Written by Angela Mujukian
Warning: Major plot spoilers ahead.
Don’t let appearances fool you, “Game of Thrones,” is not just about sex and savagery. Underneath the surface of it all, this television series sheds many layers of light on women empowerment.
Step aside boys—it’s the woman’s turn to rule! The women characterized in the series are considered the wittiest, wisest, and wealthiest queens to “rule the throne”. In a fictional period in which the show takes place, gender equality is nonexistent. However, these three women leaders exhibit boldness and are not afraid to play by their own rules. The role of the woman is not of a whore nor a prostitute but that of an empowered feminine figure with political and social influence. These women continuously prove that their world is not a “man’s world,” nor do they need men to advance in their social, political, or economic status. These three characters, in particular, are broken down by age, from an early age to young adulthood, and then adulthood to show the importance and influence of women no matter what stage of life they are in.
Here is what you can learn from three characters:
Cersei Lannister, Queen Regent of the Seven Kingdoms
A mother’s love provides the greatest strength of all.
Although audiences love to hate Cersei Lannister, especially during the show’s first few seasons, her character transformed from the antagonist role as a Lannister and has shifted to that of a protagonist as the mother of a king. Viewers look past the evil doings of this wicked queen because of her strongest trait that trumps all evil, her love for her son.
What we can learn from Cersei’s character is one that brings the message that life is not polar, neither black nor white or good versus evil but a mixture of gray. Beneath all her royal costume and malicious attitude is a woman who connects with all mothers across the world and teaches us to appreciate the love of a mother. Viewers come to understand all of her corruptness and forgive her because, in her case, a mother’s love conquers hate and sin. She uses the love for her children to give her strength to endure life’s challenges.
Any mother can see an unnoticeable trait in Cersei within themselves and recognize the power of an unbreakable bond between mother and child.
Daenerys Targaryen
A widow can build her empire without the help of a man.
Daenerys Targaryen, also known as Khaleesi, is a Dothraki, referring to the wife of Khal. The mother of dragons has shown time and again that she does not depend on a man to make decisions for her. Unlike all the other women mourning in the dungeons, she is focused on building a man-less home and overthrowing kingdoms. She continues to break boundaries as a widow, indicating that real courage does not lie within the union of man and woman but in a woman’s prerogative to exist independent from men.
What we can learn from Khaleesi’s character is to always move forward in life and focus on building our empires. Her character gives hope for all those who have suffered a loss and an understanding that they have an entire village to lean on for support. She teaches us that women can be the head of the household as well as a man can.
- Arya Stark
Your designation should not give you a sense of entitlement, and your name does not define your identity.
Arya Stark is “the girl that has no name.” Her character in the show’s plot proves that a name is simply a mask that people wear to hide their true identity. She learns that she is not privileged to an inheritance as she learns what it feels like to live less privileged. Arya learns to treat all people equally. Her realization of this concept helps her grow as an individual and helps her appreciate the power that will soon come to her as she transitions into womanhood.
What we can learn from Arya’s character is that a sense of entitlement should come by earning it, not being handed it. Moreover, your name, the clothes you wear, the school you attend, and house you live in should not define you. Her character makes viewers understand that specific designations representing authority do not give one the right to brag or boast. Her message to the world is to remove our masks and stay true to who we are.
Essentially, these subtle messages of empowerment should not be overlooked. “Game of Thrones” may invoke a new era of empowering entertainment in television, leading women not only to continue to master the “game” of life but also to ascend to their “thrones” in everyday life. Watch out gentlemen!
