Who Truly Deserved The Iron Throne In Game Of Thrones?

Hey everyone, let's dive into a Game of Thrones debate that's been raging since the final episode aired: who really deserved to win? The show's ending, as we all know, was a bit... divisive. Some loved it, some hated it, and most of us probably fell somewhere in between. But one thing's for sure: the question of who should've sat on the Iron Throne is a juicy one, worthy of endless discussions over cups of coffee (or, you know, goblets of wine, if you're feeling particularly Westerosi). So, grab your direwolves (metaphorically, of course), and let's break down the contenders. I'm going to consider several characters, weighing their strengths, weaknesses, and the overall impact they could have had on the Seven Kingdoms. It's time to examine the arguments for and against each potential ruler, and see who emerges as the true victor in this thought experiment. This isn't just about who could have won, but who should have won, based on the themes and narrative threads woven throughout the series. And, honestly, this is just a fun way to revisit a show we all love (or loved to hate-watch). Let's start with a character that was a favorite, and also considered a huge potential winner from the beginning!

Daenerys Targaryen: The Dragon Queen's Ascent and Descent

Alright, let's kick things off with Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons. Daenerys's journey was arguably the most epic, spanning continents and culminating in a dramatic, albeit controversial, ending. For seasons, she was positioned as the hope of Westeros, the rightful heir fighting against tyranny and promising a better future. She starts off as a vulnerable girl sold into marriage and transforms into a powerful leader, conquering cities, freeing slaves, and building an army. Her dragons were a symbol of her power, and she had an almost god-like status. I think we can all agree that Daenerys started with so much potential. She possessed a strong sense of justice, a genuine desire to break the wheel of oppression, and a charismatic presence that inspired loyalty. The show meticulously built her up, showing her resilience, intelligence, and unwavering belief in her destiny. You guys saw it too, right? Everyone was rooting for Dany to win! Her early actions, like freeing the slaves in Slaver's Bay, showcased her compassion and her commitment to a more just world. She believed in herself, and the audience was led to believe in her too. However, as the series progressed, cracks began to appear in Daenerys's facade. Her ruthlessness, once justifiable in the context of conquering oppressive regimes, started to become more alarming, especially as she neared Westeros. The weight of her ambitions and the trauma she endured, including the loss of her dragons, pushed her towards a darker path. Her descent into madness, culminating in the burning of King's Landing, was a major turning point, and it's something many viewers still struggle to accept. The burning of King's Landing was a controversial move, as some would say she simply went mad, while others claim that she never should have lost herself that way. Looking back, should Daenerys have won? It's tricky. On one hand, she had the strongest claim, the biggest army, and the dragons. She could have brought an end to the established order, and rebuilt a better Westeros. However, her actions in the final season made it clear that she was not fit to rule, and would have likely plunged the realm into further chaos. Her need for power overtook her vision of justice, and she lost sight of the people she swore to protect. It's a classic tragedy, really, and one that leaves us with a lot to unpack. In the end, Daenerys's story serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the importance of empathy and restraint. And, this is one of the main reasons she shouldn't have won.

Daenerys's Strengths and Weaknesses

To really understand why Daenerys's ending was so debated, we need to break down her strengths and weaknesses. Her strength definitely lies in her ambition. Her ambition was a catalyst for her journey, and it drove her to overcome impossible odds. She was also a brilliant military strategist, and she always knew how to command people and her dragons. She inspired devotion and had unwavering loyalty from her followers. Her weaknesses include a volatile temper and a tendency towards violence. She also had an over-reliance on power, and a lack of empathy as the series went on. She often made impulsive decisions, and her paranoia made her susceptible to bad advice. So, taking all this into account, did Daenerys deserve the Iron Throne?

Jon Snow: The Reluctant King

Next up, we have Jon Snow, the brooding, honorable, and secretly Targaryen hero. Jon's journey was also filled with hardship and sacrifice. He was the quintessential underdog, rising from a bastard to become Lord Commander of the Night's Watch and eventually King in the North. Jon's character was defined by his sense of duty, his strong moral compass, and his willingness to put the needs of others before his own. He was a natural leader, respected by his peers and loved by the common folk. One of his key strengths was his ability to unite people, as we saw when he forged alliances with various houses and the Wildlings to fight against the Night King. His humility was also a valuable trait. Jon never craved power, and he always approached his responsibilities with a sense of selflessness. He was willing to make difficult choices, even if they meant sacrificing his own happiness. Let's not forget, guys, that Jon's lineage made him a legitimate contender for the Iron Throne. As the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, he had a stronger claim than Daenerys. The revelation of his true parentage was a massive plot twist, changing everything! However, Jon's reluctance to embrace his destiny and his innate sense of honor ultimately led to his downfall, or so it seemed. He struggled to reconcile his love for Daenerys with his duty to the realm, and his actions in the final season were largely driven by a desire to do what was right, even if it meant betraying the woman he loved. This is why some people think he deserved the throne. Ultimately, Jon's story is a reminder of the burden of leadership and the importance of staying true to your values. In many ways, he embodied the qualities of a good ruler, but he lacked the ruthlessness and ambition needed to succeed in the cutthroat world of Westeros. Some would even say he was too honorable. The way Jon ended up, banished to the Night's Watch, felt like a fitting end for him, at least in the eyes of many. He was not a traditional hero, and that is why many viewers were so invested in his story. His role was less about conquest and more about survival, and I think that’s what made him stand out. So, did Jon Snow have what it took to rule?

Jon Snow's Strengths and Weaknesses

Jon's strength was in his humility, his compassion, and his strong moral compass. He was a skilled warrior and a natural leader. His weaknesses, however, were his reluctance to embrace power and his tendency to be overly honorable. He also struggled with difficult decisions, and he often put his own happiness aside for the sake of others. Would he have made a good ruler? Yes, but he lacked the ruthless qualities needed to survive.

Tyrion Lannister: The Wise Hand

Now, let's talk about Tyrion Lannister, the witty, intelligent, and often underestimated member of the Lannister family. Tyrion's journey was marked by discrimination and adversity. Despite being born a dwarf, he used his sharp mind and cunning wit to navigate the treacherous political landscape of Westeros. He was a master strategist, a shrewd negotiator, and a voice of reason in the face of chaos. Throughout the series, Tyrion served as Hand of the King (or Queen) to several rulers, providing valuable counsel and helping to guide their decisions. He was known for his pragmatism, his ability to see both sides of an issue, and his unwavering loyalty to those he cared about. Tyrion's perspective was always unique, and often insightful. He had a deep understanding of human nature, and he knew how to manipulate people to get what he wanted. His famous quote,