In the final episode of Game of Thrones, titled “The Iron Throne,” Daenerys Targaryen’s reign of fire is abruptly ended by Jon Snow, who chooses love for his family and the realm over allegiance to the “Mad Queen.” The episode culminates in the establishment of a new, decentralized system of governance for the Six Kingdoms (excluding the North), with Bran Stark, the Three-Eyed Raven, chosen as their ruler.
The End of a Dynasty: Daenerys’s Fall
Daenerys’s transformation into a tyrant, hinted at throughout the final season, reaches its terrifying climax in the penultimate episode, “The Bells.” Having decimated King’s Landing, despite its surrender, Daenerys believes she is acting for the greater good, intending to “liberate” the entire world from oppression. This vision, however, is steeped in violence and absolute power, a chilling echo of her father’s madness.
Jon Snow’s Choice
Torn between his love for Daenerys and his duty to protect the innocent, Jon Snow is ultimately forced to confront the horrifying reality of her rule. Tyrion Lannister, having been imprisoned for freeing his brother Jaime, confronts Jon with the inescapable truth: Daenerys will not stop at Westeros. She poses an existential threat to freedom itself. He reminds Jon of his character and his destiny to protect his people, compelling him to act.
In a heart-wrenching scene within the ruined Throne Room, Jon pleads with Daenerys to show mercy and find a less violent path. Her unwavering conviction that she is doing what is right, and her refusal to yield, leaves Jon with no other option. He embraces her, and then stabs her through the heart, ending her reign and the Targaryen dynasty’s claim to the Iron Throne.
Drogon’s Grief and Wrath
Witnessing his mother’s death, Drogon, Daenerys’s last surviving dragon, unleashes a devastating torrent of fire, not upon Jon, but upon the Iron Throne itself. Symbolically, Drogon melts the very object that fueled so much bloodshed and conflict, acknowledging that the desire for power, represented by the Iron Throne, was the root cause of Daenerys’s downfall. He then gently picks up Daenerys’s body in his claws and flies away, disappearing into the East. This ambiguous departure leaves a sliver of mystery, and unanswered questions about Daenerys’ fate.
A New Order: The Six Kingdoms and Beyond
With Daenerys dead, the question of succession hangs heavily in the air. A council of Westeros’s most powerful figures, including the Starks, Lannisters, representatives from Dorne, and others, convenes to decide the future of the realm.
Tyrion’s Proposal: Bran the Broken
Tyrion, recognizing the dangers of hereditary rule and the inherent biases of individual ambition, proposes a radical solution: a ruler chosen by the lords and ladies of Westeros, a system reminiscent of a republic, but with significant deviations. He nominates Bran Stark, not for his claim to the throne, but for his unique abilities as the Three-Eyed Raven, possessing vast knowledge and an objective perspective.
Bran accepts the role, acknowledging that he “can’t be Lord of anything,” and that he is now “something more.” He chooses Tyrion as his Hand, acknowledging his past mistakes but recognizing his brilliance and understanding of governance. The Six Kingdoms (excluding the North, which declares its independence under Sansa Stark) agree to elect their monarch in the future, albeit under the vague guidance of Bran’s wisdom.
The Fates of the Key Players
- Jon Snow: Punished for killing Daenerys, Jon is spared execution but is banished to the Night’s Watch, effectively returning him to the Wall. However, the Night’s Watch no longer has a true purpose, the White Walkers having been defeated. In the final scene, Jon is seen riding north of the Wall with Tormund Giantsbane and Ghost, joining the Free Folk.
- Sansa Stark: Declares the North an independent kingdom, securing its sovereignty and becoming Queen in the North.
- Arya Stark: Embarks on an exploration west of Westeros, setting sail to discover what lies beyond the known world.
- Tyrion Lannister: Serves as Hand to King Bran, attempting to rebuild King’s Landing and guide the realm towards a more just future.
- Brienne of Tarth: Continues to serve in the Kingsguard (presumably Bran’s) and fills in Jaime Lannister’s page in the White Book, immortalizing his heroic acts and redeeming his legacy.
- Bronn: Appointed Master of Coin, tasked with managing the realm’s finances, ensuring that the promises made to him (Highgarden and lordship) are fulfilled.
