Top 10 Iconic Women Ruling Martin’s Game of Thrones Universe!

by

One key aspect we’ve observed about the worlds created by George RR Martin, such as Ice & Fire and those depicted in Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, is that they often feature a diverse cast of characters, each with significant roles within the larger narrative. While some characters may be more central than others, Martin ensures that most characters contribute to the story in their own unique ways.

To clarify, the female characters in George R.R. Martin’s “Ice & Fire” series typically hold significant roles and steer the narrative course. While the men also contribute significantly, it is the women who often take center stage more frequently. This is due to their substantial roles within the story, and some of its key figures are indeed female characters. Thus, let us examine the pivotal female personas in George R.R. Martin’s “Ice & Fire.

10. Princess Rhaenys Targaryen

Instead of getting mixed up with Queen Rhaenys Targaryen, who wed and battled alongside Aegon the Conqueror during the Westeros conquest, it’s important to note that Princess Rhaenys Targaryen is instead the spouse of Lord Corlys Velaryon in the events depicted in House of the Dragon. Known as the “Queen Who Never Was,” she nearly claimed the throne due to her unique status as the single child of King Jaehaerys Targaryen’s heir.

Rhaenys is a significant character in the history of the Seven Kingdoms because she was the first person who suggested the idea of a woman ruling from the Iron Throne, an idea that eventually came true during the events of Game of Thrones.

9. Brienne of Tarth

Brienne of Tarth stands out among characters from the books and TV series due to her challenging traditional gender roles. She was a large woman, often perceived as unattractive, yet she excelled in the art of combat to the point where she could best Ser Loras Tyrell, Jaime Lannister, and the Hound.

Brienne plays a significant role in Ice & Fire due to her ability to challenge and defy traditional notions about what it means to be a woman. She demonstrates that women can be just as strong and powerful as men, breaking free from the expectations of feminine grace and delicacy. Furthermore, her influence on Jaime Lannister’s character growth underscores her unique impact, as she is one of the rare individuals who managed to penetrate his tough exterior.

8. Melisandre

In her earlier storyline, Melisandre was viewed as a wicked witch; however, she is actually a Red Priestess devoted to the Lord of Light. She’s currently searching for the Prince That Was Promised, who is said to be the world’s prophesized savior against an impending darkness that threatens humanity. Therefore, any actions she took while serving Stannis were likely aimed at fulfilling this prophecy, as she genuinely believed that Stannis was the promised savior.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I found Melisandre’s transformation particularly intriguing – a character who once seemed enigmatic and complex, evolved into one that became more relatable and remorseful. Her actions, which initially bolstered Stannis’s claim to the Iron Throne, were actions she later deeply regretted. Interestingly enough, it was Melisandre’s involvement that ultimately led Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen to cross paths. As she put it, she had played a part in uniting ice and fire, an intriguing concept that added depth to the narrative.

7. Alicent Hightower

In the unfolding of House of the Dragon, Alicent Hightower emerged as a childhood friend of Rhaenyra Targaryen. Over time, she transitioned into the second queen consort, marrying King Viserys Targaryen. This union, however, stirred up complications not only for House Targaryen but also for the entire realm. The reason being, Alicent supported her son’s claim to the Iron Throne, despite Viserys’ consistent wish that Rhaenyra should succeed him in his position and title.

Speaking of Alicent, it’s fair to say that without her, the War of the Five Kings (or Dance of the Dragons) wouldn’t have taken place. It was her marriage to Viserys and their shared offspring that ultimately caused the realm to fracture. And let’s not forget that this very conflict is what eventually drove the dragons into extinction, until Daenerys reintroduced them later on.

6. Lyanna Stark

In the world of Game of Thrones, despite her minimal screen time, Lyanna Stark’s influence on the events of the Seven Kingdoms was significant. This is because Robert Baratheon launched a war, believing Rhaegar Targaryen had taken the woman who was supposed to be Robert’s by right. However, it was actually Lyanna who willingly eloped with Rhaegar, which ultimately led to Robert’s rebellion.

The primary significance of her character lay in her being the mother of Jon Snow, a crucial figure prophesied as “the Prince that was Promised,” who was secretly a Targaryen. Consequently, she played a pivotal role in driving the storyline.

