Ooh, good catch. My spidey sense tingled on the other part of that sentence, "leaning heavily on his stick." Yes, he was said to be ill, but this vision/memory seems to be how Dany primarily remembers him, in his 'true' form.
Like, when I think of my grandfather who died 30+ years ago, I don't remember him all sick and bedridden from lung cancer - I remember him in his overalls and hat and boots because that's how I saw him all the time during all the years before that. If I have a dream or a memory, it is of him in the state I knew best.
So Dany is seeing Willem Darry in the state she knew best too - a big old bearish man with big soft hands and a walking cane. Interesting.
So Dany is seeing Willem Darry in the state she knew best too - a big old bearish man with big soft hands and a walking cane. Interesting.
What else is interesting is that we never have any reference to Willem Darry ever carrying a sword or wearing armour during these past memories/visions of him. Yet just like the soft hands thing, how is this possible? He was a knight and more importantly a master-at-arms. His life revolved around warfare, yet we don't have him having any of the tools of his trade with him, or showing any signs of a life spent in his trade.
Your lordship lost a son at the Red Wedding. I lost four upon the Blackwater. And why? Because the Lannisters stole the throne. Go to King’s Landing and look on Tommen with your own eyes, if you doubt me. A blind man could see it. What does Stannis offer you? Vengeance. Vengeance for my sons and yours, for your husbands and your fathers and your brothers. Vengeance for your murdered lord, your murdered king, your butchered princes. Vengeance!
Exactly. Aerys was paranoid, but I don't know that he was stupid....or at least stupid enough to send away his master at arms after a major loss and with a siege to the castle forthcoming. He had a thousand people in the Red Keep with him, and most of his force in the field. He must have really been expecting a dragon to fly in if he thought it a wise idea to ship Darry off to Dragonstone.
The only explanation I see for this is that there was far more time between the Trident and the Sack than is commonly believed. Twinslayer mentioned this over at W before, suggesting that the Rebellion battles were primarily frontloaded, with the Trident happening a couple of months before the Sack - not a couple of weeks as assumed. In other words, enough time to send a MaA away with the queen and heir and have him return to defend the Keep.
Okay--that would help a lot. Or even just a week or two longer. Darry gets them to Dragonstone. Then, back. That's why the KG at the tower imply that Darry fled--fled the Red Keep and Aerys. After the Sack. Instead of standing and fight to the last man--like they are (maybe).
Think that would work. Aerys was keeping Elia and her kids close for leverage But getting Viserys to safety, especially since he was the heir--seems like the flight to Dragonstone would happen before the Sack. If Aerys had any sense left in his crazy, matted head.
All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors. Oscar Wilde.
A: Willem Darry accompanied Rhaella and Viserys to Dragonstone after Rhaegar’s death at the Trident. R: Nothing in the text places WD as departing for Dragonstone at this time.
Speculation and possible crackpot--could Darry be Dany's father?
The timing is right. Her memories of him are absolutely wonderful. He signed the pact for Viserys (who should have been able to write by then). And he broke into the nursery to get them. Any chance he took them not just because he wanted to protect them from Robert? Could he have wanted his daughter, too?
All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors. Oscar Wilde.
A: Willem Darry accompanied Rhaella and Viserys to Dragonstone after Rhaegar’s death at the Trident. R: Nothing in the text places WD as departing for Dragonstone at this time.
Speculation and possible crackpot--could Darry be Dany's father?
The timing is right. Her memories of him are absolutely wonderful. He signed the pact for Viserys (who should have been able to write by then). And he broke into the nursery to get them. Any chance he took them not just because he wanted to protect them from Robert? Could he have wanted his daughter, too?
Not only that, but markg171 pointed out (I think?) that they had been plagued by miscarriages, Dany's birth and timing was all too perfect. You pointed out the 9 month stretch as well.
something I just thought of, speaking of fertility problems, we know GRRM draws on British history, like Tudor history, for inspiration. What if Aerys is a little afflicted like Henry VIII
here we go, crackpotting: ::crackpot:: Historians are now speculating that Henry VIII had some kind of blood thing that caused his wives to miscarry. I need to look up the article, and when I find it, I'll add it to this post, but really nobody alive would be able to diagnose dead Aerys, so maybe not. Even so, it's possible that he had the fertility issue, not Rhaella.
yes, he had other kids, so did Henry. I'll find the article that explains what the dealio is. BTW, I'm a direct descendant of Henry VII. I need a right of conquest smiley to pay homage to him properly
“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones
Speculation and possible crackpot--could Darry be Dany's father?
