Who Becomes King in Game of Thrones: The Final Rulers
In the series finale of Game of Thrones, Bran Stark is chosen as king of the Six Kingdoms, with Sansa Stark ruling the independent North. This outcome follows the death of Daenerys Targaryen and the dissolution of the Iron Throne. The decision is made by a council of lords and ladies, including Edmure Tully, Robin Arryn, and the remaining Stark allies. Bran is selected for his knowledge of history and his perceived neutrality, despite having no direct claim to the throne. The new political structure mirrors a feudal system with a ceremonial monarch and regional autonomy. For a deeper look at the political structure, see the detailed analysis by Forbes on the new feudal system in Westeros here.
The selection of Bran Stark as king marks a significant departure from the Targaryen dynasty that ruled for centuries. His reign begins after the Battle of King's Landing and the subsequent trial of Tyrion Lannister, who is appointed as Bran's Hand. Sansa Stark's coronation as Queen in the North establishes the first independent kingdom north of the Wall since the Age of Heroes. The new political map of Westeros consists of six kingdoms under Bran and one independent kingdom under Sansa. This division reflects the historical precedent of the Seven Kingdoms before Aegon's Conquest. The transition of power is largely peaceful, avoiding the widespread warfare that characterized earlier dynastic changes.
The Path to the Throne: Key Characters and Claims
Several characters held legitimate claims to the Iron Throne throughout the series, including Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and Stannis Baratheon. Jon Snow, the secret son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, possessed the strongest genetic claim but repeatedly rejected the throne. Daenerys Targaryen's claim was based on her status as the last surviving Targaryen heir and her conquest of Westeros. Her claim ultimately ended with her death in the final episode, which was a direct result of her destructive campaign in King's Landing. The Iron Throne itself was destroyed by Drogon, melting the swords that formed it, symbolizing the end of the Targaryen dynasty's absolute rule. The legitimacy of these claims is often debated in the context of the Great Houses and their banners.
The Great Houses of Westeros played a crucial role in determining the final outcome of the succession crisis. Houses Stark, Lannister, Tyrell, and Martell each had their own interests and alliances that shaped the political landscape. The Tyrells were effectively eliminated by the end of the series, leaving the Martells with a diminished but still independent influence in Dorne. The Lannisters, once the most powerful house, lost their grip on power after the fall of Cersei and Jaime Lannister. The remaining houses, including the Arryns and the Glovers, supported the Stark claim to ensure stability in the region. The influence of the Faith Militant and the red priests of R'hllor also impacted the final power dynamics, though they did not secure a throne for their leaders.
Real-World Parallels and Historical Context
The political resolution in Game of Thrones draws parallels to real-world historical events, such as the Wars of the Roses and the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional rule. The council of lords choosing a king mirrors the selection process of early medieval European monarchs, where the Witan or Electors chose the ruler. Bran Stark's rule as a monarch with no direct heir and a focus on knowledge is reminiscent of the role of a philosopher-king or a