Daenerys and Missandei had one of the strongest friendships in Game of Thrones, and these quotes summarize their dynamic perfectly.
House of the Dragon is all about how the House of Targaryen falls apart, but they’re not the only bloodthirsty characters in the Game of Thrones franchise. Nearly everyone in the original show was a ruthless killer, making the innocent characters stand out more. Missandei was among GoT‘s most innocent and kind characters. Her friendship with Daenerys was crucial to keep the Mother of Dragons’ worst impulses in check, which explains why she gave in to them once Missandei died.
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Indeed, Dany and Missandei had a beautiful and meaningful bond throughout the seasons, despite their different background and stations. Their words proved that their friendship was genuine and, above all, long-lasting.
“Yes, All Men Must Die. But We Are Not Men.”
Daenerys, Season 3, Episode 3, “Walk Of Punishment”
“Valar morghulis” is a popular saying in the free cities, particularly Braavos; its closest translation is “All men must die,” a bleak but truthful statement in the cruel world of ice and fire.
When Daenerys and Missandei first meet, Dany asks the recently freed woman if she has any objection to being taken into war, where she might suffer considerable hardship. Missandei replies with “Valar morghulis,” and Dany replies with this quote. It’s a clever and somewhat tongue-in-cheek way to make Missandei feel more at ease around her while making it clear she’s not a despot. Missandei smiles at the prospect of serving someone who’s not cruel, thus marking the beginning of their beautiful friendship.
“I Have Seen You Ignore Your Counselors Because There Was A Better Choice.”
Missandei, Season 5, Episode 5, “Kill The Boy”
Daenerys was one of GoT‘s best characters. She wasn’t the best politician, but she was intelligent enough to admit when she needed help and wise enough to listen to the council of those closest to her. Above all, Daenerys trusted in her own judgment and favored it to make the ultimate decisions.
Missandei knew this because she knew Daenerys like few others. Being her closest and most loyal companion meant that Missandei had a very clear idea of who Dany was; she might’ve ignored Dany’s weaknesses, but she certainly knew her strengths in a way only the closest friends and allies could. This quote proves Missandei was more than just a dutiful translator; she was also a sharp observer.
“Our Queen Trusts No One More Than Missandei.”
Daario Naharis, Season 5, Episode 10, “Mother’s Mercy.”
Daario Naharis wasn’t very strategic, but he had a unique intelligence, the Westerosi equivalent of ‘street smarts.’ He knew Daenerys and understood her confidence was not in those with great power but in those who proved themselves to her. It didn’t matter if they were high or low born — if they were true to Dany, she would heed their advice.
When Daenerys flies away with Drogon at the end of season 5, Daario and Jorah take off in search of her, leaving Meereen in Tyrion, Grey Worm, and Missandei’s hands. Yet, Daario doesn’t fret because he knows Dany trusts Missandei with her life. Everyone knew how much Missandei meant to Dany, and they knew the feeling was mutual.
“What Happened?” “Many Things.”
Daenerys & Missandei, Season 7, Episode 4, “The Spoils Of War”
Grey Worm and Missandei were among the most wholesome characters in Game of Thrones. Their love for each other was pure and honest, untainted by the cruelties of the world surrounding them, born out of their shared pain and loyalty to Daenerys.
Still, their romance takes seasons to occur. When they finally consummate, Missandei confesses to Daenerys, who shows a mix of curiosity and genuine happiness. Dany knows how hard Missandei and Grey Worm’s lives were and is thrilled that the two found solace and comfort in each other. The conversation of Dany and Missandei talking about their respective crushes adds a more innocent layer to their friendship.
“Then She Would Give Me A Ship And Wish Me Good Fortune.”
Missandei, Season 7, Episode 4, “The Spoils Of War”
Jon Snow and Davos Seaworth express their confusion about the relationship between Dany and her subjects when they first arrive at Dragonstone. They can see the Dothraki and Unsullied are entirely devoted to Dany, but they can’t be sure if she is worthy of that love.
Missandei puts their mind at ease, telling them that Dany is not holding them hostage. In fact, should she want to leave, Dany would provide her with a ship and her best wishes. Jon finds it hard to believe, but Missandei insists it’s true, which eventually helps him change his mind about Daenerys. Although naturally distrustful because of everything he’s seen, one of Jon’s best decisions in Game of Thrones is to trust Daenerys, which only happens because of people like MIssandei.
“She’s The Queen We Chose.”
Missandei, Season 7, Episode 4, “The Spoils Of War”
The smallfolk have no say in who will sit on the Iron Throne. The Targaryens ruled over the land until the Baratheons kicked them out; no one questions whether the king in turn is actually qualified to rule over the Seven Kingdoms out of fear, complacency, or a mix of both.
However, things were different for Daenerys in Essos. She earned the trust and devotion of the people she liberated thanks to her actions, not because of her name or any so-called divine right. Missandei hits the nail on the head when she says Dany is the queen they chose and will thus follow her unquestionably. Had Dany taken this same approach in Westeros as she did in Essos, perhaps things would’ve been different.
“Without The Dragon Queen… We’d All Be Dead Already.”
Missandei, Season 8, Episode 3, “The Long Night”
The Northerners have no faith in or loyalty to Daenerys. Her massive army and threatening dragons do little to endear her to these naturally distrustful folk, and Sansa does little to help ease their fears. In their minds, Daenerys might be the true villain of the story.
However, Missandei will always defend her friend against any slander. When Sansa and Tyrion are having a heart-to-heart while hiding at the Winterfell crypts, she tells him their marriage would never work because of his allegiance to Daenerys. Missandei quickly points out how Daenerys is their best chance to survive the battle, leaving Sansa without anything else to say. Missandei is the best possible friend, always standing up for Dany against everything and everyone.
“Dracarys.”
Missandei, Season 8, Episode 4, “The Last Of The Starks”
Game of Thrones made multiple mistakes in its infamous last season, but killing Missandei was among the most egregious. A character as loyal as her deserved better than to get fridged to accelerate and justify Daenerys’ transformation into the Mad Queen.
Missandei goes out bravely, choosing “Dracarys” as her last word. Many fans think it was a call for Dany to burn everything, but her words have a deeper meaning. Missandei knew Dany and her dragons had a bond that few people could understand; she was the blood of the dragon, the mother of dragons, and in many ways, the last dragon. Thus, “Dracarys” was a celebration of Daenerys’ legacy as a conqueror and liberator, not a call for mass genocide. It was also a touching and perfect way to summarize Missandei’s feelings towards her queen, a woman she adored until the bitter end.