As soon as filming wrapped on Game of Thrones , Emilia Clarke celebrated her tenure with a permanent tattoo: three small, flying dragons inked on her right wrist. To the outside world, this appears to be a sweet, simple tribute to her iconic role as Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons.
However, the meaning behind the ink is far deeper and tied to a life-and-death struggle that unfolded during the early years of the show’s production. While filming, Emilia Clarke suffered two critical brain aneurysms, requiring major surgeries in both 2011 and 2013. The trauma was so severe that, after the first surgery, she developed aphasia—a condition that left her unable to speak and, terrifyingly, unable to recall her own name. She faces an agonizing fear of death and losing her entire dream of a career built on language and communication.
Emilia Clarke has since revealed the profound connection between her near-fatal experience and her character. She shares that embodying Daenerys Targaryen—a strong, powerful, and incredibly resilient woman—gave her the sheer motivation she needed to get out of the hospital bed and fight for her life. The role literally “saved” her, providing an inner strength that prevented her from sinking into despair and fear. The three dragons tattooed on her wrist are thus not merely a symbol of a popular TV show, but a powerful, permanent tribute to the immense strength that helped keep her alive and grounded throughout her ordeal.