Fans speculated that Sansa Stark and Daenerys Targaryen would either become best friends or bitter enemies before their introduction in season 8 of Game Of Thrones. Despite Dany's aid during the Battle of Winterfell, Sansa rejected the new monarch that her brother, Jon Snow, swore allegiance to. In the end, the Mother of Dragons' downfall paved the way for the North's independence, as well as Sansa's future as Queen in the North.
Daenerys and Sansa were more rivals than allies, though the foundations for friendship were there. Both are highborn ladies from powerful families, and their journeys corresponded in several ways. Had the events of season 8 unfolded differently, Sansa and Dany could have bonded as friends instead of bickered as enemies.
Friends: Daenerys Defended Winterfell From The Night King
Winterfell faced another dire situation during season 8. With the Wall fallen, the Night King and his army of wights were free to march on Westeros at last. The Northern forces rallied together at King Jon's behest, but their scarce armies stood no chance against the approaching ice zombies.
Daenerys brought her armies and dragons north to defend Sansa's home, guarding Winterfell's gates and taking the brunt of the wight army's attack. The Targaryen queen's sacrifice should have forged a friendship with the Lady of Winterfell.
Enemies: Sansa Wanted The North To Remain Independent
In season 7, Daenerys arrives at Dragonstone with her sights set on the Seven Kingdoms - including the North. Jon Snow forfeits the North's sovereignty when he swears fealty to her during "Beyond The Wall." The North is submitted to Targaryen rulership once more, to Sansa's chagrin.
Northern independence meant little to Jon, who was more preoccupied with the army of the dead. To Sansa, it meant everything; the Lady of Winterfell wanted her home country to retain the autonomy it fought for.
Friends: They Have A Lot In Common
Daenerys and Sansa share a startling number of similarities. Both of them navigate a patriarchal world whilst occupying traditional feminine roles, unlike other female characters like Brienne and Arya. Sansa and Dany are forced into marriage at a young age and exploited for their family's power.
In addition to their similar stories, both women demonstrate astute observational skills, diplomatic natures, and political knowledge. Had their similarities brought them together, they could have become formidable friends instead of bitter enemies.
Enemies: The Mad King Killed Sansa's Relatives
Like the Lannisters, House Targaryen shares a bloody history with House Stark. Daenerys' father, Aerys II, brutally murdered Ned's brother Brandon and father Rickard, igniting Robert's Rebellion. Robert and Ned eventually overthrew the Mad King and toppled the Targaryen dynasty.
Sansa mentions her grandfather's murder whilst convincing Jon to refuse Daenerys' invite in season 7's "Stormborn." The Mad King's crimes loomed over his daughter and prevented her from ingratiating herself with the north.
Friends: Both Of Them Loved Jon Snow
Sansa and Daenerys were united by Jon Snow for the war against the White Walkers. Jon and Dany fell in love during season 7, prompting the last Targaryens to head north together. If things had gone differently between them, Sansa and Daenerys could have been united as family members through marriage.
Despite their frosty childhood, Sansa loved Jon and was overjoyed to reunite with him in season 6. She could have been more supportive of his newfound romance with the Targaryen queen.
Enemies: Sansa Couldn't Trust Another Queen After Cersei
The Sansa of season 1 would likely have become friends with Daenerys if they met under different circumstances. Sansa's experiences as Cersei Lannister's hostage in King's Landing changed her perception of other powerful monarchs, however.
Sansa sheds her former naive self and learns not to be taken in by flattery and appearances throughout the series. Having been fooled by Queen Cersei, it was unlikely she would ever warm up to Queen Daenerys.
Friends: Daenerys Tried To Be Friends With Sansa
In season 8's "A Knight Of The Seven Kingdoms," Daenerys tries to reach out to Sansa after a chilly reception during the previous episode "Winterfell." The two women seemingly connect for a while, though the conversation sours when Sansa brings up the North's emancipation from Dany's rule.
Despite her efforts - including protecting Winterfell from the Night King's army - Sansa continues to rebuff Daenerys' efforts at friendship. It's easy to feel dismayed at the lost potential this duo had, discarded by their rivalry.
Enemies: Daenerys Stood In The Way Of Sansa Becoming Queen
In the end, Sansa's demand for Northern independence works in her favor. During the Dragonpit meeting in "The Iron Throne," newly elected King Bran allows the North's autonomy, leading to Sansa's coronation as Queen in the North.
Daenerys stood in the way of Sansa's queenly dreams during her life. The Targaryen queen showed no willingness to relinquish dominion of the North.
Friends: They Could Have Been The Ultimate Power Couple
Many fans were hoping to see Sansa and Daenerys defy expectations by developing a solid friendship. Both were strong female characters who stood out during the series. Together, they could have been the ultimate power couple, joining forces against their common enemy Cersei.
It would have been refreshing to see Daenerys and Sansa connect and support each other, instead of trying to tear each other down. With their united claims, they could have brought peace to each of the Seven Kingdoms.
Enemies: Daenerys Proved To Be A Threat To The North
Sansa's mistrust of Daenerys is proved warranted by the Targaryen queen's violent actions in "The Bells." King's Landing surrenders to the invading forces, but a grieving and enraged Daenerys burns the city with Drogon.
Daenerys' loss of control paired with her fiery power made her a dangerous enemy who could have flown North to destroy Winterfell if Sansa provoked her. The Mother of Dragons and the Queen in the North shared significant similarities that could have been the beginning of an iconic friendship, but ultimately, the bad blood between their families ran too deep.