5. Rhaenyra Targaryen

During the tumultuous era of the Dance of the Dragons, I found myself in the lineage of House Targaryen, specifically as Rhaenyra Targaryen. Born under the rule of my father, King Viserys Targaryen, I was rightfully his heir and should have ascended to become the first queen to govern the Seven Kingdoms. However, Alicent Hightower and her allies were determined to prevent me from inheriting the Iron Throne, instead crowning King Aegon II. This contentious decision sparked the infamous Targaryen civil war, also known as the Dance of the Dragons, as it raged between my Black faction and Alicent’s Green faction.

One significant reason for Rhaenyra’s historical importance in the Seven Kingdoms lies in her role as the person who exposed and challenged systemic misogyny within the realm. This was evident when she asserted her right to rule, which some refused to accept based on her gender. Furthermore, Rhaenyra was also a key figure in initiating the conflict that ultimately resulted in the disappearance of dragons from the world.

4. Cersei Lannister

Without a doubt, Cersei Lannister, a significant adversary in the world of Game of Thrones, was a shrewd and power-driven queen who clung stubbornly to her grip on the Iron Throne long after her sons had inherited it. Throughout the series, we witnessed the lengths she would go to maintain her control, such as when she ruthlessly wiped out an entire family and numerous noble houses in a bid to keep her grasp firm on the Iron Throne.

Regarding Game of Thrones, it’s worth noting that she was the first and only woman to ever assume the role of a true ruler over the Seven Kingdoms, sitting on the Iron Throne as a queen. Towards the end of the series, she emerged as one of the primary adversaries for Daenerys, serving as the final obstacle that had to be overcome before Daenerys could secure her victory and claim the Iron Throne once and for all.

3. Sansa Stark

In my perspective, I see myself reflected in Sansa Stark – a symbol of resilience amidst tumultuous times. Initially, like a young maiden dreaming of a life with the king or a queen by a powerful lord’s side, I had plans for a fairytale existence. But fate took an unexpected turn, and I faced hardships that were far from my imaginings – physical and emotional traumas that tested the limits of my spirit. Yet, through those trials, I found the strength to transform into a woman ready to lead.

Throughout the Game of Thrones saga, she emerged as a pivotal female character due to her significant role in the entire narrative, particularly since she essentially held the key to the North. This importance was further emphasized when Bran Stark expressed no desire to be the lord of Winterfell. Even after Jon Snow was crowned King of the North, she consistently prioritized the well-being of her family and the North. In the end, when the war concluded, she successfully established the North as an autonomous ruling kingdom, ascending to the throne as its queen.

2. Arya Stark

Instead of Sansa Stark, Arya Stark pursued distinct life goals, as they were often seen as polar opposites. While Sansa embodied the archetype of a refined lady who was tragically forced to mature prematurely, Arya symbolized an innocent girl yearning to become a brave knight, yet she too encountered hardships during her journey.

Through numerous life-altering events, Arya Stark ultimately found herself assuming the role of a Faceless Man or an assassin with chameleon-like facial abilities. She served as the avenger for her family’s tragic demise during the Red Wedding. Moreover, it was her exceptional combat skills that eventually brought about the downfall of the Night King during the Great Winter. Thus, Arya Stark is a pivotal figure in Ice & Fire, embodying a unique strength and resilience among women.

1. Daenerys Targaryen

Without a shadow of a doubt, Daenerys Targaryen stands out as the most significant female figure in the Ice & Fire chronicles. Together with Jon Snow, she forms a central part of the narrative. Born as an exiled princess, Daenerys was compelled to face hardships in foreign lands. Yet, these trials only served to temper her spirit and mold her into a resolute leader. Driven by an unwavering desire to reclaim what had always been rightfully hers, she turned to the ancient power of dragons – a power that she harnessed when she revived them after they were thought to have perished over a century ago, thus earning herself the title of the Dragon Queen or the Mother of Dragons.

Daenerys Targaryen is often viewed as the counterpart to the Prophesied Prince, given that she embodies the element of fire from the Song of Ice and Fire prophecy. In this context, it was primarily through her assistance that the Night King was vanquished. She provided an army and the necessary firepower, which enabled the living world to confront the Army of the Dead. Despite succumbing to madness during her bid to capture King’s Landing and the Iron Throne, Daenerys’ significant contributions to the storyline make her one of the most crucial characters in Game of Thrones.

Read More

2025-05-13 12:30