The Impact of Golden Company on Daenerys Targaryen’s Quest for the Iron Throne

Imagine the throne changing hands with the involvement of the Golden Company, a notorious force of mercenaries from Essos. If Daenerys Targaryen had successfully enlisted support from this renowned fighting force, her quest for the Iron Throne would have taken a different path. Let's delve into the potential outcomes and the complexities that could have arisen.

Increased Military Strength

The Golden Company is renowned for its exceptionally trained soldiers, known for their professionalism and effectiveness in battle. Their inclusion in Daenerys’s ranks would have substantially enhanced her military capabilities, significantly diversifying her forces. The Dothraki and Unsullied are both formidable, but the addition of seasoned mercenaries would have provided Daenerys with a more versatile and battle-hardened army. This would have given her the Upper Hand, both in terms of combat prowess and the morale of her troops.

Strategic Advantages

The Golden Company brings to the table a wealth of strategic knowledge and experience, particularly in the arts of Westerosi warfare. This group could have provided Daenerys with crucial insights into siege techniques and tactical maneuvers that could have been crucial in capturing strongholds like King's Landing. Their experience in complex warfare could have been instrumental in executing successful campaigns against her enemies, such as Cersei Lannister, ensuring a strategic advantage that could have turned the tide in her favor.

Political Legitimacy

Historically, the Golden Company has ties to the Targaryens, having been founded by the remnants of House Targaryen’s supporters. A triumphant alliance with these mercenaries could have lent Daenerys a significant amount of political legitimacy. Some Westerosi nobles and commoners might have viewed their involvement as a sign of strong, historical support, reinforcing her claim to the Iron Throne. This could have been a powerful tool in garnering support and legitimacy in her quest for power.

Potential Internal Conflict

While the presence of the Golden Company brought numerous benefits, it also introduced potential tensions within Daenerys’s ranks. The Unsullied and Dothraki may have been wary of the mercenaries, questioning their motivations and loyalty. This could have led to mistrust, internal squabbles, and even mutinies, which could have undermined Daenerys’s quest for power.

Impact on Key Events

The dynamics of various conflicts in Westeros could have been altered significantly with the involvement of the Golden Company. For instance, if they had been present during the climactic battle at King's Landing, Daenerys might have been more successful in her campaigns, potentially redirecting the outcome of the war for the Iron Throne. Such a shift could have prevented the large-scale destruction and suffering that occurred in the Sack of King's Landing.

Consequences for the Iron Throne

A stronger military coalition would have positioned Daenerys to negotiate from a more advantageous position. With the Golden Company by her side, she might have been able to pressure Cersei Lannister into a more favorable settlement. Alternatively, this alliance could have led to a completely different resolution to the power struggle, potentially averting the catastrophic events that unfolded.

Overall, the Golden Company’s involvement could have shifted the balance of power in Westeros and altered the trajectory of Daenerys’s quest for the throne. This hypothetical scenario presents a less destructive and more unified resolution to the conflicts in the story, with potential for a more stable and peaceful future for Westeros.