The Fury of Game of Thrones Daenerys Fans, Explained by a Clinical Psychologist

On the way to the domination of the seven kingdoms on Game of Thrones, a real superstar of the kingdom took a dramatic turn that worried many fans. A clinical psychologist, author and fervent fan of fantasy, says the disappointment is real.

But first, if you have not heard what happened yet "The Bells, "the penultimate episode of HBO's hit series, take a moment to watch season 8, episode 5. Then find me here.

Because there are spoilers coming! Got that? D & # 39; AGREEMENT.

Great, you're back. Thus, Queen Daenerys and her baby dragon Drogon easily force Cersei's troops to surrender and then burn the city anyway. WTH, is that it?

The chainbreaker and the leading candidate for the iron throne and the heart of our hearts quickly became the mad queen, or at least the "queen of ashes," she swore she would never be.

Clinical psychologist Janina Scarlet explains that Game of Thrones functioned as a kind of refuge for trauma survivors who were able to feel and connect with characters who suffered physical disfigurement after the loss. of their loved ones.

Khaleesi's heel turn is therefore particularly troubling for fans who might have felt a real sense of connection with his character as a result of his epic story, which saw Dany escape dreadful circumstances to literally cross the fire, release the slaves, bring the Dragons to the north. and help rally the troops to defeat the king of the night. She was basically Abraham Lincoln, Hercules and Winston Churchill gathered in one person riding a dragon.

Scarlet uses the term "parasocial relation" to describe the link that a fan might create with a fictional character or celebrity.

"Parasocial relationships can help fans feel less alone in their mental health problems, can inspire hope and create a dialogue about trauma and recovery," Scarlet said. "Seeing someone who has been abused, abused, assaulted and tragedy can inspire many other trauma victims, especially women, to better understand and deal with their traumatic experiences."

Scarlet is also a self-proclaimed geek, author and creator of Superhero Therapy, which incorporates comic-book characters, science fiction, fantasy and video games into certain types of therapy. Scarlet, based in San Diego, works with clients to identify their skills and strengths using characters like Veronica Mars, who has a knack for detective work, as role models.

Scarlet agree with countless fans on social media – and anyone watching in my house – that the killing of thousands of the dragon's mother at King's Landing does not exactly match the image of Daenerys Targaryen that we've known since the good old times of breaking chains in Meereen and beyond.

"For many fans, especially women, who could identify with Daenerys in terms of the survivor, this sudden change can be both confusing and emotionally distressing." Such a narrative may seem to subtract from the story. action of many survivors of trauma resulting from parasocial relationships. "

She is also concerned that the portrayal of extreme violence against a multitude of anonymous characters in "The Bells" could trigger fans' attention.

"I hope that in the future, screenwriters of television and movies will consider using cultural and / or mental health consultants, particularly when writing scripts dealing with of trauma, shock and horror, in order to become aware of the potential effects of these events.Episode or a scene may have on the viewers ".

HBO did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sundays Game of Thrones Final is likely to occur with more violence and shocking turns, but in the future we may see more heroes who make mistakes and who always serve as role models when they do so.