Game Of Thrones Book Series: Who Ultimately Wins?

Hey everyone, let's dive into the epic world of A Song of Ice and Fire! So, you're probably wondering, just like many of us: who wins Game of Thrones in the books? Well, buckle up, because the answer isn't as simple as a clear-cut victory. This is George R.R. Martin's world, after all, and things are always complex, morally grey, and often, heartbreaking. As of the current point in time, the book series is not finished. Currently, there are five books in the main series (A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons). The last two books, The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring, are still in the works.

So, who is ultimately going to sit on the Iron Throne? Who will survive the political machinations, the battles, the dragons, and the White Walkers? That, my friends, is the million-dollar question. And the truth is, we don't know for sure yet. Martin is known for subverting expectations, killing off beloved characters, and generally keeping us on our toes. The show Game of Thrones diverged from the books in the later seasons, so even if you've seen the show, you're still in for some surprises if you're only familiar with the television adaptation.

What we can do is break down the key players, analyze their motivations, and speculate on their chances. We can look at the power dynamics, the prophecies, and the overall narrative themes to make some educated guesses. This article is all about giving you the lowdown on the current state of affairs and setting you up to make your own predictions, which is the fun of reading the books. Let's get started. Keep in mind that, with the books unfinished, any predictions are subject to change. As the story continues, the landscape of Westeros and the balance of power could shift in the blink of an eye. That's part of the fun of A Song of Ice and Fire.

The Contenders: Who's in the Running?

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Who are the main contenders for the Iron Throne (or, you know, some sort of significant power) as things stand in the books? And what are their odds?

Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen is probably the fan favorite. She's the last known Targaryen, she has dragons, and she's got a strong claim to the throne. Dany's journey has been one of immense personal growth, from a vulnerable girl to a powerful queen. She's faced countless challenges, including betrayal, loss, and the responsibility of ruling. Her initial goal was to reclaim her family's throne, but her vision has expanded to include a desire to rule justly and break the cycle of tyranny. Dany's strategic acumen has improved as the series has progressed. She is a strong leader, she has a loyal following, and she's proven her ability to command respect. Her dragons offer a massive advantage in battle, and her experience in Essos has given her valuable insights into ruling different types of people. However, she also has her weaknesses. She can be impulsive, she's prone to fits of rage, and her advisors sometimes struggle to control her. Her Targaryen heritage leaves her vulnerable to the same kinds of madness that plagued her ancestors. Moreover, her time in Essos has left her somewhat out of touch with the political realities of Westeros.

Daenerys Targaryen's chances of winning are significant, but far from guaranteed. Her dragons make her a force to be reckoned with, but she still faces many enemies, both within and outside of Westeros. The challenges she faces include the complexities of ruling, navigating the treacherous world of Westerosi politics, and the looming threat of the Others. Whether she will embrace her heritage or become a tyrannical ruler is a key question that will shape her destiny and Westeros.

Jon Snow

Jon Snow is another character who could be considered a contender. While his parentage was a big reveal in the show, the books haven't caught up yet. But, we know that Jon is a Stark, and possibly a Targaryen as well. Jon's journey has been a testament to his values: honor, duty, and a commitment to protecting the realm. He's risen through the ranks of the Night's Watch, become Lord Commander, and faced the horrors of the Wildlings and the Others. Jon's innate leadership abilities, his unwavering moral compass, and his natural affinity for both battle and diplomacy make him a powerful figure. He has a strong connection to his Stark heritage, which gives him legitimacy in the North, and his potential Targaryen bloodline could offer a claim to the Iron Throne. His experiences fighting the Others have also given him a unique perspective on the true threat facing Westeros.

However, Jon faces some serious obstacles. His death and resurrection have left him changed, and he struggles with the burden of his newfound knowledge. His connections to the North could also be a disadvantage, as he's caught between different loyalties. He is also a bit of a brooding loner, and he can find it hard to trust others. Jon's destiny is a mystery, but his role as a key player in the conflict with the Others and his connection to both the Starks and the Targaryens make him a very important contender. His true parentage will likely have a significant impact on the narrative. Jon's chances are quite high, and his popularity makes him a favorite among many fans.

Others

Then there are other contenders, of course. Tyrion Lannister is a brilliant strategist and diplomat. Cersei Lannister is cunning and ruthless. Euron Greyjoy is a wild card with ambitions that reach beyond the throne itself. And there are others waiting in the wings. Each character has their own strengths, weaknesses, and a claim to power. The question is: who will be the last one standing?

Prophecies and Predictions: What Do the Books Tell Us?

A Song of Ice and Fire is full of prophecies and predictions. These play a big role in shaping the story. Let's look at some of the most important ones.

The Prince That Was Promised

One of the most important prophecies is about the Prince That Was Promised. This figure is destined to save the world from the darkness. It is said that the Prince will be born amidst smoke and salt, and will wield a flaming sword called Lightbringer. Who is the Prince? It's open for debate. The most popular candidates are Daenerys, Jon Snow, and even maybe someone else entirely.

The Three Heads of the Dragon

Another important prophecy speaks of the three heads of the dragon. This refers to the Targaryen sigil, the three-headed dragon. The prophecy hints that Daenerys' dragons must have riders. This means there are three riders of the dragons. It could be Daenerys and two others, or it could be someone else altogether. The identities of these dragon riders and their roles in the upcoming battles are important aspects of the story.

The Long Night

The Long Night is the ancient time of darkness, when the Others threatened to destroy the world. The return of the Others is the biggest threat in the story. They are an existential threat, and their defeat is essential for the survival of Westeros. The Prince That Was Promised is supposed to be the one who will stop the Others, but it is not clear how. The story is moving towards this great conflict, and it will have a huge impact on the final outcome.

The Themes of the Series: What's It All About?

A Song of Ice and Fire is a complex series with many different themes. Understanding these themes helps us better understand the story and make better predictions about how it will end. Let's look at some of the key themes.

Power and Corruption

Power is a huge theme in the series. The story explores how power corrupts people, how it leads to violence and betrayal, and how it can be used for good or evil. The pursuit of the Iron Throne is the ultimate symbol of the lust for power, and it drives much of the conflict in the series. Characters constantly scheme and manipulate each other in the pursuit of power, and this often leads to tragedy.

Good vs. Evil

The series doesn't have a clear good vs. evil dynamic. The characters are morally grey, and even the