Daenerys Targaryen and the Ironborn Thralls: A Call to Abolish Slavery
Daenerys Targaryen and the Ironborn Thralls: A Call to Abolish Slavery
In George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, Daenerys Targaryen holds a firm stance against slavery, particularly after her harrowing experiences in Slaver's Bay. She views the liberation of those oppressed by slavery as a moral imperative and has made it her mission to free the captives who have suffered under this institution. This strong moral conviction extends to her dealings with the Ironborn and their practice of maintaining thralls.
Understanding Thralls through Daenerys's Lense
Victarion Greyjoy, the Ironborn, and their thralls are a stark reminder of the oppressive practices that Daenerys has fought against. Thralls in the cultures of both the Ironborn and the North of the Wall are effectively slaves who have been captured and forced into servitude through raids and warfare. These individuals are often subjected to harsh conditions and a life that lacks the basic human rights and freedoms that Daenerys champions.
The Culture of Thralls in the Iron Islands
In the Iron Islands, the practice of taking thralls is deeply ingrained in their culture. However, the recent alliance between Daenerys and Yara suggests a shift in this practice. It is crucial to consider the implications of slavery in the Iron Islands and the North of the Wall. The term 'thrall' itself, though often synonymous with 'slave', carries a deeper connotation. It can imply a psychological state of bondage rather than just physical enslavement.
The Historical and Cultural Roots of Thralls
The origins of thralls can be traced back to the North, possibly even to the roots of the Stark family. The Grey King, a significant figure in Iron Island lore, has been linked to the Elder racial memory and the practice of warging, or the ability to enter the minds of animals or even other humans. This suggests that the original thralls of the Ironborn were more than just mere slaves; they were individuals who were controlled by this aspect of the Grey King's power.
The Impact of Thrall Practices
The treatment of thralls in the Iron Islands is likely far more inhumane than what one might find in Slaver's Bay, though not as barbaric as the practices in Valyria. The idea that the original thralls were controlled by the Grey King and thus had a natural life if left uncontrolled implies that their treatment was not just a form of slavery, but a dehumanizing practice. The very notion of freeing these individuals aligns with Daenerys's moral beliefs, which prioritize the inherent freedom of every person.
Daenerys's Mission to Abolish Slavery
If Daenerys were to encounter Victorion Greyjoy and his thralls, she would likely be profoundly appalled by the dehumanizing treatment of these individuals. Her history in Slaver's Bay and her commitment to liberating the oppressed would compel her to seek the freedom of these thralls. By freeing the thralls, she would be continuing her mission to challenge and dismantle the oppressive practices that have defined the Ironborn culture.
Conclusion
The thrall system on the Iron Islands and in the North of the Wall serves as a stark reminder of the dehumanizing practices that Daenerys Targaryen has sought to eradicate. As she faces the Ironborn and their thralls, Daenerys would likely see these individuals not just as slaves, but as people who deserve the same rights and freedoms she has fought so hard to provide. The future of the Ironborn lies in moving away from such practices and toward a more just and free society.