After Seven Seasons, We FINALLY Noticed the Hidden Meaning in Daenerys' Braids on 'Game of Thrones'

How did we not catch this?

Hair, Blond, Beauty, Fashion, Photography, Human, Fur, Long hair, Flash photography, Darkness,
(Image credit: HBO)

At this point, we know the people behind Game of Thrones love to hide meaning in just about everything we see on the show. There are clues in Sansa's hair, in Cersei's wardrobe, in just about everything that any character does to express themselves. So why weren't we dissecting the show's most epic hair of all? Finally, the internet has gotten around to overanalyzing Daenerys' regal braids and WOW we've been missing something meaningful.

In Season 1, Dany is essentially sold to the Dothraki by her evil brother, Viserys. In one scene, he's berating his sister for acclimating to the Dothraki culture and comments that she'll probably try to braid his hair next. Dany's comeback: No way—in the Dothraki culture, braids are for people who have won victories and Viserys hadn't won any.

Here's the pivotal scene, if you want a refresher (and to hate Viserys all over again):

How does this relate to Daenerys' hair? Well, over the years, her signature braids have gotten a lot more complicated—incorporating more braids as she's won more and more victories.

It's a beautiful way for her to honor the Dothraki culture, which has obviously meant a lot to her over the years. The big question though: Now that Dany has lost battles, will she cut off her hair in shame and sport The Cersei?

Face, Photograph, Nose, People, Skin, Head, Cheek, Blond, Beauty, Eyebrow,

(Image credit: HBO)

Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.

Kayleigh Roberts
Weekend Editor

Kayleigh Roberts is a freelance writer and editor with more than 10 years of professional experience. Her byline has appeared in Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, The Atlantic, Allure, Entertainment Weekly, MTV, Bustle, Refinery29, Girls’ Life Magazine, Just Jared, and Tiger Beat, among other publications. She's a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.