The final episode of Game of Thrones saw both triumph and tragedy, concluding the epic saga with a mixture of justice and lingering sorrow. While the dust settled on a new regime, the characters who perished included Daenerys Targaryen, slain by Jon Snow, and, arguably, the ideals of absolute rule.
The Deaths That Defined an Ending
The highly anticipated series finale, “The Iron Throne,” left viewers with many questions, but the most immediate concerned the fate of its central characters. While many survived to see the dawn of a new era, several key figures faced their ultimate demise, forever altering the landscape of Westeros and beyond.
Daenerys Targaryen: A Queen’s End
The most significant death in the finale was undoubtedly that of Daenerys Targaryen. After her devastating attack on King’s Landing, deemed “mad” by many, her descent into tyranny became undeniable. Jon Snow, torn between love and duty, made the agonizing decision to assassinate her, preventing further bloodshed and potentially saving the realm from her increasingly autocratic rule. Her death, though heartbreaking for some, served as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and the seductive nature of absolute control.
The Death of an Ideal
Beyond the physical deaths, the finale also arguably marked the death of an ideal. The ruthless ambition that fueled the “game of thrones” for so long culminated in Daenerys’ actions, highlighting the inherent flaws in the pursuit of absolute power. Her demise, coupled with the subsequent abolishment of the monarchy in favor of a council, suggests a move away from the traditional, often bloody, means of succession and a hesitant step towards a more representative form of governance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Finale’s Deaths
The end of Game of Thrones, and particularly the deaths that punctuated it, spurred a wave of questions and discussions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding these events, addressed with detailed explanations:
FAQ 1: Why did Jon kill Daenerys?
Jon Snow killed Daenerys because he realized she posed a grave threat to the future of Westeros. Her ruthless burning of King’s Landing, even after the city had surrendered, demonstrated her willingness to sacrifice countless innocent lives for her ambition. Jon, bound by his duty to protect the realm and his love for the people of Westeros, saw no other option but to end her reign before it could cause further devastation. He was ultimately torn between his love for her and his conscience, choosing the latter.
FAQ 2: Was Daenerys truly “mad”?
The question of Daenerys’ madness is complex and debated. While her actions in King’s Landing were undeniably brutal, whether they stemmed from inherent madness or from a combination of trauma, isolation, and political pressure is a matter of interpretation. The show heavily implied a Targaryen predisposition to madness, referencing her father’s descent into paranoia and violence. However, her advisors also played a role, arguably failing to properly guide her and restrain her more impulsive tendencies. Ultimately, her actions, regardless of their root cause, were deemed unacceptable and led to her downfall.
FAQ 3: What happened to Drogon after Daenerys died?
After witnessing Daenerys’ death, Drogon, overcome with grief and rage, melted the Iron Throne with dragon fire. This symbolized a rejection of the very power Daenerys had craved and the destructive nature of the game of thrones. Instead of attacking Jon, Drogon took Daenerys’ body and flew away, disappearing into the east. His destination and ultimate fate remain unknown, leaving a lingering sense of mystery and sorrow.
FAQ 4: Did anyone else significant die in the finale besides Daenerys?
While Daenerys’ death was the most impactful, no other character of similar significance died in the final episode. While characters like Cersei and Jaime Lannister had perished in the penultimate episode, the finale focused primarily on the aftermath of Daenerys’ actions and the establishment of a new political order. The absence of further major deaths allowed for a more hopeful, albeit bittersweet, conclusion.
FAQ 5: How did the deaths in the final season impact the overall narrative?
The deaths in the final season, particularly those of key characters like Daenerys, Cersei, and Jaime, served to demonstrate the consequences of ambition, power struggles, and the cyclical nature of violence. These deaths paved the way for the establishment of a new political system in Westeros, one that, while imperfect, represented a departure from the traditional, often bloody, game of thrones. The sacrifices made by these characters, even those who were flawed or villainous, ultimately contributed to a more hopeful future for the realm.
FAQ 6: Could Daenerys have been redeemed?
The possibility of Daenerys’ redemption remains a subject of intense debate. Some argue that she could have been guided back to a more benevolent path, while others believe that her descent into tyranny was inevitable given her Targaryen heritage and the pressures she faced. Ultimately, the show chose to portray her as having crossed a line that could not be uncrossed, leading to the tragic but necessary conclusion of her reign. The show’s narrative choices deliberately limited the opportunity for a redemption arc.
FAQ 7: Did Jon make the right decision in killing Daenerys?
Whether Jon made the right decision is a moral question with no easy answer. While he saved countless lives and prevented further tyranny, he also betrayed the woman he loved and effectively ended her bloodline. The decision to take a life, even for the greater good, is never simple, and Jon’s actions carry a heavy weight of responsibility. He likely grappled with the ethical implications for the rest of his days.
FAQ 8: What was the purpose of melting the Iron Throne?
Drogon melting the Iron Throne served as a powerful symbolic gesture. It represented a rejection of the very concept of absolute rule and the destructive power struggles that it inspired. By destroying the throne, Drogon effectively destroyed the object of contention, paving the way for a new, more equitable form of governance. This act signaled a turning point in Westerosi history, moving away from the centralized power that had plagued the realm for centuries.
FAQ 9: How did the deaths affect the remaining characters?
The deaths in the final season deeply affected the remaining characters. Jon Snow, burdened by his actions, was exiled to the Night’s Watch. Tyrion Lannister, tasked with rebuilding the realm, carried the weight of his past mistakes. Bran Stark, as the newly elected king, was forced to grapple with the challenges of leadership and the legacy of those who came before him. The survivors were all marked by the loss and violence they had witnessed, shaping their decisions and their future actions.
FAQ 10: Were any of the finale deaths unnecessary?
This is subjective, but many viewers argued that Daenerys’ rapid descent felt rushed and unearned. Some felt that more development was needed to fully justify her actions, leading to accusations of plot contrivance. Whether or not her death was ultimately “necessary” is a matter of debate, hinging on one’s interpretation of her character and the overall narrative arc.
FAQ 11: Could the finale have been improved by changing who died?
Again, a matter of opinion. Changing who died would fundamentally alter the themes and message of the ending. For example, allowing Daenerys to live and rule justly would have presented a very different conclusion, perhaps one less focused on the dangers of absolute power and more on the potential for redemption. However, this would have required significant alterations to the preceding seasons.
FAQ 12: What is the lasting impact of these deaths on the Game of Thrones legacy?
The deaths in the Game of Thrones finale cemented the series’ reputation for its willingness to kill off major characters and subvert expectations. These deaths, particularly Daenerys’, sparked intense debate and solidified the show’s exploration of complex moral issues. They also left a lasting impression on viewers, prompting discussions about the nature of power, the cost of war, and the possibility of creating a better world from the ashes of the old. Ultimately, these deaths, though controversial, are an integral part of what makes Game of Thrones so memorable and enduring.