Uncovering the Mystery: Why Don’t Daenerys and Viserys Have Purple Eyes?
Have you ever wondered why Daenerys Targaryen and her brother Viserys don’t have the distinctive purple eyes that are characteristic of their Targaryen lineage? In the world of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, and its television adaptation, Game of Thrones, the Targaryens are known for their silver hair and purple eyes. However, the absence of purple eyes in Daenerys and Viserys has puzzled many fans. In this article, we will delve into the surprising reason behind this mystery.
The Targaryen Legacy: Silver Hair and Purple Eyes
Before we can understand why Daenerys and Viserys lack purple eyes, let’s first explore the significance of these traits in the Targaryen family. The Targaryens are an ancient and noble house of Valyrian descent, known for their distinctive features of silver-gold hair and purple eyes. These physical attributes were considered a mark of their Valyrian heritage and set them apart from the other noble houses of Westeros.
Daenerys Targaryen: The Mother of Dragons
Daenerys Targaryen, also known as Khaleesi and the Mother of Dragons, is one of the central characters in the series. She is the youngest child of King Aerys II Targaryen, also known as the Mad King, and the younger sister of Rhaegar and Viserys Targaryen. Despite her Targaryen lineage, Daenerys is portrayed with striking lilac eyes, rather than the traditional violet eyes of her ancestors.
Viserys Targaryen: The Beggar King
Viserys Targaryen, the older brother of Daenerys, is another member of the Targaryen family who does not possess purple eyes. His character is depicted with blue eyes, which further adds to the mystery surrounding the absence of the Targaryen eye color in the siblings.
The Genetic Explanation
The most plausible explanation for Daenerys and Viserys not having purple eyes lies in the genetics of eye color inheritance. In the real world, eye color is determined by the presence of different pigments in the iris, such as melanin. The color purple in eyes is a result of a unique combination of pigments and light reflection, which gives rise to the violet hue.
Genetic Variation and Expression
Genetic variation plays a crucial role in determining eye color, and it is possible for individuals to inherit different eye colors from their parents. In the case of Daenerys and Viserys, the expression of the purple eye color gene may have been diluted or suppressed by other genetic factors, resulting in their distinct eye colors.
Environmental Influence
Furthermore, environmental factors such as upbringing, diet, and exposure to sunlight may also influence the expression of eye color traits. It is possible that the environments in which Daenerys and Viserys grew up may have contributed to the alteration of their eye color patterns.
The Creative Decision
In the realm of storytelling, artistic license often supersedes genetic consistency. George R.R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, and the showrunners of Game of Thrones may have intentionally deviated from the Targaryen eye color for creative reasons. By giving Daenerys and Viserys unique eye colors, they may have sought to differentiate the characters and emphasize their individuality within the narrative.
Symbolism and Character Development
The absence of purple eyes in Daenerys and Viserys could also serve as a symbolic element in their character development. It may represent their divergence from the traditional Targaryen legacy and their evolution as distinct personalities with their own destinies.
Audience Reception and Adaptation
Finally, in the adaptation of the series from books to television, practical considerations such as casting choices and visual aesthetics may have influenced the decision to alter the eye colors of characters. The portrayal of Daenerys and Viserys with non-traditional eye colors could have been a deliberate choice to enhance their on-screen presence and connect with the audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the surprising reason why Daenerys and Viserys Targaryen don’t have purple eyes can be attributed to a combination of genetic variation, creative decision-making, and artistic interpretation. While the absence of purple eyes may diverge from the established Targaryen lineage, it adds depth and complexity to the characters of Daenerys and Viserys, enriching their narrative arcs. Ultimately, the mystery of their eye colors remains a captivating aspect of the Targaryen legacy, shrouded in both genetic intrigue and narrative intrigue.