The Game of Thrones finale, “The Iron Throne,” saw the demise of Daenerys Targaryen, assassinated by her lover and former supporter, Jon Snow, in a dramatic and controversial culmination of her descent into tyranny. While Daenerys was the only character to explicitly die on screen in this episode, the fates of several others remain ambiguous, shrouded in implications and symbolic endings.
The Death of the Dragon Queen: A Turning Point
Daenerys Targaryen’s death, orchestrated by Jon Snow within the shadow of the ruined Iron Throne, is undoubtedly the most significant death of the episode. After the fiery destruction of King’s Landing in the previous episode, “The Bells,” Daenerys embraces her role as a conqueror, envisioning a world remade in her image through fear and unwavering power. This tyrannical ambition directly contradicts the ideals she once espoused, leaving Jon Snow with an impossible choice.
Jon, grappling with his love for Daenerys and his duty to protect the realm, is ultimately swayed by Tyrion Lannister’s plea to consider the future consequences of her reign. The scene culminating in Daenerys’ assassination is emotionally charged, with Jon seemingly offering her one last embrace before plunging a dagger into her heart. Drogon, witnessing his mother’s death, mourns her loss and melts the Iron Throne with his fiery breath, symbolically ending the pursuit of absolute power and the “game” itself.
While Daenerys’ death is unequivocally depicted, the episode’s conclusion leaves room for interpretation regarding the fates of other characters, particularly those who embarked on new journeys or entered self-imposed exile. These ambiguities contribute to the complex and often debated legacy of the series finale.
Examining the Aftermath and Legacy
The aftermath of Daenerys’ death dramatically reshapes the political landscape of Westeros. A council of surviving lords and ladies, including representatives from the Great Houses, convene to decide Jon Snow’s fate and determine the future governance of the Seven Kingdoms (now essentially six). Bran Stark is ultimately chosen as king, based on his extensive knowledge and impartiality. Jon Snow, sentenced to return to the Night’s Watch, is sent to the Wall to symbolically atone for his actions.
The impact of Daenerys’ death reverberates throughout the episode and beyond, influencing the characters’ decisions and shaping the future of Westeros. The ending, while not without its detractors, serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive nature of unchecked power and the importance of empathy and justice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About GoT Season 8 Episode 6 Deaths
H3 What was the immediate consequence of Daenerys’ death?
Daenerys’ death immediately plunges Westeros into a state of uncertainty. The Unsullied, loyal to Daenerys, detain Jon Snow. A council is then formed to decide Jon’s fate and determine the future leadership of the realm. The violent power vacuum creates a window for the established houses to wrest control back from the conqueror.
H3 Why did Jon Snow kill Daenerys?
Jon Snow killed Daenerys because he realized her ambition for absolute power would lead to further bloodshed and oppression. He was convinced by Tyrion Lannister that she posed an existential threat to the realm and that her continued rule would be tyrannical. He chose to prioritize the greater good over his love for her.
H3 What happened to Drogon after Daenerys died?
After witnessing Daenerys’ death, Drogon, in a display of mourning and rage, melts the Iron Throne. He then picks up Daenerys’ body and flies away, presumably to Valyria, the ancestral home of the Targaryens. His ultimate fate remains unknown.
H3 Did anyone else die on-screen in the episode?
No, Daenerys Targaryen was the only character to explicitly die on-screen in “The Iron Throne.”
H3 What was Jon Snow’s punishment for killing Daenerys?
The council decided that Jon Snow would not be executed but would instead be banished to the Night’s Watch for life. This was a compromise that satisfied both the Unsullied, who demanded justice for Daenerys, and the lords and ladies of Westeros, who recognized Jon’s previous service and sacrifice. This can be viewed as a kind of symbolic exile.
H3 What was the symbolism of Drogon melting the Iron Throne?
Drogon melting the Iron Throne symbolizes the end of the obsessive pursuit of power and the futility of the game of thrones. It suggests that the throne itself was a source of conflict and corruption, and its destruction paved the way for a new, more equitable form of governance. It highlights the fact that power corrupts.
H3 Why was Bran chosen as king?
Bran was chosen as king because he was deemed to possess the most wisdom and impartiality. His ability to see the past, present, and potential futures made him uniquely qualified to make just and informed decisions for the realm. He was seen as a figure who was above the petty squabbles of the other lords and ladies.
H3 What happened to Tyrion Lannister?
Tyrion Lannister was appointed Hand to the King by Bran Stark. He was tasked with rebuilding King’s Landing and advising Bran on matters of governance. This position recognized his experience and political acumen, despite his past mistakes.
H3 Where did Arya Stark go at the end of the episode?
Arya Stark decided to sail west of Westeros, exploring uncharted territories. Her desire for adventure and discovery led her to embark on this journey, leaving behind the political turmoil of the Seven Kingdoms. This embodies the spirit of exploration and independence.
H3 What happened to Sansa Stark?
Sansa Stark successfully secured the independence of the North and was crowned Queen in the North. She chose to remain in Winterfell and rule her kingdom separately from the rest of Westeros. This highlighted the importance of regional autonomy.
H3 What happened to Grey Worm and the Unsullied?
Grey Worm, deeply affected by Daenerys’ death, led the Unsullied on a voyage to Naath, Missandei’s homeland. This signifies their commitment to fulfilling Daenerys’ vision of liberation, even in her absence.
H3 Was the ending of Game of Thrones truly satisfying to fans?
The ending of Game of Thrones was met with mixed reactions. While some viewers appreciated the characters’ arcs and the overall resolution, others criticized the pacing, plot choices, and perceived lack of satisfying closure. The final season, in general, remains a source of ongoing debate among fans.