The Dragon Queen, Daenerys Targaryen, captivated audiences worldwide with her charisma, determination, and unwavering pursuit of the Iron Throne. Portrayed by the incredibly talented Emilia Clarke, Daenerys became a symbol of strength, resilience, and ultimately, a controversial figure in the epic saga of Game of Thrones. While her political strategies, dragon-riding skills, and complex character arc are heavily debated and analyzed, one question often surfaces among fans: how tall was Daenerys Targaryen?
Estimating the height of a fictional character can be tricky, as it often relies on a combination of factors, including the actor’s height, on-screen comparisons with other characters, and any details provided in the source material. Let’s delve into the various aspects that help us estimate the height of Daenerys Targaryen.
Emilia Clarke: The Foundation of Daenerys’ Height
Emilia Clarke, the actress who brought Daenerys to life, stands at approximately 5 feet 2 inches (157 centimeters). This measurement serves as the starting point for our investigation. It’s important to acknowledge that the character’s perceived height may differ slightly due to costuming, footwear, and camera angles employed during filming. However, Emilia Clarke’s height provides a solid foundation for understanding the character’s physical stature.
The Influence of Costumes and Footwear
In Game of Thrones, costumes played a significant role in defining the characters and their status. Daenerys’ elaborate gowns and regal attire often included platform shoes or hidden lifts to enhance her presence and command attention. These subtle adjustments in footwear could easily add an inch or two to her apparent height, making her seem taller than she actually was. The flowing fabrics and intricate designs of her costumes also contributed to the illusion of a more imposing figure. The designers of the show masterfully used clothing to amplify her already considerable presence on screen.
Camera Angles and On-Screen Perception
Filmmaking techniques, such as camera angles, can also significantly influence how tall a character appears on screen. Low-angle shots, for example, can make a character seem taller and more powerful, while high-angle shots can have the opposite effect. The directors and cinematographers of Game of Thrones were skilled at using these techniques to convey Daenerys’ authority and strength.
Comparing Daenerys to Other Characters
One of the most reliable ways to estimate Daenerys’ height is to compare her to other characters in the show whose heights are more readily known or can be reasonably estimated.
Analyzing Interactions with Key Figures
Jon Snow, played by Kit Harington, is often listed as being around 5 feet 8 inches (173 centimeters) tall. When Daenerys and Jon are seen together on screen, Daenerys appears noticeably shorter, confirming that she is indeed significantly shorter than Jon. Similarly, compared to characters like Khal Drogo, played by Jason Momoa, who stands at an imposing 6 feet 4 inches (193 centimeters), Daenerys appears quite petite. This visual comparison reinforces the understanding that Daenerys was intentionally portrayed as a smaller character alongside these taller figures.
Visual Evidence from Group Scenes
Observing Daenerys in group scenes offers further clues. When standing amongst her advisors, warriors, or even the Dothraki, she is consistently among the shortest. This visual consistency across multiple scenes suggests that her height relative to others was a deliberate choice, contributing to the overall dynamic and power balance within the narrative.
Height in the Books: A Different Perspective?
While the Game of Thrones television series is based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series, there are often discrepancies between the characters’ depictions in the books and the show. Unfortunately, the books don’t explicitly state Daenerys’ height in precise measurements. However, descriptions of her physique provide some clues.
Descriptive Passages in the Novels
Martin often describes Daenerys as being of slender build and possessing a delicate beauty. While not directly mentioning her height, the emphasis on her lithe frame suggests that she is not particularly tall. There are passages that emphasize her youthfulness and almost fragile appearance, particularly in the earlier books. These descriptions subtly suggest that she is smaller in stature, contributing to the perception of her as a young and somewhat vulnerable figure who gradually gains power and authority.
The Absence of Direct Height References
The lack of specific height references in the books makes it challenging to definitively determine her height according to Martin’s vision. Instead, the focus is on her features, her silver-gold hair, her violet eyes, and her overall ethereal beauty. These details contribute more to her overall character than her specific height.
Estimating Daenerys’ Height: Putting It All Together
Considering all the available evidence, including Emilia Clarke’s height, on-screen comparisons, and descriptions from the books, we can reasonably estimate Daenerys Targaryen’s height to be around 5 feet 2 inches to 5 feet 4 inches (157 centimeters to 163 centimeters).
Accounting for Potential Variations
It’s important to acknowledge that this is an estimate, and the exact height of the character remains open to interpretation. Factors like footwear and camera angles could have subtly altered her perceived height on screen. Furthermore, the lack of definitive information in the books leaves room for different interpretations of her physical stature.
The Importance of Character Portrayal Over Precise Height
Ultimately, the precise height of Daenerys Targaryen is less important than the character’s overall portrayal and impact on the story. Emilia Clarke’s performance captured the essence of Daenerys’ strength, determination, and complexity, regardless of her physical stature. The character’s height, whether it was perceived as shorter or taller, did not diminish her powerful presence or her influence on the events of Game of Thrones. Her actions, her dragons, and her quest for the Iron Throne overshadowed any concerns about her precise height.
