HOUSE OF THE DRAGON: A FEMINIST ANALYSIS OF FEMALE LEADERSHIP IN A PATRIARCHAL SOCIETY

Kanaya Aurella Izzasamura

doi:10.24198/serat.v2i3.63443

Authors

Kanaya Aurella Izzasamura
kanaya23003@mail.unpad.ac.id
English Studies Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9604-164X

Keywords:

patriarchy, medieval-fantasy, House of the Dragon, political strategies

Abstract

Women in medieval fantasy narratives have historically been marginalized, particularly through their exclusion from political agency and representation. This feminist study examines HBO’s popular series, House of the Dragon, analyzing key characters Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent Hightower to uncover how systemic patriarchy shapes their leadership and political strategies. Through textual and visual analysis, this research explores women’s agency in patriarchal society, asking whether the series critiques or replicates misogyny. Findings reveal that House of the Dragon reflects misogynistic norms, such as Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne—though named heir by the previous King—is constantly challenged due to her gender. At the same time, Alicent leverages the patriarchal structure to gain political influence. House of the Dragon may intend to critique patriarchy by highlighting Rhaenyra and Alicent’s struggles and framing their power as a form of resistance. However, it inadvertently reinforces patriarchy by punishing both characters for attempting to dismantle the system.

References

Aina, O. I. (1998). Women, Culture and Society. In Nigerian Women in Society and Development.

Arnellyka, N., Lasmarito Pasaribu, A., & Pramiyanti, A. (2023). GENDER BIAS DISCOURSE ANALYSIS ON THE CHARACTER RHAENYRA TARGARYEN IN HOUSE OF THE DRAGON. In Jurnal Spektrum Komunikasi (JSK) (Issue 11). http://spektrum.stikosa-aws.ac.id/index.php/spektrum|E:spektrum@stikosa-aws.ac.id

Bratsch-Prince, D. (2004). “Dones que feyan d’homens”: The Construction of Gender in the Writing of Medieval Catalan History. La Corónica: A Journal of Medieval Hispanic Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, 32(3), 35–47. https://doi.org/10.1353/cor.2004.0029

Butler, J. (2002). Gender Trouble. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203902752

Carroll, S. (n.d.). ENCHANTING THE PAST: NEOMEDIEVALISMS IN FANTASY LITERATURE.

Chidinma Favour Chikwe, Nkechi Emmanuella Eneh, & Chidiogo Uzoamaka Akpuokwe. (2024). Navigating the double bind: Strategies for women leaders in overcoming stereotypes and leadership biases. GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, 18(3), 159–172. https://doi.org/10.30574/gscarr.2024.18.3.0103

de Beauvoir, S. (n.d.). The Second Sex.

Eagly, A. H., & Karau, S. J. (2002). Role congruity theory of prejudice toward female leaders. Psychological Review, 109(3), 573–598. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.109.3.573

Friedan, B. (1963). The Feminine Mystique.

Hooks, B. (2004). The Will to Change.

Jamal, F. S., & Mohammed, A. H. (2023). Fashion and Feminism: A Theoretical and Historical Background. Journal of Tikrit University for Humanities, 30(12, 2), 90–114. https://doi.org/10.25130/jtuh.30.12.2.2023.14

Kandiyoti, D. (1988). Bargaining with patriarchy. Gender & Society, 2(3), 274–290. https://doi.org/10.1177/089124388002003004

Klosko, G. (2007). Legitimacy, Authority, and Political Obligation. In Legitimacy in an Age of Global Politics (pp. 57–74). Palgrave Macmillan UK. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230598393_4

Paxton, P., Hughes, M., & Barnes, T. (2020). Women_Politics_and_Power (4th ed., Vol. 4). Rowman & Littlefield. https://books.google.co.id/books?hl=en&lr=&id=zanSDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=gender+politics+and+power&ots=6bXXou5VHO&sig=noWCbTg9TNwaFzaD-gAGhyxNlT4&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=gender%20politics%20and%20power&f=false

phil, M., & Karoline Bruckner, M. (2021). Magic, Power Dynamics, and Gender Relations in Alison Croggon’s Pellinor Series DIPLOMARBEIT zur Erlangung des Magistergrades.

Robison, W. B. (2017). The Unexpected Virgin: The Perpetual Succession Crisis of Elizabeth I. In Unexpected Heirs in Early Modern Europe (pp. 233–269). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55294-1_11

Ross, S. (2011). THE ENCODING/DECODING MODEL REVISITED. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346010378

Spivak, G. C. (1988). Can-the-subaltern-speak-by-Gayatri-Spivak.

YEPIK, M. (2022). Inheritance of Power in Mercia by Princess Aelfwynn. ?????? ??????????? ????????????. ????? ????????? / Visnyk of the Lviv University. Historical Series, 54, 41–49. https://doi.org/10.30970/his.2022.54.11601

Zipes, J. (2002). Breaking the Magic Spell: Radical Theories of Folk and Fairy Tales.