Game of Thrones: Who had the best point of attack, Cersei or Daenerys?
War is a tough situation to be in. If you strike first you better hit hard. Either defeat your enemy or weaken them to a point they cannot retaliate. If you miss, then you better be prepared for what’s to come next. If you’re the one who took the first blow, then you better pray you have more left in reserve or that’s your life. Game of Thrones is about family, history, pride and above all else– war. When Cersei Lannister took over the Throne, she wasted no time in sending her army into battle. While she attacked, Daenerys had no idea she was in the process of taking such a great loss.
But that’s the power of Cersei. She doesn’t have to be on the battlefield to show her strength, unlike the men. Her shot calling from the Throne so far has been brutal, to say the least. If you’re against her, then you die. If you’re for her, then she MAY spare you. It’s the plotting and execution that makes her so dangerous.
Daenerys started out ruthless but has since scaled back her force. However, when pushed, her mean streak is as ruthless as Cersei’s, if not more given her upbringing and weapons at her disposal. Her goal is to bring peace and although she may have to use force, we understand that she doesn’t go full-out attack on her enemies– until now.
Cersei made the first move by attacking and taking over her newly formed alliance with Yara and Theon Greyjoy, who fled their uncle, Euron and pledged their allegiance to the Mother of Dragons. But, Cersei still wanted war and devised a scheme to take out the Greyjoy’s fleet with the help of their own uncle. The plan worked as Cersei and House Lannister crippled four birds with one stone. She managed to trap the Unsullied on Casterly Rock while also taking out Lady Olenna in Highgarden. This all after taking over the Greyjoy fleet, plus managing to kill the women of Dorn.
However, in the process of striking Daenerys first, Cersei may have awakened a sleeping giant or flaming dragon (depending on how you look at it).
Daenerys struck back in a way in which House Lannister was not expecting. It’s one thing to hear about the dragons but it’s another to see them up close coming for the kill. Jamie was stuck. There was no escaping and yet his life was spared before he was turned to human toast. At that moment, he understood the power of Daenerys.
If Cersei’s first move was seen as bold, then what Daenerys countered with can only be described as heroic. A well-thought out plan, Daenerys didn’t have time for. She needed to strike back and it needed to be felt. As Jamie and his army heard the sound of horses heading over the hill, they were left in awe, but when they caught a glimpse of Daenerys on top of Drogon, it became all too real. In the ensuing minutes of the fight, we learned one thing. If Daenerys wanted to take back the Throne with force, there’s no stopping her.
Word hasn’t gotten back to Cersei yet about the counter attack. But when it does, Cersei has to ask herself– what did she start?
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
