appears A Dothraki scout finds her. She mounts Drogon and flies to confront Khal Jhaqo. The book ends with her facing a khalasar, ready to reclaim her destiny.
early in the book
midway through the book
after the wedding
after Daenerys's departure
after flying away