Missandei's final word, "Dracarys," was a powerful directive to Daenerys Targaryen, urging her to unleash the full destructive force of her dragon fire upon King's Landing as an act of vengeance and justice for Missandei's death and the suffering inflicted by Cersei Lannister.
The Potent Meaning of "Dracarys"
"Dracarys," a command in High Valyrian, literally translates to "dragonfire." In the world of Game of Thrones, this word is far more than just a literal translation; it is intrinsically linked to immense power, major death, and widespread destruction. Dragon fire is widely considered one of the deadliest weapons in Westeros, making the word "dracarys" synonymous with complete obliteration. When spoken, it signals the unleashing of an unstoppable, fiery force capable of incinerating armies, fortresses, and even entire cities.
Missandei's Final Message to Daenerys
As she stood on the battlements of the Red Keep, captured and at the mercy of Cersei Lannister, Missandei chose this specific word as her last communication with her queen and dearest friend, Daenerys. It was not merely a cry for help or defiance, but a clear, unambiguous command and a desperate plea.
- A Call for Vengeance: Missandei, knowing her end was near, was imploring Daenerys to fully embrace her Targaryen heritage and unleash a devastating retaliatory strike on King's Landing.
- "Burn It to the Ground": Her final words were a direct instruction to Daenerys to go "go ham" on the city, to "f** s up" and "burn it to the ground." This was a call for ultimate revenge for her capture, the death of Daenerys's dragon Rhaegal, and her own impending, unjust execution.
- A Symbol of Justice: For Missandei, who had endured slavery and found freedom and loyalty with Daenerys, "Dracarys" represented the ultimate form of retribution against the oppressive regime of Cersei Lannister and the suffering it caused.
The Context of Her Execution
Missandei's capture occurred after the Battle of Winterfell when Daenerys's fleet was ambushed by Euron Greyjoy. She was subsequently brought to King's Landing and executed by Cersei Lannister atop the walls of the Red Keep. This brutal act was carried out in full view of Daenerys, Grey Worm, and their assembled forces, serving as a deliberate provocation and a stark demonstration of Cersei's cruelty.
| Event | Impact on Daenerys | Missandei's Final Act |
|---|---|---|
| Capture of Missandei | Deep emotional distress | Foreshadows her message |
| Execution at Red Keep | Catalyst for rage | Delivers "Dracarys" |
| "Dracarys" Command | Justifies and fuels destruction | Final message of vengeance |
The Impact on Daenerys
Witnessing Missandei's cold-blooded murder, compounded by the previous losses of her trusted advisor Jorah Mormont and her dragon Rhaegal, pushed Daenerys past her breaking point. Missandei's powerful "Dracarys" served as a profound catalyst, effectively validating and channeling Daenerys's deep-seated rage. This final directive from her most loyal and innocent friend arguably contributed significantly to Daenerys's subsequent decision to lay waste to King's Landing, a pivotal moment in her transformation into the "Mad Queen."
