Across the many seasons of Game of Thrones, the Iron Throne draws every house into a brutal struggle for power. The story explores how succession is decided by blood, law, conquest, and sometimes simple chance.
The following analysis summarizes the key claimants, turning points, outcomes, and uncertainties about who truly becomes king. It combines major events from the books and show while highlighting pivotal moments that reshaped the Seven Kingdoms.
| Claimant | Primary Basis of Right | Key Supporters | Major Turning Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viserys Targaryen | Last surviving son of the Mad King | Illyrio, Golden Company | Drogo invasion plan fails; dies in King's Landing |
| Daenerys Targaryen | Last surviving child, breaker of chains | Jorah, Tyrion, Grey Worm, Dothraki, Unsullied | Wins Meereen, conquers Westeros, sits the Iron Throne |
| Jon Snow | Alleged son of Rhaegar and Lyanna, rightful heir | Sam, Arya, Sansa, Davos, Northern houses | Revealed as Aegon Targaryen, legitimized, rules as King in the North |
| Bran Stark | Election by council, Three-Eyed Raven legacy | Sam, Tyrion, Yara, surviving Stark loyalists | Elected king, reforms the realm |
Daenerys Targaryen: The Last Dragon
Her Claim and Conquest
Daenerys grows from a exiled princess into a self declared queen with a legitimate Targaryen claim and formidable military assets. Her dragons, combined with Unsullied and Dothraki forces, allow her to topple several key cities and set her sights on Westeros.
Legitimacy Through Blood and Prophesy
Supporters cite her parentage, her resurrection, and ancient prophecies about the Prince That Was Promised. She leverages existing Targaryen legitimacy while building new alliances through advisors such as Tyrion Lannister.
The Stark Restoration
Jon Snow and the North
Jon, revealed as Aegon Targaryen, becomes a focal point for Northern independence and a potential unifier. His decision to side with the living against the dead cements loyalty from key houses and impacts the post-war succession landscape.
Sansa as Queen in the North
Sansa Stark declares the North’s independence and rules as its Queen, reshaping the political map. Her pragmatism and experience influence how the North and the rest of Westeros interact under the new power structure.
Bran Stark and the Reformed Realm
The Election of a New Kind of King
After the Long Night, the Great Council elects Bran as king, emphasizing wisdom and neutrality over dynastic claims. This marks a departure from hereditary succession toward a more elective model supported by Tyrion and key lords.
Building a New Order
Bran’s rule focuses on preventing future tyranny, creating a Small Council with checks on royal power. His role as the Three-Eyed Raven shapes governance with visions of past mistakes and possible futures.
Key Takeaways on Royal Succession
- Legitimacy comes from blood, conquest, election, and perception.
- Military power, especially dragons, dramatically shifts who sits the throne.
- Alliances and council support are decisive in peaceful successions.
- The collapse of old feudal structures opens room for reform and new institutions.
- The final ruler prioritizes stability and prevention of future tyrannies.
FAQ
Reader questions
Is Jon Snow the rightful king in the series and books?
Yes, Jon is portrayed as the rightful heir due to his parentage, though his claim is contested and he ultimately chooses the North over the Iron Throne.
How does Daenerys’s claim compare with Jon’s in the story?
Daenerys holds a stronger ancestral claim as the last Targaryen heir, while Jon’s legitimacy depends on the secret Rhaegar-Lyanna marriage, making both central to the succession conflict.
What role does Bran Stark play in deciding the final ruler?
Bran’s election as king reflects a deliberate choice by the surviving leaders to prioritize wisdom and neutrality over dynastic claims.
Why does the Iron Throne get destroyed in the final season?
Its destruction symbolizes the end of old feudal cycles and the rejection of tyrannical power, enabling a reformed system without a single monarch.