The timing is right. Her memories of him are absolutely wonderful. He signed the pact for Viserys (who should have been able to write by then). And he broke into the nursery to get them. Any chance he took them not just because he wanted to protect them from Robert? Could he have wanted his daughter, too?
Not only that, but markg171 pointed out (I think?) that they had been plagued by miscarriages, Dany's birth and timing was all to perfect. You pointed out the 9 month stretch as well.
something I just thought of, speaking of fertility problems, we know GRRM draws on British history, like Tudor history, for inspiration. What if Aerys is a little afflicted like Henry VIII
here we go, crackpotting: ::crackpot:: Historians are now speculating that Henry VIII had some kind of blood thing that caused his wives to miscarry. I need to look up the article, and when I find it, I'll add it to this post, but really nobody alive would be able to diagnose dead Aerys, so maybe not. Even so, it's possible that he had the fertility issue, not Rhaella.
yes, he had other kids, so did Henry. I'll find the article that explains what the dealio is. BTW, I'm a direct descendant of Henry VII. I need a right of conquest smiley to pay homage to him properly
Re: Henry 8--I'd thought the madness was the blows to the head. He took one without his helm on during a joust--didn't wake for hours.
But I like the blood disease idea.
That said: another crackpot: The Ghost of High Heart said PTWP born from Aerys and Rhaella's "line." If Dany is born via Darry's pity and compassion for Aerys' wife--if I squint nice and tight--she's born as a result of their marriage, no? ::crackpot:: Too much, or the right kind of twist to make Martin happy?
And now I have to go, though I'd much rather stay and speculate.
All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors. Oscar Wilde.
Speculation and possible crackpot--could Darry be Dany's father?
The timing is right. Her memories of him are absolutely wonderful. He signed the pact for Viserys (who should have been able to write by then). And he broke into the nursery to get them. Any chance he took them not just because he wanted to protect them from Robert? Could he have wanted his daughter, too?
Not only that, but markg171 pointed out (I think?) that they had been plagued by miscarriages, Dany's birth and timing was all too perfect. You pointed out the 9 month stretch as well.
something I just thought of, speaking of fertility problems, we know GRRM draws on British history, like Tudor history, for inspiration. What if Aerys is a little afflicted like Henry VIII
here we go, crackpotting: ::crackpot:: Historians are now speculating that Henry VIII had some kind of blood thing that caused his wives to miscarry. I need to look up the article, and when I find it, I'll add it to this post, but really nobody alive would be able to diagnose dead Aerys, so maybe not. Even so, it's possible that he had the fertility issue, not Rhaella.
yes, he had other kids, so did Henry. I'll find the article that explains what the dealio is. BTW, I'm a direct descendant of Henry VII. I need a right of conquest smiley to pay homage to him properly
Interesting article. When I was in high school, my history teacher actually taught the belief that Henry VIII had syphilis. It would seem possible to me that Aerys might have suffered from a similar illness as well.
Why must I always be the isle of crazy alone in an ocean of sensibility? The should to everybody else’s shouldn’t? The I-will to their better-nots?
A: Willem Darry accompanied Rhaella and Viserys to Dragonstone after Rhaegar’s death at the Trident. R: Nothing in the text places WD as departing for Dragonstone at this time.
Speculation and possible crackpot--could Darry be Dany's father?
The timing is right. Her memories of him are absolutely wonderful. He signed the pact for Viserys (who should have been able to write by then). And he broke into the nursery to get them. Any chance he took them not just because he wanted to protect them from Robert? Could he have wanted his daughter, too?
I know that at some point, I read or heard about a theory suggesting someone other than Aerys as Dany's father. I remember it being someone thought to be on DS with her, but for the life of me I can't remember if it was Darry or not. Ugh.
Why must I always be the isle of crazy alone in an ocean of sensibility? The should to everybody else’s shouldn’t? The I-will to their better-nots?
A: Willem Darry accompanied Rhaella and Viserys to Dragonstone after Rhaegar’s death at the Trident. R: Nothing in the text places WD as departing for Dragonstone at this time.
Speculation and possible crackpot--could Darry be Dany's father?
Hmm. Taking 'Lemongate' to it's conclusion: Daenerys was not born on Dragonstone; she is some Dornish child. the 'Willem' she remembers is her real father (given previous observations of the 'soft-handed' Willem, which could clash with the idea of a castle master-at-arms).
A: Willem Darry accompanied Rhaella and Viserys to Dragonstone after Rhaegar’s death at the Trident. R: Nothing in the text places WD as departing for Dragonstone at this time.
Speculation and possible crackpot--could Darry be Dany's father?
