TV Guide

Sunday

May 19, 2019 at 2:49 PM


Emilia Clarke is ready to say goodbye to the Mother of Dragons, even if fans aren't quite prepared for what's probably going to happen to her on tonight's series finale of Game of Thrones.

In an Instagram tribute post to the character and the show, the actress shared several behind-the-scenes shots of herself and co-stars and wrote about what it has meant to her to portray Daenerys Targaryen for all eight seasons.

Game of Thrones Season 8 Spoilers | "The Bells" review

"Finding the words to write this post has left me overwhelmed with how much I want to say but how small words feel in comparison to what this show and Dany have meant to me. The mother of dragons chapter has taken up the whole of my adult life," she wrote of the character who has captured so many millions of rapt fans. "This woman has taken up the whole of my heart. I've sweated in the blaze of dragon fire, shed many tears at those who left our family early, and wrung my brain dry trying to do Khaleesi and the masterful words, actions (and names) I was given, justice."

Clarke then added that her experience being a part of the cult phenomenon has made an indelible mark on her life, both personally and professionally, writing, "Game of Thrones has shaped me as a woman, as an actor and as a human being. I just wish my darling dad was here now to see how far we've flown."

She concluded by turning focus towards fans who've followed the show for so many years -- with no mention of that petition, of course -- writing, "To you, dear kind magical fans, I owe you so much thanks, for your steady gaze at what we've made and what I've done with a character that was already in the hearts of many before I slipped on the platinum wig of dreams. Without you there is no us. And now our watch has ended."

View this post on Instagram

Finding the words to write this post has left me overwhelmed with how much I want to say but how small words feel in comparison to what this show and Dany have meant to me. The mother of dragons chapter has taken up the whole of my adult life. This woman has taken up the whole of my heart. I've sweated in the blaze of dragon fire, shed many tears at those who left our family early, and wrung my brain dry trying to do Khaleesi and the masterful words, actions (and names) I was given, justice. Game of Thrones has shaped me as a woman, as an actor and as a human being. I just wish my darling dad was here now to see how far we've flown. But to you, dear kind magical fans, I owe you so much thanks, for your steady gaze at what we've made and what I've done with a character that was already in the hearts of many before I slipped on the platinum wig of dreams. Without you there is no us. And now our watch has ended. @gameofthrones @hbo #love #motherofdragonsoverandout

A post shared by @ emilia_clarke on May 19, 2019 at 9:37am PDT

Clarke isn't the only Game of Thrones cast member who is feeling sentimental about the series' coming conclusion today.

Co-star John Bradley also wrote a touching tribute to the series on Instagram, sharing a glimpse at his very first schedule for Season 1, and writing, "I met so many people that week who have come to mean so much to me. Back then we couldn't have known the journey we'd go on together. I wouldn't swap that experience, or those people, for the world."

Game of Thrones' series finale airs on Sunday, May 19 at 9/8c.

Need HBO? Add it through Hulu or through Amazon.

PHOTOS: Daenerys Targaryen's Style Evolution Throughout Game of Thrones

Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) on Game of Thrones

" data-image-credit="HBO" data-image-alt-text="‹Daenerys Targaryen (‹Emilia Clarke) on ‹Game of Thrones" data-image-credit-url="" data-image-target-url="https://www.tvguide.com/galleries/daenerys-targaryens-style-evolution-throughout-game-of-thrones/" data-image-title="‹Daenerys Targaryen (‹Emilia Clarke) on ‹Game of Thrones" data-image-filename="daenerys-reg.jpg" data-image-date-created="2019/05/08" data-image-crop="" data-image-crop-gravity="" data-image-aspect-ratio="" data-image-height="1380" data-image-width="2070" data-image-do-not-crop="" data-image-do-not-resize="" data-image-watermark="" data-lightbox="">



Other Links From TVGuide.com Game of ThronesEmilia Clarke