The final episode of Game of Thrones, “The Iron Throne,” saw Daenerys Targaryen’s reign abruptly end at the hand of Jon Snow, leading to a council of Westeros’s remaining great houses choosing Bran Stark as their new king, a decision steeped in both logic and controversy. The episode ultimately prioritized the future stability of the realm over traditional notions of inheritance or meritocracy, leaving many viewers divided on the fates of their beloved characters.
The Fall of the Dragon Queen and the King Who Didn’t Want To Be
The episode picks up in the immediate aftermath of Daenerys Targaryen’s fiery destruction of King’s Landing. Consumed by her conviction that she was liberating the world from tyranny, she announces her intention to continue her conquest, setting her sights on dismantling every vestige of power and tradition. However, her increasingly ruthless actions and unwavering belief in her own righteousness deeply disturb Jon Snow, who wrestles with his love for Daenerys and his loyalty to the people.
Jon ultimately confronts Daenerys in the throne room, where, after a heart-wrenching exchange, he stabs and kills her, preventing her from further acts of destruction and effectively ending the Targaryen dynasty’s claim to the Iron Throne. Drogon, Daenerys’s last dragon, mourns her death, melting the Iron Throne – a symbol of the endless pursuit of power – before flying away with her body.
A New King for a New Westeros
Following Daenerys’s death, the remaining lords and ladies of Westeros convene to decide the fate of the realm. Tyrion Lannister, advocating for a system where rulers are chosen rather than born into power, proposes Bran Stark as the new king. He argues that Bran, as the Three-Eyed Raven, possesses the collective knowledge of the past and present, making him uniquely qualified to rule with wisdom and impartiality.
The gathered lords and ladies, recognizing the need for stability and weary of endless war, unanimously agree to Tyrion’s proposal. Bran, though initially reluctant, accepts his destiny, becoming Bran the Broken, King of the Six Kingdoms (the North having been granted its independence by Bran himself).
The Fates of the Key Players
The episode concludes with a glimpse into the new order established under Bran’s reign.
- Tyrion Lannister is appointed Hand of the King, tasked with rebuilding the realm and advising Bran.
- Jon Snow, punished for killing Daenerys, is sent back to the Night’s Watch, symbolically returning him to his roots and allowing him to live a life free from the burdens of power. He eventually ventures beyond the Wall with the Wildlings.
- Sansa Stark successfully petitions for the North’s independence, becoming Queen in the North.
- Arya Stark, ever the adventurer, sets sail west of Westeros to explore the unknown regions beyond the map.
- Brienne of Tarth is Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and fills in the blank pages of Jaime Lannister’s entry in the White Book.
- Grey Worm, devastated by Daenerys’s death, sails to Naath, Missandei’s homeland.
The final scene depicts Tyrion, Bronn (now Master of Coin), Brienne, and Ser Davos Seaworth (Master of Ships) discussing the rebuilding of King’s Landing and the challenges facing the new kingdom. The episode ends on a note of cautious optimism, suggesting that while the past is filled with conflict and tragedy, the future holds the potential for a more just and peaceful Westeros.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Game of Thrones Finale
H3 1. Why did Jon Snow kill Daenerys?
Jon killed Daenerys because he realized she was on a path of tyranny, driven by a dangerous mix of power and unwavering conviction. He understood that her actions, while initially intended for the greater good, were resulting in the senseless slaughter of innocent people. Her burning of King’s Landing was the tipping point, forcing him to choose between his love for her and his duty to protect the realm. He made the difficult decision to sacrifice his personal feelings to prevent her from causing further devastation. It was a choice between love and duty, a recurring theme throughout the series.
H3 2. Why was Bran Stark chosen as King?
Bran was chosen because he represents a departure from the traditional Westerosi system of inheritance and power struggles. Tyrion argued that Bran’s unique ability to access the knowledge of the past and present, as the Three-Eyed Raven, made him the ideal ruler to guide Westeros towards a more peaceful and equitable future. His emotional detachment and understanding of the long game were seen as assets in a leader who needed to make impartial and wise decisions. Bran’s role as the Three-Eyed Raven was central to his selection.
H3 3. Was Drogon meant to melt the Iron Throne?
