Game Of Thrones: Who Ultimately Wins In The Books?

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Alright, Game of Thrones fans, let's dive into one of the most hotly debated topics in the series: who actually wins in the books? Now, before we get started, let's be clear: George R.R. Martin hasn't finished writing the series yet. So, technically, no one has definitively won. But we can speculate based on the storylines, character arcs, and Martin's own hints about where things are headed. Unlike the TV show, which, let's be honest, took some major detours, the books offer a much richer and more intricate tapestry of possibilities. We're going to unpack the key contenders, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and try to piece together a probable, though still very uncertain, conclusion. Consider this your ultimate guide to the theoretical victor of the A Song of Ice and Fire saga. Get ready; it's a wild ride!

Understanding the Game: Key Players and Their Claims

First, let's break down the main players vying for the Iron Throne and what makes them potential winners. We need to understand their motivations, their resources, and the obstacles standing in their way. This isn't just about military might; it's about political savvy, alliances, and, in the world of Westeros, a healthy dose of luck (or maybe the favor of some old gods or new).

Daenerys Targaryen: The Dragon Queen

Daenerys, the 'Mother of Dragons', starts with a pretty strong claim: birthright. As the last of the Targaryens (or so she thinks initially), she believes the Iron Throne is hers by inheritance. She's got the dragons, which are essentially WMDs in a medieval setting, and a growing army of loyal followers. But her biggest challenges are her own temperament (she's got a bit of a 'burn them all' tendency), her lack of understanding of Westerosi politics, and the fact that, well, Westeros might not want to be ruled by a foreign queen, even one with dragons. Plus, there's the whole 'madness' gene that seems to run in the Targaryen family – a constant worry for both her and her advisors.

Jon Snow (Aegon Targaryen): The Reluctant Heir

Ah, Jon Snow, the brooding hero. He's got a strong claim, too, arguably stronger than Daenerys, now that we know he's actually Aegon Targaryen, Rhaegar's son. He's honorable, well-liked (at least by the people who know him), and a skilled warrior. But Jon doesn't want the throne. He's a reluctant leader, more comfortable fighting for the greater good than playing political games. This reluctance might be his biggest strength, though; people trust him precisely because he doesn't seem power-hungry. The big question is whether he'll embrace his Targaryen heritage and fight for his claim, or if he'll try to forge a different path.

Cersei Lannister: The Queen Regent

Cersei, the ultimate survivor. She's ruthless, cunning, and absolutely determined to hold onto power. She's managed to outmaneuver pretty much everyone so far, but she's also made a lot of enemies. Her biggest advantage is her intimate knowledge of King's Landing and its players. Her biggest weakness? Well, pretty much everyone hates her. And she's running out of allies. Plus, the prophecy about her death at the hands of her younger brother is constantly hanging over her head. Cersei's a dangerous wildcard, but her grip on power is tenuous at best.

Other Contenders and Wildcards

  • Euron Greyjoy: The pirate king with a fleet and a penchant for cruelty. He's a long shot, but he's ambitious and unpredictable, which makes him a dangerous player.
  • Littlefinger (deceased): Okay, he's dead, but his schemes and manipulations are still rippling through the story. He always aimed to sit on the Iron Throne.
  • Varys: The master of whispers, always playing the long game. His motivations are mysterious, but he seems to genuinely want what's best for the realm.
  • Sansa Stark: Growing into a shrewd political player in her own right. While she may not seek the Iron Throne, her influence in the North is undeniable.

Analyzing the Prophecies: ASOIAF's Crystal Ball

George R.R. Martin loves his prophecies, but they're never straightforward. They're always open to interpretation, and they often lead characters down unexpected paths. Let's look at some of the key prophecies and how they might influence the endgame.

The Prince That Was Promised (Azor Ahai)

This is a big one. The prophecy speaks of a hero who will be reborn amidst salt and smoke to fight against the darkness. Many believe this refers to either Jon Snow or Daenerys (or possibly both). The implications are huge; whoever fulfills this prophecy is destined for greatness, but also for immense sacrifice. This prophecy is deeply intertwined with the fight against the White Walkers and the existential threat they pose.

Cersei's Valonqar

Maggy the Frog's prophecy to Cersei is one of the most chilling. It foretold the deaths of her children and her own demise at the hands of the 'valonqar' (High Valyrian for 'little brother'). This has fueled Cersei's paranoia and driven many of her actions. The question is, who is the valonqar? Jaime? Tyrion? Or someone else entirely? This prophecy adds a layer of dread and inevitability to Cersei's story.

Daenerys and the Stallion Who Mounts the World

This prophecy from the Dothraki describes Daenerys's son, Rhaego, as the stallion who will unite all the Dothraki and conquer the world. However, the prophecy also states that he will only live if Daenerys prevents Mirri Maz Duur from saving Khal Drogo's life. This prophecy underscores the themes of sacrifice and the cost of power in the series.

The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring: What to Expect

So, what can we expect from the final two books? Well, more complexity, more betrayals, and definitely more bloodshed. Martin has hinted that the ending will be bittersweet, meaning there won't be a clear-cut victory for anyone. Here are some possibilities:

  • The White Walkers: The Others are a major obstacle for anyone wanting to rule Westeros. Defeating them might require alliances and sacrifices that drastically alter the political landscape.
  • The Second Dance of the Dragons: With both Daenerys and Jon/Aegon in the picture, a Targaryen civil war seems inevitable. This could devastate Westeros and leave the throne open to someone else.
  • A Broken Throne: Perhaps the Iron Throne itself will be destroyed, symbolizing the end of the monarchy and the beginning of a new political order.
  • The Rise of the Smallfolk: The common people of Westeros have suffered immensely throughout the series. Maybe they'll finally rise up and demand a better world.

The Verdict: My Prediction (With a Grain of Salt)

Okay, time for my prediction, keeping in mind that Martin could throw us all for a loop. I think the most likely outcome is a compromise. Here's my theory:

  • No one sits on the Iron Throne: The throne itself might be destroyed or rendered irrelevant. Westeros might break up into independent kingdoms, or a council might be formed to rule collectively.
  • Jon Snow sacrifices himself: He's the archetypal hero, and heroes often meet tragic ends. His death could be the key to defeating the White Walkers or uniting the realm.
  • Daenerys chooses duty over desire: She might realize that ruling Westeros isn't worth the cost and instead focuses on building a better world elsewhere.
  • Sansa Stark becomes Queen in the North: She's learned the game of thrones and is well-suited to rule the North. She could provide stability and independence for her people.

Ultimately, I believe the ending will be about breaking the wheel, not just putting someone new on top of it. It will be about creating a more just and equitable society, even if it means sacrificing power and tradition. And, of course, it will be bittersweet, because that's just how George R.R. Martin rolls.

So, who do you think will win the Game of Thrones in the books? Let me know in the comments below! And remember, this is all just speculation until Martin finally gives us the ending we've been waiting for. Keep reading, keep theorizing, and keep the dream of spring alive!