Who Deserved The Iron Throne In Game Of Thrones?

\nThe 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 series finale, while highly anticipated, left many feeling unsatisfied with Bran Stark's ascension to the throne. So, let's dive deep into the potential candidates and analyze why they might have been a better fit for ruling Westeros. This isn't just about personal favorites; it's about considering the qualities of a good ruler, their past actions, and their potential to lead the Seven Kingdoms into a more prosperous future.

First, we need to establish what makes a good ruler in the context of Game of Thrones. Is it military strength, political savvy, a strong moral compass, or a combination of all these factors? Westeros has seen its share of tyrannical kings and ineffective leaders, so the bar isn't exactly set high. However, the ideal candidate should possess the wisdom to make sound decisions, the empathy to understand the needs of the people, and the strength to defend the realm from threats both internal and external. Considering these attributes, we can evaluate the potential contenders and see how they stack up against each other. After all, the fate of Westeros rested on this decision, and many believe a different choice could have led to a more favorable outcome for the realm.

Daenerys Targaryen: The Queen Who Could Have Been

Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, was a frontrunner for the Iron Throne for much of the series. Her claim was based on birthright, as the last surviving member of the Targaryen dynasty (or so we thought for a while). More than just birthright, she demonstrated a strong desire to break the wheel of oppression and create a better world. Throughout her journey, she freed slaves, challenged tyrannical rulers, and amassed a loyal following. Her charisma and determination were undeniable, making her a popular choice among fans and many characters within the show. However, her descent into madness in the final season tarnished her image and ultimately led to her demise.

But let’s consider the Daenerys we saw before King’s Landing burned. She had a vision for a just society. She wasn't afraid to challenge the established order, and she possessed the strength to back up her ideals. Her experience in Essos taught her valuable lessons about leadership and the importance of listening to the needs of the people. She also showed a willingness to learn from her mistakes, a crucial quality for any ruler. If she had been able to temper her impulses and surround herself with wiser advisors, she might have been able to fulfill her promise of creating a better Westeros. The tragedy of Daenerys is that she had the potential to be a great queen, but her own flaws and the machinations of others ultimately led to her downfall. So, while her claim might have been strong, her actions in the end made her an unsuitable choice for many. However, the question remains: could she have been redeemed and guided towards a more positive path? This is a question that continues to haunt fans and fuel discussions about the complexities of her character.

Jon Snow: The Reluctant Heir

Jon Snow, the King in the North, was another strong contender, though he never actively sought the throne. His true parentage as Aegon Targaryen gave him a legitimate claim, but his sense of duty and honor often outweighed his ambition. He was a skilled warrior, a respected leader, and a man of integrity. He consistently put the needs of the realm before his own, even when it meant making difficult choices. Jon's commitment to protecting Westeros from the Night King and his willingness to unite disparate factions demonstrated his ability to lead in times of crisis. However, his reluctance to embrace power and his tendency to be swayed by others might have made him a less effective ruler in the long term.

Despite his Targaryen heritage, Jon embodies many of the qualities of a Stark. He is honorable, just, and deeply cares for the people he leads. He is also a proven military commander, having led the Night's Watch and the forces of the North against formidable enemies. His experience dealing with the wildlings also demonstrates his ability to bridge divides and find common ground with those who are different. However, Jon's lack of political acumen and his naiveté could have been exploited by those seeking to manipulate him. He also struggles with the burdens of leadership, often questioning his own decisions and seeking guidance from others. While his humility is admirable, it could also be seen as a weakness in a ruler. Ultimately, Jon's strength lies in his ability to inspire loyalty and unite people towards a common cause. Whether these qualities would have been enough to effectively rule Westeros is a matter of debate, but his commitment to justice and his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good make him a compelling candidate.

Tyrion Lannister: The Hand with the Plan

Tyrion Lannister, the Hand of the Queen (and later Hand of the King), was perhaps the most politically astute character in the series. His sharp wit, strategic mind, and understanding of human nature made him an invaluable advisor. He had a knack for navigating complex political landscapes and finding solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems. Tyrion's experience in King's Landing, both as a member of the Small Council and as Hand, gave him a deep understanding of the inner workings of the realm. He also possessed a strong sense of justice and a desire to improve the lives of the common people. However, his past mistakes and his association with the Lannister family might have made him a controversial choice for the throne.

