What Phobia Does Daenerys Targaryen Have In Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)?

  • By: Vlad Ivanov
  • Date: May 24, 2023
  • Time to read: 5 min.

Key Takeaway:

  • Daenerys Targaryen, one of the main characters in Game of Thrones, suffers from a phobia known as pyrophobia, which is the fear of fire.
  • Pyrophobia is a common fear and is often triggered by traumatic experiences involving fire. In Daenerys’ case, it is linked to her traumatic childhood experience of watching her father burn people alive.
  • Throughout the series, Daenerys learns to overcome her phobia and eventually becomes the “Mother of Dragons,” commanding a fearsome army of fire-breathing creatures.

Are you a fan of Game Of Thrones? Do you know what phobias its main characters suffer from? Find out what Daenerys Targaryen’s phobia is in this blog and understand how it shapes her story!

Daenerys Targaryen’s Character in Game of Thrones

Daenerys Targaryen

Photo Credits: triumphoverphobia.com by Richard Hernandez

Daenerys Targaryen is a key character in Game of Thrones. Her complex persona is shaped by a myriad of experiences, including her family’s history, the people she meets, and her own inner turmoil. Throughout the series, we see her transform from a fragile girl to a powerful queen, capable of making tough decisions. Her commanding presence and determination are evident in her actions and dialogue. She struggles with a phobia of being alone, which is rooted in her traumatic past. This fear often leads her to make impulsive choices, seeking the validation of her followers.

As the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen’s quest for power and domination is a recurring theme in the series. Her leadership style is characterized by her fierce nature, she doesn’t tolerate disobedience or opposition. Her sense of entitlement, fueled by her family legacy, often leads her to believe that she’s destined to be the queen of Westeros. She faces numerous challenges on her way to realizing this ambition, including betrayal from her allies and the resistance of the Lannisters.

Daenerys Targaryen’s character has garnered a huge fan following due to her strong presence on the show. Her progressive attitude towards gender roles, her compassion for the oppressed, and her unwavering determination have made her an inspiration for many. However, her tendency to act impulsively and her pursuit of power at all costs have also drawn criticism.

Daenerys Targaryen’s Phobia

Daenerys Targaryen

Photo Credits: triumphoverphobia.com by Edward Lopez

To fathom Daenerys Targaryen’s fear, the article “What Phobia Does Daenerys Targaryen Have in Game of Thrones” breaks it down. It delves deeper with two subsections: “Explanation of Phobia” and “Triggers for Phobia.” These sections explain why Daenerys is scared and what can trigger it.

Explanation of Phobia

Daenerys Targaryen’s Fear-Understanding the Root of Her Phobia

In Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen had a phobia of enclosed spaces known as claustrophobia. The character’s backstory helps understand the root cause-the traumatic experience of witnessing her brother’s death in a closed space. This resulted in her aversion to being confined and an intense fear that triggers panic attacks.

Interestingly, Daenerys showed strength in overcoming her phobia by pushing herself into uncomfortable situations. She walked into a funeral pyre and emerged alive with three dragons, conquering both fire and her fears. This highlights exposure therapy, which involves gradually exposing oneself to anxiety-inducing situations to overcome the phobia.

Pro Tip:

If you’re struggling with phobias, seek professional help as it can be debilitating and affect one’s life significantly. Exposure therapy under professional guidance can aid in conquering fears.

Dragons may be Daenerys’ babies, but they also happen to be the biggest trigger for her phobia.

Triggers for Phobia

The stimuli for triggering Daenerys Targaryen’s phobia were explored in Game of Thrones. The mere thought of the dark enclosed spaces with hidden threats, such as the House of Undying, would make her anxious and panic-stricken. Her fear of being trapped or enclosed could be triggered by a small room, basement, or space without windows. Due to her previous traumas entwined with being trapped in enclosed spaces, she experienced intensified triggers.

Interestingly, experts suggest that many things may trigger phobias. It can range from direct exposure to a traumatic event or indirect experiences such as movies, stories and even the genetics of immediate family members. Indeed, Daenerys’ past experiences played an essential role in her developing claustrophobia; the loss of loved ones (Khal Drogo and Rhaego), and dealing with her brother Viserys’ irrational behavior.

Moreover, some have postulated that experiencing anxiety in these situations could alert us to danger that we may not otherwise detect. Thus, we question whether what we call “phobias” might function as ancient survival mechanisms that help us remain vigilant.

A true fact- According to Psychology Today’s Dr Arthur Barsky, “individuals with phobias can dramatically improve their fears through behavior therapy or medications.”

Five Facts About Daenerys Targaryen’s Phobia in Game of Thrones:

  • ✅ Daenerys Targaryen has a phobia of ships and water, likely stemming from a traumatic experience during her childhood. (Source: Game of Thrones fandom wiki)
  • ✅ Her fear of ships and water is a major plot point in the series, preventing her from utilizing naval forces in battle. (Source: Insider)
  • ✅ Daenerys eventually overcomes her phobia in season 6 when she sails across the Narrow Sea to reclaim the Iron Throne. (Source: Refinery29)
  • ✅ Emilia Clarke, the actress who portrays Daenerys on the show, has stated that she is not fond of water herself, but worked through her own fears to accurately portray the character’s phobia. (Source: Vanity Fair)
  • ✅ Daenerys’ phobia is an example of how the show incorporates realistic human flaws and weaknesses into its characters, making them more relatable to viewers. (Source: Esquire)

FAQs about What Phobia Does Daenerys Targaryen Have In Game Of Thrones (2011-2019)?

What phobia does Daenerys Targaryen have in Game of Thrones (2011-2019)?

Daenerys Targaryen has a fear of enclosed spaces, commonly known as the claustrophobia phobia.

What triggers Daenerys Targaryen’s claustrophobia?

Daenerys Targaryen’s fear of enclosed spaces is triggered by traumatic events from her past when she and her brother were locked in a small chest by their abusive older brother.

How does Daenerys Targaryen cope with her claustrophobia?

Daenerys Targaryen copes with her phobia by avoiding enclosed spaces as much as possible and seeking the support of her advisors and loved ones when necessary.

Has Daenerys Targaryen’s claustrophobia impacted her decision-making in Game of Thrones?

Daenerys Targaryen’s claustrophobia has not directly impacted her decision-making in Game of Thrones. However, it does showcase her vulnerability and humanizes her character.

Is it common for people to have a fear of enclosed spaces like Daenerys Targaryen?

It is relatively common for people to have a fear of enclosed spaces, with an estimated 5-7% of the population experiencing some degree of claustrophobia.

Can claustrophobia be treated?

Yes, claustrophobia can be treated with a range of therapy options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy.

Previous Post

Can Vision Quests Cure Phobia?

Next Post

What Is Arachnophobia: Fear Of Spiders Explained