While the episode doesn’t explicitly state Drogon’s intention, the melting of the Iron Throne can be interpreted as a symbolic act. Drogon, in his grief and rage, destroys the symbol of power that had led to so much conflict and bloodshed in Westeros. By melting the throne, he effectively rejects the very concept of absolute rule and the endless cycle of violence that had plagued the realm for centuries. The act symbolizes the rejection of the old order.
H3 4. Why was Jon sent back to the Night’s Watch?
Jon’s exile to the Night’s Watch was a compromise. The lords and ladies of Westeros recognized the severity of his crime in killing Daenerys, but they also acknowledged his past services and the fact that he acted to prevent further atrocities. Sending him back to the Wall, a place of exile and service, was seen as a way to punish him while also acknowledging his contributions. It was a political solution to a complex moral dilemma. The Unsullied would have had him executed.
H3 5. What happened to the Unsullied after Daenerys’s death?
Grey Worm and the Unsullied, fiercely loyal to Daenerys, initially demanded justice for her death, wanting Jon Snow executed. However, they ultimately agreed to a compromise: Jon would be sent to the Night’s Watch, and the Unsullied would sail to Naath, Missandei’s homeland, to protect its people. They depart Westeros, leaving behind the politics and conflicts of the Seven Kingdoms. Their departure signifies the end of Daenerys’s influence and the fading of her vision.
H3 6. Why did Sansa demand the North’s independence?
Sansa demanded the North’s independence because she believed that the North had suffered enough under the rule of southern kings. She argued that the North had its own distinct culture, traditions, and values, and that it deserved to govern itself. Her demand reflects the long-standing tension between the North and the South, and her desire to ensure the North’s future security and prosperity. It represents a triumph of Northern identity and self-determination.
H3 7. Where is Arya going when she sails west?
Arya’s voyage west of Westeros is left open to interpretation. The show suggests that she is embarking on a journey of exploration, seeking to discover what lies beyond the known world. Her adventurous spirit and desire for freedom lead her to reject the traditional roles expected of women in Westeros and to forge her own path. Her journey symbolizes the pursuit of the unknown and the rejection of limitations.
H3 8. What is Bran’s role as King going forward?
Bran, as King, is expected to rule with wisdom and impartiality, guided by his knowledge of the past and his understanding of the long-term consequences of his decisions. He relies heavily on his small council for counsel, recognizing the limitations of his own knowledge and experience. He represents a new kind of ruler, one who prioritizes the needs of the realm over personal ambition and tradition. His reign is intended to be a period of healing and rebuilding.
H3 9. How does Tyrion become Hand of the King again?
Despite his mistakes and past failures, Tyrion is appointed Hand of the King because he is still recognized as one of the most intelligent and capable individuals in Westeros. He demonstrates his understanding of the needs of the realm and his commitment to building a better future. Bran, recognizing Tyrion’s abilities and experience, trusts him to guide the kingdom through the difficult years ahead. His appointment reflects the need for competence and experience in governance.
H3 10. Was there a better ending for Daenerys?
The question of whether there was a better ending for Daenerys is highly subjective and has been a source of much debate among fans. Some argue that her descent into madness was rushed and unearned, while others believe it was a logical culmination of her character arc. Ultimately, her fate served as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Whether a different ending would have been more satisfying is a matter of personal opinion. Her ending remains one of the most controversial aspects of the finale.
H3 11. What did the small council discuss at the end?
The final scene with the small council highlighted the pragmatic challenges of governing Westeros after the war. They discussed issues such as rebuilding King’s Landing, managing the crown’s finances, and ensuring that the realm was properly defended. Bronn’s appointment as Master of Coin underscored the importance of economic stability, while Brienne’s presence as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard emphasized the need for order and security. The scene showcased the practicalities of governance and the importance of competent leadership.
H3 12. What is the overall message or takeaway from the finale?
The finale of Game of Thrones offered a complex and ambiguous message. It suggested that the pursuit of power is often a destructive force and that true leadership requires wisdom, compassion, and a willingness to prioritize the needs of the many over the ambitions of the few. It also emphasized the importance of learning from the past and building a more just and equitable future. Ultimately, the finale left viewers with a sense of hope, but also with a recognition of the enduring challenges facing humanity. The core message revolves around the limitations of power and the necessity of forging a better future.