Daenerys Targaryen (also known as Daenerys Stormborn, Khaleesi, Mother of Dragons, and Breaker of Chains) is a primary point-of-view protagonist in George R. R. Martin's novel series A Song of Ice and Fire and HBO's Game of Thrones adaptation. Portrayed by Emilia Clarke (and originally by Tamzin Merchant in an un-aired 2009 pilot), Daenerys is the daughter of King Aerys II Targaryen ("The Mad King") and Queen Rhaella Targaryen, and the sister of Prince Rhaegar and Prince Viserys Targaryen.

Beginning her journey as an exiled princess living in Essos, Daenerys is auctioned into marriage to Dothraki warlord Khal Drogo by her ambitious brother Viserys. Following Drogo's death, she places three petrified dragon eggs upon his funeral pyre and steps into the flames, emerging unburnt alongside three newly hatched dragons: Drogon, Rhaegal, and Viserion.

She subsequently builds a formidable military campaign across Slaver's Bay—purchasing the Unsullied army in Astapor, liberating Yunkai, and conquering Meereen to end slavery—guided by advisors such as Jorah Mormont, Missandei, Grey Worm, Barristan Selmy, and Tyrion Lannister. Her ultimate quest leads her to invade Westeros to claim the Iron Throne. Aligning and entering a romantic relationship with Jon Snow (who is secretly her nephew Aegon Targaryen), Daenerys aids in the Great War against the dead before turning her dragons upon King's Landing. Her path of conquest finishes in tragedy following the destruction of the capital, culminating in her death at the hands of Jon Snow.