Sansa's Intense Feelings Towards Daenerys: A Complex Web of Trust and Tyranny

Sansa Stark's intense feelings towards Daenerys Targaryen are rooted in a multifaceted combination of personal experiences, political motivations, and value disparities. This essay delves into the key factors that contribute to Sansa's animosity towards Daenerys.

Protectiveness of the North

Sansa is deeply committed to the autonomy and safety of the North. Her life has been marked by significant trauma and loss, including the betrayals and conflicts that have shaped her. She views Daenerys as a potential threat to Northern independence, fearing that her rule will impose a foreign influence over the region without regard for its people or traditions.

Differing Leadership Styles

Sansa and Daenerys have fundamentally different approaches to leadership. While Sansa navigates the complexities of power in a pragmatic and cautious manner, Daenerys is often impulsive and driven by her desire to reclaim the Iron Throne. Sansa's skepticism about Daenerys's ability to lead effectively contributes to her distrust.

Personal Trauma

Sansa's past experiences, including her time in King's Landing and her encounters with figures like Joffrey and Ramsay Bolton, have made her wary of powerful individuals. Daenerys's assertive nature and her history of using fire and blood to achieve her goals evoke memories of the violence and tyranny Sansa has suffered.

Tension Over Jon Snow

Sansa's feelings are also influenced by her relationship with Jon Snow. When Jon reveals his true parentage and his connection to Daenerys, Sansa feels threatened by the potential shift in power dynamics. She worries that Jon's loyalty to Daenerys may compromise his commitment to the North.

Miscommunication and Mistrust

Throughout their interactions, there is a palpable undercurrent of mistrust and miscommunication. For example, when Sansa expresses some concern about feeding the dragons, Daenerys's response is flippant or even threatening. Jon, who left the North as a king, has handed over sovereignty to this person without consulting the Northern Lords who put him on the throne. This highlights the tension and mistrust between the two characters.

Confrontation and Dismissal

When Sansa confronts Daenerys about the status of the North, she has gone through immense trauma and danger to secure it. Daenerys seems to dismiss Sansa's concerns as mere sisterly worries about Jon's infidelity. When it becomes clear that Sansa's main interest is in keeping the North free of Southern influence, Daenerys becomes even more dismissive because she has no intention of allowing anything she thinks is hers to go free. This irks Sansa for reasons that are evident.

In conclusion, Sansa's intense feelings towards Daenerys are shaped by her protective instincts, past traumas, and a deep desire for the North to remain free and strong. The multifaceted nature of their relationship—built on trust, mistrust, and a shared history—makes their dynamic a crucial aspect of the narrative in A Song of Ice and Fire and A Gardener's Guide to Ruling the Seven Kingdoms.

Keywords: Sansa Starks, Daenerys Targaryen, intensity of emotions, North, Westeros