Game Of Thrones: Who Ultimately Claimed The Iron Throne?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the epic conclusion of Game of Thrones and find out who really ended up on top – or rather, on the Iron Throne… or did they?

The Burning Question: Who Ascended the Throne?

The quest for the Iron Throne was the driving force behind much of the drama, betrayal, and bloodshed in Game of Thrones. From the very beginning, noble houses battled for control, each believing they were the rightful heir to the Seven Kingdoms. Names like Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, and Targaryen echoed through the halls of power, each with their own ambitions and strategies. The throne, forged from the swords of Aegon the Conqueror's defeated enemies, symbolized ultimate power, but it also represented a legacy of conflict and the heavy burden of leadership. Characters we loved (and loved to hate) fought, schemed, and sometimes died for their chance to sit upon it. Alliances shifted like the sands of Dorne, and the game of thrones became a deadly dance where only the most cunning, ruthless, or fortunate could survive.

However, in a twist that left many fans divided, the Iron Throne itself was destroyed. Daenerys Targaryen, after succumbing to her darker impulses, laid waste to King's Landing, prompting Jon Snow to make the agonizing decision to kill her. This act effectively removed the last major claimant to the throne through conquest. With the throne gone, the traditional rules of succession were thrown out the window, paving the way for a new form of governance in Westeros. The destruction of the Iron Throne symbolized a rejection of the old ways, the endless cycle of violence, and the pursuit of power at any cost. It was a statement that the future of Westeros needed to be different, more inclusive, and less focused on the ambitions of a single ruler.

Bran the Broken: The Unexpected Ruler

In a surprising turn of events, Bran Stark, also known as the Three-Eyed Raven, was chosen as the new ruler of the Six Kingdoms (since the North seceded). But wait, how did a character who spent most of the last few seasons as a mystical tree-wizard end up leading Westeros? It's a fair question! Bran's unique position as the Three-Eyed Raven, possessing the collective knowledge of Westeros's past and present, made him a candidate unlike any other. He wasn't driven by personal ambition or a desire for power; instead, his focus was on safeguarding the realm and guiding it towards a more enlightened future. This detachment from the traditional power struggles, coupled with his unparalleled wisdom, convinced the remaining lords and ladies of Westeros that he was the best choice to lead them.

Now, some viewers felt that Bran's ascension came out of left field. After all, he wasn't exactly a charismatic leader or a skilled warrior. But his supporters argued that Westeros needed someone who could see the bigger picture, someone who could learn from the mistakes of the past and make decisions based on knowledge rather than emotion. Bran's ability to access the memories of the Weirwood trees gave him a unique perspective, allowing him to understand the consequences of past actions and avoid repeating them. His reign promised to be one of wisdom and foresight, a departure from the often-brutal and self-serving rule of previous monarchs. Whether this vision ultimately succeeded is left to the imagination, but the intention was clear: to break the cycle of violence and build a better future for Westeros.

The Realm's New Order

So, Bran the Broken became king, but not in the way anyone expected. His reign marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Westeros. The traditional system of hereditary rule was replaced by a form of elective monarchy, where the lords and ladies of the realm had a say in choosing their ruler. This represented a move towards a more democratic system, although it was far from a perfect solution. The decision-making process was still dominated by the nobility, and the common people had little to no representation. However, it was a step in the right direction, a recognition that power should not be concentrated in the hands of a single family.

Furthermore, the North, under the leadership of Sansa Stark, seceded from the Six Kingdoms and became an independent nation. This acknowledged the North's distinct identity and its desire to govern itself. Sansa, having learned from the mistakes of her predecessors, proved to be a wise and capable ruler, prioritizing the needs of her people and safeguarding the North's independence. The separation of the North also served as a reminder of the importance of regional autonomy and the need to respect the unique cultures and traditions of different parts of Westeros.

The Small Council, Bran's advisory board, also saw some interesting appointments. Tyrion Lannister, despite his past mistakes, was named Hand of the King, bringing his wit and political acumen to the table. Bronn, the sellsword turned Lord of Highgarden, was appointed Master of Coin, tasked with rebuilding the realm's shattered economy. Brienne of Tarth became Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, ensuring the king's safety and upholding the values of honor and justice. These appointments reflected a desire to create a diverse and capable leadership team, one that could address the many challenges facing Westeros. The new order was far from perfect, but it represented a glimmer of hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future.

The Mixed Reactions: Was It a Satisfying Conclusion?

The ending of Game of Thrones was… divisive, to say the least. Some fans felt that Bran becoming king was a brilliant move, a subversion of expectations that highlighted the importance of wisdom and knowledge over brute force and ambition. Others felt that it was a cop-out, a narrative shortcut that didn't fully address the complex issues raised throughout the series. The rushed pacing of the final season, coupled with some questionable character decisions, left many viewers feeling unsatisfied. The carefully crafted world that had captivated audiences for years seemed to unravel in the final episodes, leaving a sense of disappointment and missed opportunities.

Arguments against Bran's coronation often centered on his lack of charisma and his seemingly passive role in the events leading up to his ascension. Critics argued that he had become too detached from human emotion, making him an unsuitable choice to lead a kingdom of people with complex needs and desires. Some felt that other characters, such as Jon Snow or Sansa Stark, were more deserving of the throne, having demonstrated greater leadership skills and a stronger connection to the people of Westeros. The decision to destroy the Iron Throne was also met with mixed reactions, with some praising it as a symbol of change and others lamenting the loss of a powerful symbol of Westeros's history.

Ultimately, whether you loved or hated the ending, it's undeniable that Game of Thrones left a lasting impact on popular culture. The show sparked countless debates, inspired countless fan theories, and brought people together from all over the world. It raised important questions about power, morality, and the human condition. And while the ending may not have pleased everyone, it certainly gave us something to talk about for years to come. Whether Bran the Broken was a worthy ruler or not, Game of Thrones reminds us that the game is never truly over, and the quest for power, justice, and a better future will always continue.