The 8 most empowering Game of Thrones episodes for women
Season 6, Episode 10: “The Winds Of Winter”
Say what you will about Cersei and her methods of obtaining power, but her actions during the sixth season finale of Game of Thrones certainly freed her from the oppression she faced for seasons in King’s Landing. The High Sparrow was certainly the worst of the men Cersei found herself under the control of, but he came after Robert Baratheon, Tywin Lannister, and even her own sons. Cersei’s power was constantly defined by the men she maneuvered to keep it, at least until her extreme actions during this “The Winds of Winter.”
When Cersei blows up the Sept of Baelor, she breaks the chains of her oppression. Instead of attempting to play by the High Sparrow’s rules—as she played by the rules of all the other men in her life—Cersei takes matters into her own hands entirely. And although Cersei didn’t plan for Tommen’s death, taking the king out of the equation enabled her to reach for complete control over herself and her kingdom once and for all. As twisted as it is, it is an empowering moment for Cersei, who endured years of feeling powerless.
Daenerys also sets sail for Westeros during this finale, a satisfying moment that occurs after six seasons of building up to it. Before she leaves, however, she’s forced to part ways with Daario Neharis. The scene between the two of them, as well as the one between Tyrion and Daenerys that follows it, contain some interesting realizations for Daenerys. First, her willingness to sacrifice her romance with Daario for her kingdom shows her ability to make levelheaded decisions as a ruler, regardless of her own feelings.
More than that, though, Daario’s response to Daenerys’ decision raises another important question for female leaders: Should their reign and the alliances made during it need to be defined by marriage? Daario insists that Daenerys can do as she pleases as queen, just like kings have done for years. And while she ultimately still makes the choice to leave him behind, his argument is a compelling one that shines a light on the double standards female leaders face.