The Symbolism of Daenerys Targaryen's Eye Color in Game of Thrones

When we first meet Daenerys Targaryen in George R.R. Martin's epic series A Song of Ice and Fire, and its television adaptation Game of Thrones, we are immediately struck by her eye color, which is described as violet. Her distinctive color stands out among the series' diverse cast and serves multiple layers of symbolism in the narrative.

The Significance of Violet Eyecolor

Daenerys' eye color is often described as violet or violet-amber, a striking and unusual hue. This unique trait is not just a jumping-off point for visual description; it carries deeper symbolic significance in the story. In real-world folklore and legend, the violet color, also known as amethyst, has long been associated with a number of mystical and symbolic qualities: it is linked to the theme of royalty, magic, and the intertwining of the earthly and otherworldly.

Unlike other characters in the series whose eye colors signify certain traits or backstories, like Arya Stark's sharp, bright green eyes that reflect her sharp wit and agility, or Jon Snow's piercing blue eyes that hint at his Stark heritage, Daenerys's violet eyes do not directly correspond to a clear, singular symbolism. Instead, they represent a multitude of themes that emerge throughout the narrative.

Imperial Bloodline and Purity

Daenerys is a Targaryen, a line that has always been marked by its purple and gold coats of arms, signifying power, opulence, and kingly might. In medieval and fantasy literature, the color purple is often associated with nobility, royalty, and grandeur. By extension, her violet eyes can be seen as emblematic of the Targaryen elegance and imperial bloodline, particularly when compared to the fiery red eyes of her father, Rhaegar, or the serpentine eyes of her dragons.

Moreover, the violet color can be interpreted as an attribute of purity, a quality often associated with the Targaryens. This thematic aspect is emphasized by Daenerys' journey of exile, suffering, and rebirth, symbolizing her transformation from a princess into a mother and a queen. Her eyes embody the purity of her intentions and the glimmer of hope she brings into a world rife with corruption and deceit.

Crowns and Coronation

The violet color of her eyes is also linked to the concept of crowns and coronation. In many cultures, the purple color is used to symbolize the thrones of monarchs, as seen in the regalia of kings and queens. In the "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, the Targaryens are often referred to as the dragons, and their crowns are adorned with dragon heads, again emphasizing their importance in the feudal societies of Westeros.

Daenerys' eye color can thus be read as a subtle nod to her coronation onto the Seven Kingdoms. Her purple eyes suggest that she is a suitable and fitting queen, and the way in which her eyes carry this color feels like a foreshadowing of her inevitable ascension, symbolizing her place as a rightful ruler.

Other Worldly and Supernatural Elements

Another dimension to the symbolism of Daenerys Targaryen's violet eyes lies in the realm of the supernatural. Given the extensive use of prophecy and otherworldly powers in the series, her striking eye color can be seen as a sign of preordained destiny or as an indicator of divinity.

In the context of the series, her violet eyes also mirror the theme of the dragons, which are their own mythical creatures with a special connection to their Targaryen kin. This connection is not merely visual but symbolic, as Daenerys' dragons begin their transformation from innocuous hatchlings to fearsome adults, mirroring her journey from vulnerability to strength.

Conclusion: A Complex Symbol

In conclusion, Daenerys Targaryen's violet-colored eyes in the Game of Thrones series are a complex symbol that intertwines with themes of nobility, purity, royal legacy, and the supernatural. While the eye color serves primarily as a visually striking trait, it adds depth and layers of meaningful symbolisms to the story, making her character more than just an archetype but a key player in the ongoing saga of Westeros and beyond.