Game Of Thrones: Who Ultimately Won The Iron Throne?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the epic conclusion of Game of Thrones and figure out who really came out on top. After eight seasons of intense battles, shocking betrayals, and fire-breathing dragons, the ending left many of us with mixed feelings. So, who actually won the game of thrones in the end?

Bran the Broken: The Unexpected Ruler

Okay, let's get straight to it. Bran Stark, also known as the Three-Eyed Raven, ended up becoming the King of the Six Kingdoms (since the North seceded, but more on that later). Now, this wasn't exactly the ending most of us were predicting. Bran spent the majority of the final seasons being, well, a bit cryptic and detached. He wasn't exactly vying for power, but his unique abilities and perspective ultimately made him the chosen one.

Why Bran?

So, why Bran? Good question! The decision to make him king came about during a council of lords and ladies of Westeros, convened to decide the fate of the realm after Daenerys Targaryen's fiery reign. Tyrion Lannister, ever the strategist, argued that Bran's inability to father children would break the wheel of succession, preventing future power struggles. He also emphasized Bran’s vast knowledge and wisdom as the Three-Eyed Raven, suggesting he would be a fair and just ruler. It’s a pretty compelling argument, right? He basically said, "Hey, this guy knows everything that ever happened, so he probably won't mess things up too badly!"

The North Remembers (and Secedes)

Now, let's not forget about the North. Sansa Stark, ever the strong and independent Lady of Winterfell, made sure that the North remained an independent kingdom. She basically told everyone, "Thanks, but no thanks. We're good on our own." This was a huge win for the North, which had suffered greatly throughout the series and deserved to chart its own course. So, while Bran rules the Six Kingdoms, Sansa reigns as the Queen in the North.

What Makes Bran a Good King?

There are arguments to be made for and against Bran's kingship. On one hand, his ability to see the past, present, and potential futures gives him unparalleled insight into the needs of the realm. He’s not driven by personal ambition or a desire for power, which theoretically makes him less susceptible to corruption. He is basically a living, breathing, all-knowing history book. He can tap into the knowledge of centuries past, which could be incredibly valuable in making informed decisions for the future. Imagine having access to all the strategies, mistakes, and triumphs of your predecessors! That’s a pretty significant advantage.

On the other hand, his emotional detachment and lack of personal connection to the people might make it difficult for him to truly understand their struggles and empathize with their needs. Can someone who spends so much time in the past and future truly be present in the moment and address the immediate concerns of their people? That's a valid question to consider. Moreover, his passive nature and reliance on others to interpret his visions could make him vulnerable to manipulation. A king needs to be decisive and assertive, and it remains to be seen whether Bran possesses those qualities.

Other Key Players: Victories and Losses

While Bran ended up on the Iron Throne (well, technically, there is no Iron Throne anymore – it was melted by Drogon, Daenerys’s dragon, in a fit of grief), the ending was about more than just who ruled Westeros. Several other characters achieved their own versions of victory, even if it wasn't the ultimate prize.

Sansa Stark: Queen in the North

As mentioned earlier, Sansa's successful secession of the North was a major victory. After enduring so much trauma and hardship, she finally secured independence and self-governance for her people. She showed incredible resilience and political acumen, proving herself to be a capable and just ruler. Securing the North's independence wasn't just about political power; it was about ensuring the survival and prosperity of her people. The North had always been fiercely independent, and Sansa understood that their best chance for a stable future lay in self-determination.

Arya Stark: Explorer Extraordinaire

Arya, ever the adventurer, decided to sail west of Westeros to explore uncharted territories. This was a fitting end for a character who always defied expectations and craved freedom. She wasn't interested in power or titles; she wanted to see what was out there, to discover new lands and experiences. It's a bold and exciting choice, leaving her open to new adventures and challenges. Who knows what she'll find beyond the sunset?

Tyrion Lannister: Hand of the King (Again)

Tyrion, despite his many mistakes and misjudgments, was appointed Hand of the King to Bran. This gave him another chance to use his wit and intelligence to serve the realm, hopefully with better results this time around. He understood the complexities of politics and the nuances of human nature, making him a valuable advisor. He learned from his past mistakes and was determined to guide Bran towards a more just and prosperous reign. It’s a testament to his resilience and his unwavering belief in the potential for good, even in the darkest of times.

Jon Snow: Back to the Wall (Sort Of)

Jon Snow, after killing Daenerys, was exiled back to the Night's Watch. However, instead of guarding the Wall, he joined the Wildlings and headed north, beyond the Wall. This ambiguous ending suggests a sense of freedom and a chance to start anew, away from the political intrigues of Westeros. He was free from the burden of leadership and the constant pressure to make difficult decisions. He could finally live a life of his own, surrounded by people who accepted him for who he was, not for who they wanted him to be.

Daenerys Targaryen: A Tragic Loss

Of course, we can't talk about the ending without acknowledging the tragic fate of Daenerys Targaryen. Her descent into madness and subsequent death at the hands of Jon Snow was one of the most controversial aspects of the finale. Many fans felt that her character arc was rushed and unearned, while others argued that it was a natural consequence of the pressures and traumas she had endured. Regardless of your opinion, there's no denying that her death had a profound impact on the course of Westeros's future. It marked the end of an era and ushered in a new, uncertain chapter.

The Real Victory: A (Potentially) Better Future

So, who really won Game of Thrones? It's a tough question. While Bran ended up on the throne, the ending was more about setting the stage for a potentially better future for Westeros. The old ways of succession and power struggles were challenged, and a new system was put in place, albeit an untested one. The characters who survived had the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and build a more just and equitable society.

Breaking the Wheel?

Whether or not they truly succeeded in "breaking the wheel," as Daenerys had hoped, remains to be seen. The ending was intentionally ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation and speculation. But one thing is clear: the world of Game of Thrones was forever changed by the events of the final season. The old power structures were dismantled, and new possibilities emerged. It's up to the characters who remain to seize those opportunities and create a better future for themselves and their descendants.

Final Thoughts: A Bittersweet Ending

The ending of Game of Thrones was definitely bittersweet. Some characters got satisfying conclusions, while others met tragic ends. Ultimately, the show reminds us that the game of thrones is a complex and unpredictable one, with no guaranteed winners or losers. It also underscores the importance of leadership, justice, and the constant struggle to create a better world, even in the face of overwhelming challenges. And that, my friends, is something we can all take away from this epic tale.

So, while Bran may have technically "won" the game of thrones, the real victory lies in the hope for a more peaceful and just future for Westeros. What do you guys think? Let me know in the comments below!