FAQs: Unraveling the Ending
Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify the details and implications of the Game of Thrones finale:
Why did Jon kill Daenerys?
Jon killed Daenerys because he recognized that she had become a tyrannical ruler, unwilling to show mercy or compromise. He believed that her reign would lead to more suffering and bloodshed, and he ultimately chose to protect the people of Westeros over his love for her. The combination of Tyrion’s urging and the realization that Daenerys would never stop at King’s Landing sealed her fate.
Why was Bran chosen as King?
Bran was chosen as King because of his unique abilities as the Three-Eyed Raven. He possesses vast knowledge of the past, present, and potentially the future, allowing him to make informed and objective decisions. Tyrion argued that his disconnection from personal ambition made him an ideal ruler, capable of serving the realm rather than seeking power for himself.
Why wasn’t Jon executed for killing Daenerys?
Jon was not executed because Grey Worm, commander of the Unsullied, was outvoted by the council. Grey Worm wanted Jon to face justice in Meereen. However, the lords and ladies of Westeros, recognizing Jon’s complicated situation and the potential for further unrest, favored banishment to the Night’s Watch as a compromise. The Unsullied eventually sailed east to Naath, Grey Worm’s home.
What happened to the Iron Throne?
The Iron Throne was destroyed by Drogon’s dragonfire, symbolizing the end of the old order and the destructive nature of the pursuit of power. Its destruction signified that the traditional notion of a single, absolute ruler was no longer viable or desirable.
What will Bran do as King?
Bran’s role as King is somewhat ambiguous. He states that he will use his knowledge to guide the realm, but he doesn’t seem to have a concrete plan for governance. It is implied that he will act as an advisor and facilitator, rather than an absolute ruler, relying on the council and his Hand, Tyrion, to manage the day-to-day affairs of the Six Kingdoms. This effectively makes Westeros more of a constitutional Monarchy.
Why did Sansa declare the North independent?
Sansa declared the North independent to ensure its safety and prosperity. She believed that the North had suffered enough under the rule of the Iron Throne and that it was best served by governing itself, upholding its traditions, values, and ensuring its people’s well-being. The North’s unique culture and history, forged through hardship and resilience, justified its separation.
Where did Drogon go?
Drogon flew east with Daenerys’s body, but his final destination is unknown. Some theories suggest that he returned to Valyria, the ancestral home of the Targaryens, or that he is seeking a place to lay Daenerys to rest. The ambiguity surrounding his whereabouts leaves open the possibility of future storylines or interpretations.
Why did Arya sail west?
Arya sailed west to explore the uncharted lands beyond Westeros. She has always been a curious and independent spirit, drawn to adventure and the unknown. Her journey represents a desire to break free from the constraints of societal expectations and discover new possibilities. This reflects her innate desire to explore beyond the confines of the known world.
What is the role of the Small Council under Bran?
The Small Council, under Tyrion’s leadership, functions as the executive branch of the Six Kingdoms’ government. It is responsible for advising the King, implementing policies, and managing the day-to-day affairs of the realm. Key positions include the Master of Coin (Bronn), Master of War, Master of Laws, and Master of Ships.
Is the Night’s Watch still necessary?
The Night’s Watch is theoretically still a prison for the worst offenders in the realm, although in practice, its purpose is questionable, given the defeat of the White Walkers and the reduced threat from wildlings. Jon’s presence there provides a semblance of order, but it is likely that the Night’s Watch will evolve into a different kind of organization, perhaps focused on exploration or guarding against new threats from the North.
What happened to Gendry?
Gendry remained Lord of Storm’s End and was recognized as legitimate Baratheon by Daenerys in season 8. He serves on Bran’s council, solidifying House Baratheon’s place in Westeros.
Was the ending a good one?
Whether the ending of Game of Thrones was “good” is a highly subjective and hotly debated topic. While many fans were dissatisfied with the rushed pacing, character arcs, and perceived deviations from the source material, others appreciated the attempt to subvert traditional fantasy tropes and deliver a more nuanced, if imperfect, conclusion. Ultimately, the quality of the ending is a matter of individual interpretation and expectation. The controversy itself speaks to the powerful impact the series had on popular culture.