Game Of Thrones: Who Deserved To Win?

Ah, Game of Thrones, the epic fantasy series that captivated the world, only to leave many of us with a bitter taste after its finale. The question of who should have won the Iron Throne has been debated endlessly since that final episode aired. Guys, let's dive into the characters who, in our humble opinions, were more deserving of ruling Westeros than Bran Stark. We'll explore their qualifications, their actions throughout the series, and why they might have been a better fit for the job.

Daenerys Targaryen: The Breaker of Chains

Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, undeniably held a strong claim to the Iron Throne. From a young age, she endured hardship and exile, transforming herself from a frightened girl into a powerful leader. Her journey across Essos saw her abolish slavery, earning her the title "Breaker of Chains." She demonstrated compassion and a genuine desire to help the oppressed. Dany's vision for a better world, free from the tyranny of the old order, resonated with many. She amassed a loyal following, including the Unsullied and the Dothraki, who believed in her cause and were willing to fight for her. Her strategic mind and her ability to inspire loyalty made her a formidable contender. However, her descent into madness in the final season tarnished her image and ultimately led to her downfall. Many argue that this sudden shift was unearned and out of character, a disservice to the strong and complex character she had been. Had the writers stayed true to her established traits, Daenerys might have been remembered as the queen Westeros needed, a ruler who could bring about lasting change and justice. Considering her unwavering commitment to justice and her proven ability to lead, a victory for Daenerys could have ushered in an era of much-needed reform. Despite her controversial ending, her earlier actions spoke volumes about her potential as a just and capable ruler. Ultimately, the debate around Daenerys centers on whether her actions in King's Landing negated all the good she had done, or if she was a victim of circumstance and manipulation.

Jon Snow: The Reluctant Hero

Jon Snow, the King in the North, was another character who many believed deserved to rule. Raised as Ned Stark's bastard, Jon embodied the values of honor, duty, and selflessness. He rose through the ranks of the Night's Watch, eventually becoming Lord Commander and uniting the Wildlings and the Night's Watch against the White Walkers. Jon's willingness to put aside his personal desires for the greater good made him a natural leader. He consistently made difficult choices, often unpopular ones, but always with the best interests of the realm at heart. Discovering his true parentage as Aegon Targaryen, the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, further complicated his journey. Jon never sought power, but power seemed to find him. His reluctance to rule, combined with his strong moral compass, made him an appealing candidate for many. He possessed the Stark integrity and a sense of duty, combined with the Targaryen lineage, making him a blend of the best qualities from both houses. However, Jon's humility and lack of political ambition might have been his downfall. He often deferred to others, lacking the ruthlessness sometimes necessary to navigate the treacherous world of Westeros politics. Despite his reservations, Jon's actions consistently demonstrated his capacity for leadership. He constantly prioritized the safety and well-being of his people, proving himself to be a protector and a unifier. Whether he desired the throne or not, Jon Snow possessed the qualities of a just and honorable ruler. His commitment to defending the realm against external threats and his unwavering moral code made him a strong contender for the Iron Throne. In the end, Jon's decision to kill Daenerys cemented his role as a tragic hero, forever bound by duty and sacrifice.

Sansa Stark: The Lady of Winterfell

Sansa Stark, the Lady of Winterfell, underwent one of the most significant character arcs in Game of Thrones. From a naive young girl dreaming of marrying a prince, she transformed into a shrewd and capable leader, hardened by years of trauma and manipulation. Her experiences in King's Landing, under the watchful eyes of Cersei Lannister and Joffrey Baratheon, taught her valuable lessons about politics and power. She learned to navigate the treacherous world of court intrigue, becoming a master of diplomacy and strategy. Sansa's resilience and her ability to learn from her mistakes made her a formidable force. As Lady of Winterfell, she proved her dedication to her people, ensuring their survival through harsh winters and political turmoil. Her understanding of the North and its people, combined with her political acumen, made her a strong candidate to rule at least the North, and potentially the entire realm. While she might not have possessed the dragon-riding charisma of Daenerys or the battlefield prowess of Jon Snow, Sansa brought a pragmatic and grounded approach to leadership. Her focus on the needs of the people and her ability to forge alliances made her a valuable asset. Many believe that her experience with manipulation and betrayal would have made her less susceptible to the pitfalls that plagued other rulers. Sansa's journey from a victim to a powerful leader is a testament to her strength and adaptability. While she ultimately chose to rule the North independently, her skills and experience would have made her a worthy contender for the Iron Throne. She understood the importance of stability, diplomacy, and the welfare of her people.