Tyrion's greatest strength lies in his intellect. He is a master strategist, a skilled negotiator, and a keen observer of human behavior. He is also able to see the bigger picture and understand the long-term consequences of decisions. His experience as Hand of the King under Joffrey Baratheon and later as Hand of the Queen under Daenerys Targaryen gave him invaluable insights into the challenges of ruling Westeros. However, Tyrion is not without his flaws. He is prone to making mistakes, particularly in his personal life, and he can sometimes be overly trusting of others. His association with the Lannister family also makes him a target for resentment and suspicion. Despite these shortcomings, Tyrion's intelligence, experience, and commitment to justice make him a strong candidate for the Iron Throne. He is a pragmatist who understands the complexities of politics and is willing to make difficult choices for the good of the realm.

Sansa Stark: The Queen in the North

Sansa Stark, the Queen in the North, underwent a remarkable transformation throughout the series. From a naive young girl to a shrewd and capable leader, she learned valuable lessons about politics, survival, and the importance of protecting her people. Her experiences in King's Landing, under the cruel rule of Joffrey Baratheon, and her subsequent marriages to Tyrion Lannister and Ramsay Bolton hardened her and taught her the importance of self-reliance. As the Lady of Winterfell and later the Queen in the North, she demonstrated her ability to govern wisely and defend her territory. However, her focus on the North and her distrust of outsiders might have made her a less unifying figure for the entire realm.

Sansa's strength lies in her resilience and her ability to learn from her experiences. She has endured immense suffering and hardship, but she has emerged stronger and more determined. She is also a shrewd judge of character and is able to see through the deceptions of others. Her experience in King's Landing taught her the importance of political maneuvering and the need to protect herself and her family. As the Queen in the North, she demonstrated her ability to govern wisely and to prioritize the needs of her people. However, Sansa's focus on the North and her reluctance to compromise might have made her a less effective ruler for the Seven Kingdoms. Her experiences have also made her somewhat cynical and distrustful, which could have hindered her ability to build alliances and unite the realm. Despite these challenges, Sansa's intelligence, resilience, and commitment to her people make her a worthy contender for the Iron Throne, though her heart remains firmly in the North.

Bran Stark: The Three-Eyed Raven

Bran Stark, the Three-Eyed Raven, ultimately won the Iron Throne, but his selection was met with considerable controversy. His ability to see the past, present, and potential futures gave him a unique perspective on the world. He possessed vast knowledge and a detached objectivity that could have been valuable in making decisions. However, his emotional detachment and lack of personal ambition made him a less relatable and inspiring leader. Many felt that his ascension to the throne was a convenient plot device rather than a satisfying conclusion to his character arc.

Bran's greatest asset is his knowledge. As the Three-Eyed Raven, he has access to the collective memories of the past and the potential outcomes of the future. This gives him a unique ability to make informed decisions and to anticipate potential problems. He is also detached from personal ambition and is unlikely to be swayed by emotions or personal biases. However, Bran's emotional detachment also makes him a less relatable leader. He struggles to connect with people on a personal level and may lack the empathy necessary to understand their needs and concerns. His lack of personal ambition could also be seen as a weakness, as he may not have the drive and determination to effectively rule the realm. Ultimately, Bran's selection as king was a controversial one, and many question whether his unique abilities outweigh his emotional detachment and lack of personal ambition. While his wisdom is undeniable, his ability to connect with and inspire the people of Westeros remains a significant question mark.

Conclusion: The Throne's True Heir

Ultimately, the question of who should have won the Iron Throne is subjective and open to interpretation. Each of the potential candidates had their strengths and weaknesses, and none were without flaws. Daenerys possessed the charisma and vision but succumbed to madness. Jon had the honor and integrity but lacked the political savvy. Tyrion had the intelligence and experience but carried the baggage of his family name. Sansa had the resilience and determination but remained focused on the North. And Bran, the ultimate winner, possessed the knowledge but lacked the emotional connection.

Perhaps the true answer lies not in who sat on the Iron Throne, but in the system of governance that was established. The decision to abolish the monarchy and create a council of lords and ladies represented a step towards a more democratic and representative form of government. This new system, while imperfect, offered the potential for greater stability and justice in Westeros. So, while the debate over who should have won the Iron Throne will likely continue for years to come, it's important to remember that the true legacy of Game of Thrones may lie in its exploration of power, leadership, and the complexities of human nature. And maybe, just maybe, the ending we got was the best one for Westeros, even if it wasn't the one we wanted.