How tall was Daenerys Targaryen in the books?
In George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series, Daenerys Targaryen’s height is never explicitly stated. However, descriptions throughout the books indicate she is shorter than many of the other characters. She is often described as petite, slight of frame, and of a delicate build, suggesting she is likely below average height for a woman in Westeros. Given the historical context and the general depictions, it is reasonable to infer that Daenerys is probably around 5’2″ to 5’4″.
The focus in the books is more on her physical appearance, specifically her beauty, silver hair, and violet eyes, rather than on specific measurements. Her perceived fragility often contrasts with her inner strength and determination. While fans often speculate, the lack of explicit height information allows for individual reader interpretation and imagination regarding her precise stature within the narrative. This ambiguity contributes to the mystique surrounding the character.
How tall is Emilia Clarke, the actress who played Daenerys?
Emilia Clarke, the actress who portrayed Daenerys Targaryen in the HBO television adaptation of “Game of Thrones,” is reportedly 5 feet 2 inches (157 centimeters) tall. This makes her relatively short compared to some of her fellow cast members and, in general, for actresses in leading roles. Her height is a frequently discussed aspect of her physical portrayal of the character.
While some fans might have expected a taller actress to embody the powerful Dragon Queen, Clarke’s height arguably contributes to the perception of Daenerys as a young and somewhat vulnerable figure, at least initially. This perceived vulnerability contrasts with Daenerys’s growing power and commanding presence, making her transformation even more compelling for viewers. Her performance showcases how a character can be formidable regardless of physical stature.
Did Emilia Clarke wear lifts or platform shoes as Daenerys?
There is no official confirmation or widespread evidence to suggest that Emilia Clarke consistently wore lifts or platform shoes during the filming of “Game of Thrones” to significantly increase her height as Daenerys Targaryen. While costumes can sometimes incorporate subtle enhancements, it’s more likely that camera angles and staging were used to create the desired visual effect.
Actors’ heights are often manipulated through skillful filmmaking techniques rather than relying heavily on noticeable footwear modifications. Focus is generally placed on performance and character portrayal, rather than directly attempting to alter an actor’s physical stature. The show’s crew would likely use methods like elevating her position on set relative to other actors, rather than bulky or obvious shoe alterations, to avoid drawing attention to the difference in height.
How does Daenerys’s height compare to Jon Snow’s height?
In the HBO television series “Game of Thrones,” Kit Harington, who played Jon Snow, is significantly taller than Emilia Clarke, who played Daenerys Targaryen. Harington’s height is reported to be around 5 feet 8 inches (173 centimeters), making him noticeably taller than Clarke’s 5 feet 2 inches (157 centimeters). This difference in height was visually apparent throughout their scenes together.
The contrast in their heights arguably emphasized the power dynamics within their relationship at various points in the series. It could contribute to the perception of Jon Snow as a more traditionally masculine figure, especially in the earlier seasons. However, Daenerys’s commanding presence and strength of character ultimately transcended any physical disparities, establishing her as an equally powerful and respected leader alongside Jon Snow.
Why is Daenerys’s height even a topic of discussion?
Daenerys Targaryen’s height is a topic of discussion primarily because the character is often perceived as a powerful and commanding figure, challenging conventional expectations associated with height and authority. The contrast between her small stature and her immense power as a Dragon Queen sparks curiosity and debate among fans. Her height becomes relevant when compared to her on-screen presence and the respect she commands.
Furthermore, the casting of Emilia Clarke, who is relatively short, in the role of Daenerys has also contributed to the ongoing discussion. Fans often compare the character’s portrayal on screen with their own interpretations of her from the books, leading to conversations about the significance of height in representing strength and leadership. This showcases how physical characteristics interact with character perception.
Does Daenerys’s height affect her character arc or development?
While Daenerys Targaryen’s height isn’t a central plot point, it subtly influences the perception of her character arc and development. Initially, her smaller stature might contribute to the impression of her as a vulnerable and naive young woman. This provides a stark contrast to the powerful and determined leader she becomes over the course of the series.
Her growth from a seemingly fragile figure into a formidable queen arguably becomes more impactful precisely because of her physical appearance. Daenerys overcomes the potential disadvantages associated with being perceived as small or weak, demonstrating that strength and leadership are not solely defined by physical stature. This reinforces the theme that inner strength and conviction are more important than outward appearances.
Are there any fan theories related to Daenerys’s height?
While there are no major elaborate fan theories directly centered solely on Daenerys Targaryen’s height, some fans speculate that her petite stature might be related to her Targaryen lineage and their history of inbreeding. Theories posit that certain physical traits, including smaller size, could be recurring characteristics within the Targaryen family line. However, these are purely speculative and not supported by explicit textual evidence.
Other fan theories, more broadly, connect her perceived fragility to her early experiences and vulnerability as a young woman sold into marriage. Her physical appearance, interpreted by some as delicate, is then contrasted with her later displays of resilience and power, creating a narrative of overcoming adversity. This contrast serves to emphasize the character’s transformative journey from vulnerability to formidable leadership, despite physical limitations.