Some shows are their grand moments become history and shape pop culture for years to come. gave us several such scenes.
In GOT, Daenerys Targaryen made a choice that would reshape her journey from a vulnerable exile to a powerful liberator. Thirteen years ago today, Daenerys freed the Unsullied in Astapor – a moment that not only strengthened her army but also cemented her identity as the “Breaker of Chains.” So, what is so special about the scene that it is still iconic and what was so special about the Unsullied? Read on to find out.
Who were The Unsullied?
The Unsullied were an elite slave-soldier force, castrated and trained from childhood in the brutal city of Astapor in Slaver’s Bay. Stripped of their names, emotions, and individuality, they were conditioned to obey without question. Their training was horrifyingly inhumane, designed to eliminate fear, pain, and personal will. By the time they reached adulthood, they were considered the perfect soldiers: disciplined, obedient, and utterly loyal to whoever held their leash.
Daenerys’ encounter with the Unsullied in Season 3 marked a turning point. Initially negotiating to purchase the army from the slave master Kraznys mo Nakloz, she appeared to comply with the brutal system. However, in a shocking twist, she used her dragon Drogon to burn Kraznys alive and ordered the Unsullied to kill their former masters. Then came the defining act – she gave them a choice. She told them they were free men, no longer bound by slavery, and could leave if they wished.
What followed was one of the most powerful scenes of loyalty in the series. Instead of walking away, the Unsullied chose to follow Daenerys, not out of compulsion, but out of respect and belief. This voluntary allegiance transformed their relationship with her. She was no longer just a commander-she became their protector, their liberator, their “Mhysa” (mother).
The ultimate companion of Daenerys – Grey Worm
Among them, Grey Worm emerged as a key figure. Appointed as the leader of the Unsullied, Grey Worm’s evolution mirrored the group’s transformation. While still disciplined, he gradually rediscovered fragments of identity and emotion, especially through his bond with Missandei. His unwavering devotion to Daenerys was evident in battles across Slaver’s Bay and later in Westeros.
The Unsullied proved their loyalty repeatedly. They fought fearlessly during the siege of Meereen, defended Daenerys against the Sons of the Harpy, and later stood by her side in the war against the White Walkers at Winterfell. Even in the final season, as Daenerys’ actions grew increasingly controversial, the Unsullied remained unmoved, showing the depth of their commitment to the woman who gave them freedom.
Their loyalty, however, also raised complex questions. Were they truly free, or had their devotion simply shifted to a new master? The show subtly explored this ambiguity, especially in its later stages, where loyalty and morality often clashed.
Thirteen years from that day when Daenerys broke into High Valyrian and freed the Unsullied – it is still one of the most iconic arcs in Game of Thrones. Emilia Clarke has repeated several times that it is her favourite scene. Clips of Danny freeing The Unsullied still go vial and pull in new viewers to the long-finished show.