Game Of Thrones: Who Ultimately Won The Seven Kingdoms?

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

The Game of Thrones series, adapted from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate plots, complex characters, and stunning visuals. One of the central questions driving the narrative was: who would ultimately win the Game of Thrones and rule the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros? The answer, as revealed in the series finale, was more nuanced than a simple conquest.

Bran the Broken: The Unexpected Ruler

Instead of a traditional claimant seizing the Iron Throne through force or inheritance, the series concluded with Bran Stark, also known as the Three-Eyed Raven, being chosen as the new ruler. This decision came about after Jon Snow, following the counsel of Tyrion Lannister, assassinated Daenerys Targaryen to prevent her from further acts of tyrannical violence. With Daenerys gone and no clear heir, the remaining lords and ladies of Westeros gathered to decide the future of the realm. Tyrion argued that Bran, with his vast knowledge of the past, present, and potential futures, would be the ideal ruler. Bran's unique perspective, devoid of personal ambition, positioned him as a fair and wise leader capable of guiding Westeros toward a more just and peaceful future. The selection of Bran as king marked a significant departure from the dynastic struggles that had defined much of the series, suggesting a shift toward a more meritocratic, if unconventional, system of governance. His reign promised to be one of reflection, learning from history, and striving for the greater good of the Seven Kingdoms, or rather, the Six Kingdoms, as the North gained its independence.

The Fate of Key Contenders

Throughout Game of Thrones, several characters vied for control of the Seven Kingdoms, each with their own motivations and strategies. Understanding their fates is crucial to grasping the ultimate outcome of the series.

Daenerys Targaryen

Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, emerged as a powerful contender for the Iron Throne. Driven by a belief in her right to rule and a desire to break the wheel of oppression, Daenerys amassed a formidable army and gained considerable support among the common people. However, her descent into tyranny, particularly her destruction of King's Landing, alienated many of her allies and ultimately led to her downfall. Jon Snow, her lover and nephew, assassinated her to prevent further atrocities, ending her claim to the throne and shattering the hopes of those who believed in her vision. Daenerys's arc serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Jon Snow

Jon Snow, the reluctant hero, played a pivotal role in the events that shaped the future of Westeros. Despite his initial disinterest in ruling, Jon found himself thrust into positions of leadership, first as Lord Commander of the Night's Watch and later as King in the North. His commitment to duty and his unwavering moral compass guided his actions, even when faced with difficult choices. Jon's decision to kill Daenerys, though agonizing, demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice personal happiness for the greater good. As punishment for his regicide, Jon was exiled back to the Night's Watch, where he rejoined the Wildlings beyond the Wall. This ending, while bittersweet, offered Jon a sense of peace and freedom from the burdens of leadership.

Cersei Lannister

Cersei Lannister, the cunning and ruthless queen, was a formidable player in the game of thrones. Her ambition and willingness to do whatever it took to protect her family led her to make many enemies and commit unspeakable acts. Cersei's reign was marked by political intrigue, betrayal, and violence. She ultimately met her demise in the destruction of King's Landing, crushed beneath the Red Keep along with her brother and lover, Jaime Lannister. Cersei's death marked the end of her reign of terror and removed a major obstacle to peace in Westeros.

Other Houses

Other houses also played significant roles. The fall of House Lannister with the death of Cersei and Jaime, and Tyrion surviving to become the Hand of the King. House Stark rising in power with Sansa becoming the Queen in the North, Arya exploring west of Westeros, and Bran becoming the King. The new small council also included House Baratheon (through Gendry), and other houses such as House Royce with Yohn Royce. These houses helped usher in a new era of peace in Westeros.

The New Small Council: A Government of Compromise

Bran's reign was supported by a new small council, carefully selected to represent different regions and interests within Westeros. This council included:

  • Tyrion Lannister: Serving as Hand of the King, Tyrion brought his intelligence, wit, and political experience to the task of rebuilding Westeros. His past mistakes humbled him, and he sought to guide Bran with wisdom and humility.
  • Sansa Stark: As Queen in the North, Sansa ensured the independence and prosperity of her kingdom. Her experience ruling Winterfell and her understanding of the northern people made her a valuable advisor to Bran.
  • Bronn: As Master of Coin, Bronn brought his pragmatism and resourcefulness to the task of managing the realm's finances. His appointment, though initially surprising, reflected a desire to include individuals from diverse backgrounds in the government.
  • Brienne of Tarth: Serving as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Brienne upheld her vows to protect the king and ensure justice throughout the realm. Her unwavering integrity and martial skills made her a formidable defender of peace.

The North's Independence

One of the significant outcomes of the Game of Thrones was the North's independence. Sansa Stark, as Queen in the North, successfully negotiated for her kingdom to secede from the Seven Kingdoms, establishing it as an independent entity once again. This decision recognized the North's distinct cultural identity and its desire to govern itself. The North's independence set a precedent for other regions within Westeros, suggesting a potential future of greater autonomy and decentralization.

A New Era for Westeros

The conclusion of Game of Thrones marked the beginning of a new era for Westeros. With Bran as king, a new small council in place, and the North independent, the realm had the opportunity to rebuild and move forward from the conflicts of the past. While challenges undoubtedly remained, the series finale offered a glimmer of hope for a more just and peaceful future. The emphasis on wisdom, compassion, and collaboration suggested a shift away from the ruthless power struggles that had defined much of Westeros's history. The final scene, with the small council working together to address the realm's problems, symbolized the potential for unity and progress.

Conclusion

So, to answer the question, who won the Game of Thrones? It wasn't a single individual seizing absolute power, but rather a collective effort towards a new form of governance. Bran Stark became the king, not through conquest, but through a decision that favored wisdom and knowledge. The Game of Thrones ultimately concluded with a focus on rebuilding, compromise, and the hope for a more unified and peaceful future for the Seven Kingdoms (now six!). And while the journey was filled with battles, betrayals, and bloodshed, the final outcome suggested that the true victory lay not in conquering the Iron Throne, but in creating a more just and sustainable society for all. What do you guys think about the ending?