Who Wins The Iron Throne? A Game Of Thrones Book Ending
Hey guys! So, if you're anything like me, you've been utterly captivated by the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, right? I mean, dragons, political backstabbing, ice zombies – what's not to love? And the big question that's been burning in our minds since we cracked open the first book, A Game of Thrones, is: Who the heck ends up on the Iron Throne in the books? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the intricate plots, the shocking twists, and the potential fates of our favorite (and least favorite) characters to try and figure that out. Because, let's be honest, the show and the books, while sharing the same DNA, have gone their separate ways, especially when it comes to the ending. The Iron Throne is the ultimate prize, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms, and everyone wants a piece of it, but who wins the ultimate game of thrones is still up in the air. Let's see who is in the running for the Iron Throne.
The Unfinished Symphony: The Books vs. The Show
Okay, before we get too far into speculation, we need to address the elephant in the room: The books aren't finished! That's right, George R.R. Martin, the genius behind this epic saga, is still hard at work on the final two volumes, The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring. This means we don't have a definitive answer from the author himself. The HBO series, Game of Thrones, famously surpassed the books, creating its own ending based on the known plot points and Martin's general outline. However, what we got on the screen might not be what Martin ultimately intends. The ending of the series is a point of contention for many fans, and the books still hold the promise of something different, potentially more satisfying, or at least more in line with the intricate web of story that Martin has woven. In the TV show, Bran Stark becomes king, but in the books, things could take another direction. So, we're left to piece together the clues, analyze the character arcs, and predict the possible outcomes based on what we've read so far. The Iron Throne in the books will likely be a very different story.
Character arcs and story threads
Martin is known for his complex characters and their evolving stories. He is also famous for killing off characters you love. Looking at the character arcs and story threads that remain, we can predict who will be on the Iron Throne and who won't. In the TV show, we saw characters like Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow fall. Their fates in the books are still unknown. It's a huge clue in figuring out who might end up in charge of the Seven Kingdoms. Considering the complexity of the storyline, these are characters to watch.
The known plot points and the general outline
Martin has provided the showrunners with a general outline, but he has the final say on how things will end. We have some information about the known plot points of the book series, and it's essential to understand that there may be significant deviations between the TV show and the books. What we have on the screen might not reflect the author's vision. The Iron Throne in the books is still up for grabs.
The Contenders: Who Could Sit on the Iron Throne?
Alright, let's look at the folks who are still kicking (or at least, whose stories haven't completely flatlined) and have a shot at the Iron Throne. There are a few key players whose actions and motivations are central to the endgame. Here's a rundown of the major contenders, bearing in mind that anything can happen in the world of Westeros!
Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen)
Ah, Jon Snow. The brooding, honorable, and secretly Targaryen hero. Jon Snow is a fan favorite, and for good reason. His claim to the Iron Throne is legitimate; he is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, making him the rightful heir. His lineage gives him a strong claim, and his skills and leadership abilities make him a viable ruler. However, Jon has always struggled with his identity and has never really wanted power. He is the kind of guy who would rather protect the realm than rule it, which could make him an ideal king, or he could be a pawn in someone else's game. In the books, Jon's story has not yet reached its conclusion. His death and potential resurrection (as seen in the show) are still up in the air, leaving his fate uncertain. If Jon survives, his potential to be a ruler is a huge consideration.
Daenerys Targaryen
Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons, has always been a key player in the fight for the Iron Throne. She has fire-breathing dragons, a powerful army, and a burning desire to reclaim her family's legacy. Her ambition, strength, and unwavering belief in her destiny make her a formidable contender. However, her storyline in the books is still unfolding, and her path to the throne is far from guaranteed. Daenerys has faced challenges and setbacks, and her potential for both good and destruction makes her an unpredictable character. In the books, her journey is different. She is in Essos and her choices will determine her fate, and whether she will be a ruler. What's more, her relationship with Jon Snow may have a significant role. If Daenerys Targaryen is able to make it to the Iron Throne, she might be a great ruler.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion Lannister, the cunning, witty, and often underestimated Lannister. Tyrion has a sharp mind for politics and a deep understanding of the intricacies of power. He may not have a direct claim to the throne, but his intelligence, strategic thinking, and experience as Hand of the King make him a valuable advisor and potential kingmaker. Tyrion's ability to navigate the treacherous political landscape and his focus on the greater good could make him a wise ruler. The books emphasize his perspective, and he has a chance to play a key role in the final events. Tyrion's chances of ruling are slim, but he is a skilled politician.
Bran Stark
Bran Stark, the seemingly unassuming, but now all-knowing, warging Stark. Bran's connection to the mystical world and his ability to see the past and future gives him a unique perspective on the events unfolding in Westeros. He is a potential candidate for the throne, but his detachment from human emotions and his transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven make him a somewhat unsettling choice. In the show, Bran became king, but in the books, the situation may be different. His path is uncertain, and his capacity to be a ruler may be tested. Bran has a unique place in the story, but his journey will be different. He may be on the Iron Throne, but the books are yet to show us his place.
Other Potential Players
Beyond these main contenders, there are other characters who could play a role in the ultimate fate of the Iron Throne. People like Sansa Stark, who has grown into a shrewd political operator, or even Gendry Baratheon, who may have a claim to the throne. The possibilities are endless. The unpredictable nature of the series means that any character could rise to power or meet a sudden and unexpected demise. The story is yet to be told, and we don't know who will be on the Iron Throne.
The Factors that Influence the Outcome
Okay, so we've got the players, but what about the factors that will shape the final outcome? A lot of things are at play here, and they could tip the balance in any direction.
Prophecies and Foreshadowing
Prophecies and visions play a major role in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. The most significant prophecies are those relating to the birth of the