Daenerys Targaryen's Rise from Exile

Daenerys evolves from a frightened pawn to a powerful khaleesi and mother of dragons, embracing her Targaryen heritage.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Marriage to Khal Drogo

The Wedding of Fire and Blood A Gift to the Horselord Daenerys is sold by her brother Viserys to Khal Drogo in exchange for an army. She is terrified but determined to survive. The wedding is a brutal introduction to Dothraki culture, with deaths and couplings. The First Night Drogo takes Dany under the stars, but instead of cruelty, he shows unexpected tenderness. He speaks the word 'No' and treats her gently, marking the beginning of their bond. The Bride Gifts Illyrio gives Dany three petrified dragon eggs, which she treasures. She also receives a silver horse, which she rides with newfound confidence, leaping over a firepit and earning Drogo's smile.

Becoming Khaleesi

The Transformation Learning to Ride Dany endures the hardships of the Dothraki sea, suffering saddle sores and pain. She dreams of dragons and finds inner strength. Her body toughens, and she begins to enjoy the ride. Defying Viserys When Viserys threatens her, Dany stands up to him, ordering her khas to whip him. She realizes her brother is weak and that she no longer fears him. This marks her first act of independence. The Dragon Dream Dany dreams of a dragon, and the next day she feels the eggs warm. She begins to sense a connection to the ancient power of her house, foreshadowing the birth of her dragons.

The Stallion Who Mounts the World

Prophecy and Loss The Horse Heart Ceremony Dany eats a raw stallion's heart to ensure her unborn son's strength. The dosh khaleen prophesy that her child will be the stallion who mounts the world, a conqueror who will unite all Dothraki. Viserys's Death Viserys threatens Dany and her unborn child, drawing a sword in Vaes Dothrak. Drogo kills him by pouring molten gold on his head, fulfilling the promise of a golden crown. Dany feels no grief, only relief. The Assassination Attempt A wineseller tries to poison Dany, but Ser Jorah saves her. This reveals that Robert Baratheon has put a price on her head, hardening her resolve to claim the Iron Throne.

Death of Drogo and Birth of Dragons

Fire and Blood Drogo's Wound Drogo is wounded in battle and the wound festers. Dany turns to Mirri Maz Duur for blood magic, but the spell leaves Drogo a mindless shell and kills her unborn son Rhaego. The Pyre In despair, Dany builds a funeral pyre for Drogo, placing his body and the dragon eggs upon it. She ties Mirri to the pyre and sets it alight, then walks into the flames herself. The Dragons Are Born When the fire dies, Dany emerges unscathed, with three newborn dragons clinging to her. The Dothraki bow to her as their leader, and she names her dragons Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion. The Targaryen restoration begins.

early in the story, in Pentos

during the journey to Vaes Dothrak

at Vaes Dothrak, during the pregnancy

after the raid on the Lamb Men, near the end of the book