Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 6, “The Iron Throne,” depicts the aftermath of Daenerys Targaryen’s fiery conquest of King’s Landing, culminating in her assassination by Jon Snow and the unconventional election of Bran Stark as King of the Six Kingdoms. This episode serves as the series finale, tying up loose ends, delivering final character arcs, and establishing a new political order in Westeros.
The King Slayer Becomes a Queen Slayer: Jon’s Moral Crossroads
The episode opens with Tyrion Lannister surveying the devastating destruction of King’s Landing, a stark reminder of the Queen he served. He is horrified by Daenerys’s unquestionable descent into tyranny, symbolized by her unwavering belief that she is liberating the world through fire and blood. This realization pushes him to confront Jon Snow, urging him to see Daenerys for who she has become: a threat to the very people she vowed to protect.
Jon, torn between his love for Daenerys and his sense of duty to the realm, struggles with the weight of Tyrion’s words. He witnesses Daenerys addressing her Unsullied and Dothraki army, declaring her intention to “liberate” the rest of the world, a chilling echo of the Mad King. This solidifies Jon’s decision; he cannot allow her reign of terror to continue. He confronts Daenerys in the throne room, confessing his loyalty to her before plunging a dagger into her heart. Drogon, sensing his mother’s death, unleashes his fury, melting the Iron Throne rather than killing Jon, seemingly understanding the throne’s symbolic role in Daenerys’s ambition.
Imprisonment and a Council of Lords and Ladies: A New Order Emerges
Following Daenerys’s death, Jon is imprisoned, awaiting judgment from the surviving lords and ladies of Westeros. Tyrion, now a prisoner himself, proposes a radical solution: a new system of governance. He argues that the power to choose a ruler should lie with the people – specifically, a council of representatives from the most powerful houses.
This council convenes, featuring familiar faces like Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Edmure Tully, Samwell Tarly, Brienne of Tarth, and Bronn. After some debate, Tyrion nominates Bran Stark as King. His rationale? Bran’s extensive knowledge of the past and his detachment from personal ambition make him the ideal ruler, someone who can see the bigger picture and prioritize the well-being of the realm.
Bran accepts the crown, naming Tyrion his Hand. He also decrees that Jon Snow will be banished back to the Night’s Watch as punishment for his regicide, ensuring the Unsullied’s departure from Westeros, as Grey Worm acknowledges this as a compromise.
Farewell to Westeros: The Final Journey
The episode concludes with a series of poignant farewells and new beginnings. Jon returns to the Wall, reuniting with Tormund Giantsbane and Ghost, finally giving the good boy the pat he deserved. Sansa, now Queen in the North, asserts the independence of the Stark’s kingdom. Arya sets sail westward, seeking to discover what lies beyond the map. And Bran, now King Bran the Broken, begins his reign with Tyrion by his side, tasked with rebuilding the shattered realm.
FAQs About Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 6
Here are some frequently asked questions about the events and implications of Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 6:
Why did Jon kill Daenerys?
Daenerys’s actions in King’s Landing, the indiscriminate slaughter of innocent civilians, and her subsequent declaration of a global “liberation” signaled her descent into tyranny. Jon, bound by his oath to protect the realm, realized that Daenerys posed a greater threat to Westeros and the world than any enemy they had previously faced. He was forced to choose between his love for her and his duty to the people, ultimately prioritizing the latter.
Why was Bran chosen as King?
Tyrion argued that Bran’s ability to see the past made him the ideal ruler, someone free from personal ambition and capable of making decisions based on knowledge and wisdom. The council of lords and ladies ultimately agreed, believing that Bran’s unique perspective would allow him to govern impartially and ensure the stability of the realm. This was also meant to symbolize a move away from hereditary rule.
Why wasn’t Jon executed for killing Daenerys?
The Unsullied, fiercely loyal to Daenerys, demanded justice for her death. However, Grey Worm ultimately agreed to banishing Jon to the Night’s Watch as a compromise. This allowed the Unsullied to depart Westeros without further bloodshed, while also punishing Jon for his crime, although many perceived this as a relatively lenient sentence.
Why did Drogon melt the Iron Throne?
Drogon’s destruction of the Iron Throne is often interpreted as a symbolic act of mourning and recognition that power, represented by the throne, was the driving force behind Daenerys’s ambition and eventual demise. Rather than killing Jon, Drogon destroyed the very symbol of power that contributed to his mother’s downfall, perhaps understanding it was the thirst for power that corrupted her.
What happened to Sansa Stark?
Sansa successfully negotiated the independence of the North from the rest of the Six Kingdoms. She was crowned Queen in the North, fulfilling her ambition to rule her ancestral lands and ensuring the safety and prosperity of her people. This move allowed her to protect the North’s unique traditions and values, even if it meant separation from the rest of Westeros.
What happened to Arya Stark?
Arya chose to explore the unknown territories west of Westeros. She sets sail, seeking adventure and discovery beyond the borders of the known world, a fitting end for a character who always defied expectations and yearned for independence. Her decision reflects her restless spirit and her desire to forge her own path.
What is Tyrion’s role as Hand of the King?
As Hand of the King, Tyrion is tasked with advising Bran and helping him rebuild the realm after the devastation of the war. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the kingdom and implementing Bran’s vision for a better future. This role allows him to use his strategic mind and political skills to create a more just and prosperous society.
What is the significance of Jon’s return to the Night’s Watch?
Jon’s return to the Night’s Watch can be seen as a form of redemption and a fulfillment of his original duty. He finds solace in the simplicity of life at the Wall and rejoins his old friends, reconnecting with his past and finding peace after a tumultuous journey. This also keeps him far removed from the power struggles of King’s Landing.
What becomes of Grey Worm and the Unsullied?
With Daenerys dead and Jon punished, Grey Worm leads the Unsullied to Naath, Missandei’s homeland, to protect its people from slavers. He intends to honor Missandei’s memory and build a new life for himself and his warriors. This marks the end of the Unsullied’s presence in Westeros and the beginning of a new chapter for them in a foreign land.
What is the state of Westeros after the events of the finale?
Westeros is fractured but hopeful. The North is independent, while the remaining Six Kingdoms are ruled by Bran Stark, advised by Tyrion. The realm is in a state of rebuilding, both physically and politically, striving for a more just and equitable future. The memory of the war and Daenerys’s reign serve as a cautionary tale, reminding the people of the dangers of unchecked power.
Why was the Iron Throne destroyed?
As mentioned before, the destruction of the Iron Throne symbolizes the end of the old ways of power and the beginning of a new era. The council of lords and ladies opted for a more representative form of governance, rejecting the absolute authority embodied by the throne. This signals a move away from individual ambition and towards collective decision-making.
Was the ending of Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 6 satisfying?
The ending of Game of Thrones Season 8 Episode 6 was highly controversial and divided viewers. While some found it to be a fitting conclusion that tied up loose ends and offered a hopeful glimpse into the future, others criticized it for rushing character arcs, undermining established storylines, and delivering a disappointing resolution to a beloved series. Whether it was “satisfying” is a matter of personal opinion, heavily debated since its release.