Game Of Thrones: Who Deserved The Iron Throne?

The question of who should have won the Iron Throne at the end of Game of Thrones is one that continues to spark debate among fans. The HBO series, adapted from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate plotlines, complex characters, and shocking twists. The ultimate prize, the Iron Throne, represented power, control, and the future of Westeros. However, the series finale left many viewers dissatisfied with Bran Stark's ascension to the throne. This article explores several characters who, in the eyes of many, were more deserving rulers and examines the reasons why they might have been better choices.

Daenerys Targaryen: The Breaker of Chains

Daenerys Targaryen, often hailed as the "Mother of Dragons," was a prominent contender for the Iron Throne throughout the series. Her claim was rooted in her lineage as the last of the Targaryens, the dynasty that had ruled Westeros for centuries before Robert's Rebellion. Daenerys' journey from a timid young woman sold into marriage to a powerful queen and conqueror was compelling. She demonstrated a strong sense of justice and a desire to liberate the oppressed, earning her the title "Breaker of Chains" as she freed slaves in Essos.

Daenerys possessed the charisma and leadership skills necessary to unite diverse groups of people. Her followers were fiercely loyal, inspired by her vision of a better world. Moreover, her dragons provided a significant military advantage, making her a formidable force in the fight for the Iron Throne. Her intentions were initially noble, as she aimed to overthrow Cersei Lannister's tyrannical rule and establish a just society. However, her descent into madness in the final season tarnished her image and ultimately led to her demise. Despite her controversial ending, many fans argue that Daenerys' earlier actions and her commitment to justice made her a more deserving candidate for the throne than Bran Stark. Her supporters point to her ability to inspire loyalty and her proven track record as a ruler in Essos as evidence of her potential to lead Westeros effectively. Whether her turn to violence was inevitable or a result of the pressures she faced, Daenerys remains a tragic figure whose claim to the Iron Throne is still debated.

Jon Snow: The Rightful Heir

Jon Snow, another central character in Game of Thrones, possessed a strong claim to the Iron Throne, albeit one he was initially unaware of. Raised as Ned Stark's bastard son, Jon grew up with a strong sense of honor, duty, and compassion. His journey from a member of the Night's Watch to a leader who united the North against the White Walkers showcased his courage and strategic thinking. Jon's true parentage, revealed later in the series, established him as the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne. As the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, he had a stronger claim than Daenerys, his aunt.

Jon's character was defined by his selflessness and willingness to put the needs of others before his own. He consistently made difficult decisions for the greater good, even when they were unpopular or personally challenging. His leadership during the Battle of Winterfell demonstrated his ability to rally disparate factions against a common enemy. Despite his reluctance to seek power, Jon's inherent sense of justice and his commitment to protecting the realm made him a natural leader. Many viewers felt that Jon's integrity and his proven ability to lead in times of crisis made him a more suitable choice for the Iron Throne. His decision to kill Daenerys, while morally complex, highlighted his dedication to preventing tyranny and safeguarding the people of Westeros. Ultimately, Jon's humility and his unwavering commitment to duty made him a compelling candidate for the throne, even if he never actively sought it.

Tyrion Lannister: The Hand of the King

Tyrion Lannister, the witty and intelligent dwarf, was a fan favorite throughout Game of Thrones. Despite facing prejudice and mistreatment due to his size, Tyrion rose to become one of the most astute political players in Westeros. His sharp mind, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate complex social situations made him an invaluable advisor to those in power. Tyrion served as Hand of the King to both Joffrey Baratheon and Daenerys Targaryen, demonstrating his adaptability and his skill in governance.

Tyrion's strength lay in his ability to understand people and to find common ground between conflicting parties. He was a pragmatist who recognized the importance of compromise and diplomacy in maintaining stability. His counsel was often instrumental in preventing conflicts from escalating and in finding solutions to seemingly intractable problems. While Tyrion may not have been a warrior or a dragon rider, his intellectual prowess and his understanding of human nature made him an ideal candidate to guide Westeros towards a more peaceful and prosperous future. Many fans believed that Tyrion's experience and his commitment to justice and fairness would have made him a wise and effective ruler. His appointment as Hand to King Bran further underscored his value as a strategist and advisor, but some argue that his talents would have been better utilized as the monarch himself.

Sansa Stark: The Queen in the North

Sansa Stark's transformation throughout Game of Thrones was remarkable. Starting as a naive young girl with dreams of marrying a prince, she endured immense suffering and hardship, which ultimately forged her into a strong and capable leader. Sansa learned valuable lessons from her experiences in King's Landing, including how to navigate the treacherous world of politics and how to protect herself and her family. Her resilience and her ability to adapt to changing circumstances were crucial to her survival. Sansa's leadership qualities emerged as she returned to Winterfell and played a key role in reclaiming her home from the Boltons. Her strategic thinking and her understanding of the North's values and traditions made her a natural leader for her people.

Sansa's dedication to the North and her commitment to its independence set her apart from other contenders for the Iron Throne. She recognized that the North had different needs and priorities than the rest of Westeros, and she was determined to protect its interests. Her declaration of the North's independence after the Battle of Winterfell demonstrated her strength and her unwavering commitment to her people. While Sansa ultimately chose to rule the North rather than pursue the Iron Throne, many fans believed that her intelligence, her resilience, and her dedication to her people would have made her a worthy ruler of all of Westeros. Her ability to learn from her mistakes and her unwavering commitment to justice and fairness made her a compelling candidate for leadership.

Why Bran Stark's Ascension Disappointed Many

The ultimate selection of Bran Stark as the King of the Six Kingdoms was a controversial decision that left many viewers dissatisfied. While Bran possessed unique abilities as the Three-Eyed Raven, his lack of emotional connection to the realm and his detached demeanor made him a less compelling choice for a ruler. Bran's character had become increasingly distant and enigmatic, making it difficult for viewers to connect with him on a personal level. His focus on historical knowledge and his apparent lack of concern for the present-day struggles of the people of Westeros raised questions about his ability to lead effectively.

Many felt that Bran's ascension was anticlimactic, as he had not actively sought the throne and did not seem particularly interested in wielding power. His statement that he "came all this way" seemed to suggest that his primary motivation was to fulfill his destiny as the Three-Eyed Raven, rather than to serve the people of Westeros. Moreover, Bran's limited screen time in the final season and his lack of significant interactions with other characters made it difficult for viewers to understand his vision for the future of the realm. The decision to place him on the throne felt arbitrary to many, as it did not seem to be based on his leadership skills, his compassion, or his understanding of the needs of the people. The appointment of Tyrion as his Hand offered some reassurance, but ultimately, Bran's selection as king left many viewers questioning the direction of the series and the fate of Westeros.

Conclusion

The debate over who should have won the Iron Throne highlights the complexities of leadership and the diverse qualities that make a ruler effective. While Bran Stark ultimately ascended to the throne, several other characters possessed qualities that many viewers found more compelling. Daenerys Targaryen's charisma and her commitment to justice, Jon Snow's integrity and his dedication to duty, Tyrion Lannister's intelligence and his strategic thinking, and Sansa Stark's resilience and her commitment to her people all made them strong contenders for leadership. Ultimately, the question of who deserved the Iron Throne remains a matter of personal opinion and continues to fuel discussions among Game of Thrones fans.