Two Cents For the Small Council

Published May 8, 2019 · Updated July 6, 2022

Who will sit the Iron Throne?

Before she crosses the sea, Daenarys dreams that she is walking through the ruins of the Red Keep. She turns away to from the Iron Throne, and joins Drogo and her son in the afterlife. That dream foreshadows her death on the eve of victory. Daenarys has proved that she is too vengeful to be a good queen. She will not rule Westeros. I predict her death by treachery by the end of the next episode. It seems most likely that one of her trusted advisers will betray her. Perhaps Varys, who has always claimed to serve the realm over any unfit monarch.

Let’s assume that Cersei dies the satisfying death that we’ve all been waiting for. Tyrion may claim that she isn’t a monster, but she is, and all of Westeros knows it. Arya, Jamie, Euron …one of Cersei’s powerful enemies will end her. With Cersei and Daenarys dead, Jon Snow is poised to claim his birthright and take the throne. He may not want that role, but too bad — his secret’s out. The most powerful players in the Game of Thrones already know that he is Aegon Targaryen, rightful heir. He will take the throne out of a perceived duty or obligation. The next-to-last episode will end with tears of joy as Aegon (Jon) takes his seat on the Iron Throne.

However, Jon possesses the same character flaws as his adoptive father, Ned Stark: He is honorable, but he isn’t clever or ruthless enough to rule. I predict that Jon will also die almost immediately after assuming the throne. Jon is the clear hero of this epic saga, and there’s simply no way that GRR Martin will let him have the traditionally happy ending that so many fans desire. When it seems that the hero has finally won, in the midst of celebration, Jon will die, and hearts will break all over the seven kingdoms. He will die slowly and dramatically, but not before he declares his successor.

Jon, on his deathbed, will pass the throne to Westeros’ most capable ruler: the one and only, Sansa Stark. Sansa. She was trained by the best in the game: she was trained by Cersei herself. Sansa has come through her trials with the bearing and manner of a true queen. She is smart, she is calculating, she is untrusting, and she knows the political landscape in Westeros better than anyone. King’s Landing will be in chaos, but as Sansa knows well, chaos is a ladder. Before the final credits role, mark my words, Sansa Stark will sit the Iron Throne.

Elizabeth

Subscribe Now