A Song of Dan and Josh: Daenerys VIII (A Game of Thrones)

There are 344 chapters in the Song of Ice and Fire novels, and before we’re through, FanSided editor Josh Hill and I are going to read and debate every last one of them. These are our stories.

Or, more accurately, they’re the stories of dozens of characters dreamed up by George R.R. Martin. This week, Josh and I tackle Daenerys VIII from A Game of Thrones, a key turning point in the life of the girl who would become the Mother of Dragons. Here are some of the highlights:

• How does the sickness and slow death of Khal Drogo in the Dothraki Sea parallel the death of King Robert Baratheon in King’s Landing? I can’t believe I never put two and two together here.
• Relatedly, how is Daenerys Targaryen like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis? It’ll make sense if you watch, maybe.
• In this chapter, a lot of misfortune befalls not only Daenerys, but pretty much everyone she knows. Who’s fault is it? Khal Drogo? Mirri Maz Duur? Daenerys herself? We put them all on trial. We put the whole damn system on trial!
• After hundreds of pages of mostly grounded politicking, Martin finally gives us some ooky spooky magic in this chapter. How does it mesh with the world he’s built?

Next week: Arya V, aka the One Where Ned Stark Dies. Hold us.

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Or, rather, the week after next week. I’ll be on vacation for a bit, so A Song of Dan and Josh is going on a one-week hiatus, but Josh and Culturess editor Cheryl Wassenaar will be here with another episode of Take the Black Live, giving you all the Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire news you can handle. Watch the show live on our Facebook page at 4:00 p.m. CST on Wednesday, September 12!

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