Tyrion Lannister: The Hand of the Queen (and King)

Hands down, Tyrion Lannister, the Hand of the Queen (and King), possesses the sharpest mind in Westeros. Throughout the series, he demonstrated his intelligence, wit, and strategic thinking. Despite facing prejudice and discrimination due to his dwarfism, Tyrion rose to become one of the most influential figures in the realm. He served as Hand to both Joffrey Baratheon and Daenerys Targaryen, offering valuable counsel and navigating complex political situations. His ability to see through deception and his understanding of human nature made him an invaluable advisor. Tyrion's experience in King's Landing, his knowledge of the law, and his understanding of economics would have made him an excellent ruler. While he might not have been a warrior or a charismatic leader, Tyrion's intellect and his commitment to justice would have made him a wise and capable king. He consistently sought to find peaceful solutions and to protect the innocent. His wit, combined with his strategic genius, made him a formidable opponent in the game of thrones. Even though he made mistakes, such as trusting Cersei or underestimating the threat of the White Walkers, Tyrion always learned from his errors. He's a pragmatist. Tyrion's nomination of Bran was somewhat a plot device, but in the world-building, he would have made a better King.

Other Potential Rulers

While Daenerys, Jon, Sansa, and Tyrion are the most frequently discussed candidates, other characters also possessed qualities that could have made them suitable rulers. Davos Seaworth, the Onion Knight, was a man of integrity and common sense. His loyalty and his dedication to serving the realm would have made him a trustworthy leader. Brienne of Tarth, a knight of unwavering honor, embodied the values of justice and chivalry. Her strength, her courage, and her commitment to protecting the innocent would have made her a respected ruler. Samwell Tarly, with his vast knowledge and his desire to learn, could have brought wisdom and understanding to the throne. Each of these characters, in their own way, possessed qualities that could have contributed to a better Westeros.

Why Bran Stark's Coronation Fell Flat

The selection of Bran Stark as king was disappointing. Bran's transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven made him detached and emotionless, seemingly uninterested in the affairs of the realm. His ability to see the past and the present gave him knowledge, but it also seemed to remove him from the human experience. Many viewers felt that Bran lacked the empathy and the compassion necessary to rule effectively. His lack of personal ambition and his cryptic pronouncements left many wondering what kind of king he would be. The decision to crown Bran felt like a convenient way to resolve the conflict without truly addressing the underlying issues. While Bran's knowledge might have been valuable, his lack of engagement and his emotional distance made him an unsatisfying choice for many fans. It felt like the writers prioritized plot convenience over character development, resulting in a conclusion that felt unearned and unfulfilling.

Conclusion: The Throne's True Heir

Ultimately, the question of who should have won the Game of Thrones remains a matter of personal opinion. Each of the characters discussed possessed qualities that could have made them a worthy ruler. Whether it was Daenerys's vision for a better world, Jon's sense of duty, Sansa's political acumen, or Tyrion's intelligence, each had something to offer. The finale left many fans feeling unsatisfied, believing that the true potential of these characters was not fully realized. The debate continues, fueled by passion and a deep investment in the world of Westeros. And you know what? That’s what makes Game of Thrones so enduringly fascinating! So, who do you think should have won the Game of Thrones? Let's keep the conversation going!