Why Do People Criticize Daenerys’s Claim to the Seven Kingdoms But Support the Starks?

The criticism surrounding Daenerys Targaryen's assertion of her birthright to the Seven Kingdoms and the support for the Starks in their claim to Winterfell can be traced back to deep-rooted historical, cultural and perceptional reasons within the narrative world of A Song of Ice and Fire.

Deeper Roots and Blood Spilled

The Starks can be traced back to the first human migration into Westeros, establishing a presence in the North long before the current form of Winterfell was built. Over millennia, the Northmen have bled and fought for their lands, becoming intrinsically connected to the North. The people of the North associate the rule of the Starks with the natural state of affairs, making it a deeply ingrained sentiment. In contrast, Lord Roose Bolton's control over the North is seen as short-lived and fragile, necessitating aid from the Freys to secure his position.

The Targaryen Legacy: A Brief Reign

The Targaryens, a minor family in the Valyrian Freehold, came to Dragonstone for trade and prophecy. They conquered Westeros under Aegon I and his sisters, but their rule lasted approximately four hundred years, much shorter than the millennia-long reign of the Starks. The Targaryen legitimacy was further eroded by the madness of Aerys and his subsequent failure to maintain order, leading to their downfall. Daenerys, as the last known Targaryen, claims this heritage. Critics argue that her father's deposition by Robert Baratheon, who himself is of Targaryen blood, invalidates her claim.

The Carnage and the Lack of Governance

Daenerys's victories in Slaver's Bay are celebrated for liberating the slaves, but her critics point out the lack of stable government in the aftermath of her conquest. This resulted in massacres and the reestablishment of the slave trade mere months after her departure. Her approach to governance has been criticized as one of conquest without a clear plan for governance, reminiscent of the Dothraki khalasar who are primarily focused on destruction and plunder. In contrast, the Starks have maintained the unity and peace in the North for generations, steering clear of the chaos that engulfs the south.

Respect and Mockery

The Starks are respected for their ability to maintain peace and unity, while Daenerys is often mocked for her inability to rule effectively after achieving her victories. This disparity in perception is deeply rooted in the behaviors and outcomes of their actions. The Northmen's allegiance to the Starks is seen as a natural and earned allegiance, while Daenerys's claim is seen as more tenuous and less earned.

Therefore, the criticism of Daenerys and the support for the Starks is grounded in historical precedent, cultural associations, and the tangible consequences of their actions. This makes the support for the Starks more understandable, while the perception of Daenerys is shaped by the narrative's focus on her shortfalls in governance and the chaos she brings in the aftermath of her conquests.