The timing is right. Her memories of him are absolutely wonderful. He signed the pact for Viserys (who should have been able to write by then). And he broke into the nursery to get them. Any chance he took them not just because he wanted to protect them from Robert? Could he have wanted his daughter, too?
I was thinking more about this potential outcome and I then remember that with Aerys' death, what would prevent Rhaella from marrying Ser Willam Darry if this indeed were the case? Nothing, so why would Dany need to be a bastard?
::crackpot::
Oftentimes children of a union where it comes down to the female line to perpetuate the line have their children take the mother's name.
I was thinking more about this potential outcome and I then remember that with Aerys' death, what would prevent Rhaella from marrying Ser Willam Darry if this indeed were the case? Nothing, so why would Dany need to be a bastard?
Oftentimes children of a union where it comes down to the female line to perpetuate the line have their children take the mother's name.
Okay--this may be too much crackpot--but since everyone seems well-armed with tinfoil and satellite dishes--here goes:
Henry VII (Mojo's Grandpa)--aka Henry Tudor--got his tie to the throne via the female line to Edward III (I won't make you read how it all works/doesn't). But Henry 7 also got a tie to Henry V via Henry V's wife, Catherine of Valois. After Hank5 died, Catherine either married or had an affair with Owen Tudor. Owen Tudor is Henry 7's grandfather. So--Henry 7's claim to the throne via primogeniture was VERY sketchy.
If Dany's father isn't Aerys--her claim is also sketchy. Darry isn't a page, but a master at arms. Still . . . a trusted man at court. And, as whitewolfstark says--could have been married. (Though I fully acknowledge there's no evidence that says they were). Still, she'd have a claim via the female line (her mother--unless the speculation above re: Ashara is actually in place).
Henry 7: hid out across the narrow sea/English Channel in France. Then came back via the south (Wales) to defeat Richard III, who was actually in the line of primogeniture succession.
So, long winded way of saying: Is Dany Henry Tudor, vs. Jon's being Henry Tudor? And she will come back with an army and defeat Aegon (who is in the line of succession).
Disclaimer: I know full well that Dany's coming back and taking out Aegon does NOT mean Darry is her father. But it would be lovely for Dany to find out that her father actually loved/cared for her mother. That would be a win. . .
Or, perhaps all of this is telling us that Mojo will soon be sailing the not-so-narrow Pacific ocean to take out Will and Kate.
ETA:apologies to BeautifulBacon. I will stop crackpotting now.
All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors. Oscar Wilde.
what would prevent Rhaella from marrying Ser Willam Darry if this indeed were the case? Nothing, so why would Dany need to be a bastard?
She wouldn't need to be a bastard anyways. Rhaella crowned Viserys on Dragonstone making him Viserys III. Viserys could have legitimized anybody with Targaryen blood into a Targaryen
Your lordship lost a son at the Red Wedding. I lost four upon the Blackwater. And why? Because the Lannisters stole the throne. Go to King’s Landing and look on Tommen with your own eyes, if you doubt me. A blind man could see it. What does Stannis offer you? Vengeance. Vengeance for my sons and yours, for your husbands and your fathers and your brothers. Vengeance for your murdered lord, your murdered king, your butchered princes. Vengeance!
I've seen the WD + RT = Dany theory before....I think it was Blind Beth that first brought it up at W. It was laid out well, but I'm just not sold at all on the idea that Rhaella is Dany's mother, regardless of who the father might be. I firmly believe she is a Targaryen, but haven't made up my mind as to WHICH Targaryen begat her.
I think there is evidence to suggest that Aerys raped Ashara and fathered Daenerys, which would still make Rhaegar her brother.
I also think Rhaella switched places with Ashara and sent Ashara to Dragonstone with Viserys.
Ashara pretended to be Rhaella, cloaked and hooded during the day and went down to the ship. This is the woman Jaime saw.
Rhaella brought Viserys to the ship after dark, but Viserys didn't know that his mother did not stay with the ship. He is kept from his mother and told she is recovering from her injuries, and by the time Daenerys is born, he is then told his mother died.
Rhaella then leaves Kings Landing with the Kingsguard, and that is who Ned found in the tower of joy.
I agree that there are hints that Dany's parents aren't who she thinks. And that Ashara's an option for mama--Barristan's comments.
But logistics--why would Rhaella send Ashara in her place vs. going herself? What would anyone gain from keeping Rhaella in King's Landing vs. keeping her safe on Dragonstone?
Can see getting Ashara out as well. But "instead?" Not sure what the advantage would be . . .
All art is at once surface and symbol. Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril. Those who read the symbol do so at their peril. It is the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors. Oscar Wilde.