Why did Daenerys have to eat the horse heart?
In the vibrant tapestry of George R. R. Martin's fantasy epic, "Game of Thrones," one scene that has imprinted itself onto the minds of audiences worldwide involves Daenerys Targaryen, a young, exiled princess of the fallen Targaryen dynasty, as she consumes a raw stallion's heart in the city of Vaes Dothrak. The question that arises from this rather gruesome ceremony is: why did Daenerys eat the horse heart? To understand the deeper implications of this ritual, let's delve into the field of cultural anthropology, particularly Clifford Geertz's symbolic anthropology theory.
Symbolic anthropology is a theoretical approach that emphasizes the importance of symbols and symbolism in interpreting social action, culture, and behavior. According to Geertz, rituals are public, symbolic, and meaningful actions that convey information about participants and their culture. Through this lens, Daenerys's consumption of the horse heart can be seen as a powerful symbolic ritual expressing her transformation and commitment to the Dothraki way of life.
At the start of her journey, Daenerys is introduced as a powerless figure, a pawn in her brother's ambitious plans. She is sold to the Dothraki horselord, Khal Drogo, as a means to secure an army. However, as she integrates into the Dothraki society, Daenerys begins to reshape her identity. This transformative process is climaxed by the consumption of the horse heart, a ritual that signifies her complete acceptance into the Dothraki culture, and her psychological metamorphosis from a timid girl into a queen - a Khaleesi.
To the nomadic Dothraki, horses are sacred, symbolizing strength, power, and vitality. Therefore, eating a stallion's heart is not only a ritualistic act of consuming raw strength and courage, but it also signifies an ultimate embrace of their culture, their values, and their way of life. The ritual also has a spiritual significance. It's believed to bless Daenerys's unborn son, prophesying him to be the "The Stallion That Mounts The World," a figure of immense power in Dothraki lore.
In this context, Daenerys's decision to eat the heart, despite its grotesqueness and her own revulsion, becomes an act of determination and bravery. It is a clear demonstration of her commitment to her new identity as Khaleesi and a future mother of a powerful Dothraki leader. This act, observed and accepted by the Dothraki, transforms Daenerys into a figure of respect and admiration, thus effectively consolidating her position within the Khalasar.
Moreover, as Geertz suggests, rituals also communicate important social and cultural messages. Daenerys's willingness to consume the heart and embrace Dothraki customs and rituals demonstrates her readiness to reject her previous life as an exiled princess and take on the role of a Dothraki Khaleesi. It is a silent yet powerful assertion of her strength, resilience, and leadership capabilities.
In conclusion, through the lens of symbolic anthropology, Daenerys Targaryen's act of consuming the horse heart in "Game of Thrones" is a rich, symbolic ritual that marks her transformation, reflects her integration into Dothraki society, and reinforces her emerging power. It is a testament to the complexities of cultural rituals and their pivotal roles in shaping social identities and power dynamics. George R. R. Martin's intricate weaving of such anthropological themes into his fantasy saga provides a unique depth and realism, making "Game of Thrones" a fascinating subject for cultural anthropological exploration.
