Daenerys Targaryen, at the start of Game of Thrones Season 7, Episode 1, “Dragonstone,” has finally arrived at Dragonstone, the ancestral home of House Targaryen. This pivotal moment marks her long-awaited return to Westeros to claim the Iron Throne.
The Landing: Dragonstone Beckons
After years of exile, maneuvering across the Narrow Sea, and building a formidable army, Daenerys’s arrival at Dragonstone signifies a significant turning point in the war for Westeros. The episode opens with a powerful scene: her ships, bearing the Targaryen sigil, slowly approaching the imposing cliffs of the island. Daenerys, accompanied by her advisors – Tyrion Lannister, Varys, Missandei, and Grey Worm – disembarks from a ship onto the black sands of Dragonstone.
The episode subtly emphasizes the symbolic importance of this location. Dragonstone is not just a castle; it’s a tangible link to Daenerys’s past and her claim to the Iron Throne. It was the seat of House Targaryen for centuries before Aegon the Conqueror set sail for Westeros. Her reclaiming it underscores her commitment to taking back what she believes is rightfully hers.
Exploring the Ancestral Seat
Instead of grand pronouncements, Daenerys explores the empty, somewhat dilapidated castle with a quiet intensity. The scenes are laden with history and a sense of reclaiming a heritage. She runs her hand along the painted map table in the strategy room, a table once used by Aegon to plan his conquest. This act of simple touch resonates deeply, solidifying her intent to follow in his footsteps.
It’s a deliberate choice to portray her landing and initial exploration as somewhat subdued. Instead of immediately outlining war plans, the episode focuses on the emotional weight of the moment. She is finally home, albeit in a castle that has seen better days. The absence of any living inhabitants further emphasizes the weight of history and the solitude of her mission.
Strategic Implications
Dragonstone’s strategic value is immense. Its location provides Daenerys with a strong foothold in Westeros. It’s close enough to King’s Landing to be a threat, yet geographically protected by the sea. Furthermore, the island is rich in dragonglass, a substance known to kill White Walkers, making it a valuable resource in the fight against the encroaching threat from the North.
This positioning allows Daenerys to strategize effectively, drawing up plans with her war council. She has control over the key resources that are needed to fight both human and supernatural enemies. The choice to make Dragonstone her base of operations demonstrates her tactical awareness.
Daenerys’s Mindset
In this episode, Daenerys is not the fiery, impetuous queen we sometimes see. She is more calculating, more deliberate. The years of hardship and political maneuvering have clearly shaped her. She is keenly aware of the challenges that lie ahead, both political and military.
Her famous line, spoken at the end of the episode, “Shall we begin?” isn’t a question, but a statement of intent. It’s a clear signal that she is ready to fight for the Iron Throne and that she is finally in a position to do so. This moment marks the true beginning of her campaign in Westeros.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Daenerys in Season 7, Episode 1
FAQ 1: Why is Daenerys going to Dragonstone specifically?
Daenerys chooses Dragonstone primarily because it is the ancestral home of House Targaryen in Westeros. It represents a historical claim to the Iron Throne and provides a strategic military advantage. Additionally, its abundant dragonglass deposits are crucial in the fight against the White Walkers.
FAQ 2: How long has it been since Daenerys left Meereen?
The timeline in Game of Thrones is intentionally ambiguous, but based on the events that transpired in Seasons 5 and 6, it is likely been several months, possibly close to a year, since Daenerys departed from Meereen to begin her voyage to Westeros.
FAQ 3: Who accompanies Daenerys to Dragonstone?
Daenerys is accompanied by her trusted advisors and allies, including:
- Tyrion Lannister: Her Hand of the Queen and a key strategist.
- Varys: The master of whisperers, providing valuable intelligence.
- Missandei: Her loyal translator and confidante.
- Grey Worm: The commander of the Unsullied, her elite fighting force.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of the Painted Table in Dragonstone?
The Painted Table is a large, detailed map of Westeros that was commissioned by Aegon the Conqueror to plan his invasion. Daenerys running her hand across it symbolizes her own ambition to conquer Westeros and reclaim the Iron Throne, mirroring her ancestor’s actions.
FAQ 5: Is Dragonstone currently inhabited when Daenerys arrives?
No, Dragonstone is uninhabited when Daenerys arrives. Stannis Baratheon and his forces abandoned it previously, leaving it deserted and somewhat in disrepair.
FAQ 6: What are Daenerys’s immediate plans upon arriving at Dragonstone?
While not explicitly stated in this episode, Daenerys’s immediate plans likely involve:
- Establishing a secure base of operations.
- Planning her strategy for conquering Westeros with Tyrion and her war council.
- Forging alliances with other houses who oppose Cersei Lannister.
- Securing the dragonglass resources on the island.
FAQ 7: What is the general state of Dragonstone when Daenerys arrives?
Dragonstone is in a state of disrepair, reflecting its abandonment. It is dusty, sparsely furnished, and shows signs of neglect. This emphasizes the long absence of the Targaryens from Westeros and the work that needs to be done to reclaim their legacy.
FAQ 8: What does Daenerys say at the very end of the episode?
Daenerys looks at Tyrion and simply asks: “Shall we begin?” This is a powerful and decisive statement indicating her readiness to commence her campaign for the Iron Throne.
FAQ 9: Does Daenerys know about the White Walkers at this point?
Yes, Daenerys is aware of the threat posed by the White Walkers. Tyrion and other advisors have likely informed her of the situation in the North, and she recognizes the importance of addressing this threat alongside her quest for the Iron Throne. This is why securing the dragonglass on Dragonstone is so vital.
FAQ 10: How does the visual aesthetic of Dragonstone contribute to the episode’s theme?
The stark, dark, and volcanic landscape of Dragonstone mirrors the Targaryens’ fiery heritage and the looming challenges they face. The castle’s imposing architecture and desolate atmosphere create a sense of isolation and determination, reflecting Daenerys’s singular focus on reclaiming her birthright.
FAQ 11: Why did Stannis Baratheon abandon Dragonstone?
Stannis abandoned Dragonstone to focus his efforts on claiming the Iron Throne. He considered Dragonstone a less strategically important location compared to the opportunities presented by other alliances and battles in Westeros. His departure left the castle vulnerable and ultimately led to its abandonment.
FAQ 12: How important is Dragonstone strategically in the upcoming war?
Dragonstone is incredibly important. Besides being a strong defensible position, its location allows Daenerys to effectively control naval traffic and launch attacks throughout Westeros. The dragonglass mines give her a crucial weapon against the White Walkers, making Dragonstone a vital asset in the overall war for survival. Without it, fighting the dead becomes exponentially more difficult.