Is Daenerys Targaryen a Female Terminator?

By Zoe Jackson | May 8, 2025

Daenerys Targaryen: The Mother of Dragons as a Female Terminator?

If you’re anything like me, the phrase “Game of Thrones” conjures up images of fire-breathing dragons, bloody battles, and epic power struggles. But have you ever stopped to think about one character in particular – Daenerys Targaryen – and how she might be connected to a very different kind of legend: the Terminator?

At first glance, it seems like a ridiculous idea. Daenerys, the Breaker of Chains, Mother of Dragons, and Queen of the Andals, doesn’t exactly scream “cybernetic assassin” to me. But hear me out.

As fans of George R.R. Martin’s masterpiece, we’re used to reading between the lines, interpreting subtle clues and motivations that often go unnoticed by casual viewers. So, let’s dive in and explore some possible connections between Daenerys Targaryen and the Terminator franchise.

One place to start is with Daenerys’ unwavering determination and unshakeable conviction. Both Daenerys and the Terminators are formidable forces of nature, driven by an unyielding commitment to their goals. Whether it’s ruling Westeros or eradicating Skynet, these characters are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their objectives – even if that means making difficult moral choices.

This shared trait is particularly interesting when considering Daenerys’ actions in the show and book series. We see her become increasingly ruthless as the story progresses, willing to burn cities to the ground and slaughter innocent people who stand in her way. It’s a stark contrast to her initial idealism and desire for justice, but it highlights a fundamental aspect of Daenerys’ character: she is willing to do whatever it takes to claim what she believes is hers.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But isn’t that just Daenerys being Daenerys? She’s always been driven by a desire for power and revenge.” And yes, that’s true. But consider this: what if Daenerys’ drive for power wasn’t just about personal ambition, but also about a deeper, more existential purpose?

In the Terminator franchise, the machines are motivated by a singular goal: to ensure the survival of humanity at all costs. This singular focus can lead them to make decisions that might seem morally questionable to us – like eliminating entire cities or sacrificing individual humans in order to achieve their objectives.

Similarly, Daenerys’ quest for power takes on an almost Terminator-like quality as she becomes more and more consumed by her desire to rule Westeros. She’s willing to burn cities to the ground, slaughter innocents, and even sacrifice her own relationships with those closest to her – all in pursuit of a singular goal: becoming the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms.

Of course, there’s another key difference between Daenerys Targaryen and the Terminator franchise: morality. While both characters are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their objectives, they approach these actions from different moral perspectives. Daenerys often operates under a utilitarian framework – she believes that the ends justify the means, as long as her goals align with what she sees as justice.

In contrast, the Terminators are programmed to follow a strict set of moral guidelines – even if those guidelines conflict with human values. They’re willing to carry out their missions at any cost, regardless of whether it’s morally right or wrong. This raises some interesting questions about Daenerys’ character: is she really as morally flexible as we think?

One way to approach this question is by examining Daenerys’ relationships with other characters in the show and book series. We see her forming close bonds with people like Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and even the Unsullied. These relationships suggest that there’s more to Daenerys than just a ruthless dictator – she’s capable of love, compassion, and empathy.

But then we also see her become increasingly isolated and detached from those around her. She starts making decisions that prioritize her own power over the well-being of others, even if it means sacrificing entire cities or populations. This raises questions about whether Daenerys is truly a complex character with nuanced motivations, or simply a one-dimensional villain driven by ambition.

So what can we learn from this fascinating dichotomy? For starters, it highlights just how complex and multifaceted the character of Daenerys Targaryen is. While she shares some superficial similarities with the Terminator franchise, her motivations and moral compass are ultimately much more nuanced and open to interpretation.

Ultimately, whether or not Daenerys Targaryen can be seen as a female Terminator is up for debate. But one thing’s for sure: she’s an incredibly compelling character who defies easy categorization. By exploring the connections between Daenerys and the Terminator franchise, we’re forced to confront some fundamental questions about morality, power, and what it means to be human.

As fans of Game of Thrones, we’ve been conditioned to read between the lines, interpreting subtle clues and motivations that often go unnoticed by casual viewers. But sometimes, it’s okay to step back and ask: what if? What if Daenerys Targaryen is more than just a Breaker of Chains – what if she’s a force of nature, driven by an unyielding conviction that will stop at nothing to achieve her goals?

In the end, whether or not Daenerys shares the same DNA as the Terminator franchise matters little. What matters is how we interpret and understand this complex character, and why their actions are so thought-provoking – even if they’re morally questionable.

So, go ahead: watch Game of Thrones again with a fresh eye. Look for the moments when Daenerys’ conviction and determination almost border on Terminator-like in its intensity. And ask yourself: is she truly the Mother of Dragons, or just a female Terminator with a penchant for fire and destruction?