It’s the moment Game of Thrones fans have been both waiting for and dreading – the finale of the whole thing.
After Daenerys’ reign of terror on King’s Landing and a whole load of deaths including Cersei, The Night King, and Euron Greyjoy, there’s a dwindling number of people who could take the Iron Throne once and for all.
UK bets have also been halted on who will rule Westeros, with Betway spokeman Alan Alger saying in a statement: ‘‘All bets are off for who will sit on the Iron Throne at the end of season eight, following multiple requests coming in for Bran Stark,’ said Betway spokesman Alan Alger in a statement.’
Will it be the Three-Eyed Raven be the one, though? We take a look at some of the main contenders to the throne.
Daenerys Targaryen
With madness setting in, and a dark streak showing for the Khaleesi, her keeping of the crown seems unlikely.
John has rejected her romantic advances, and her vengeful and irrational nature is alienating Tyrion from her, too.
When asked about her rulership she said she’d rather ‘let it be fear’ than love from her people, so if she does manage to reign supreme, it’s going to be (another) bloodbath.
Jon Snow
Jon now knows his lineage and the fact he’s the true heir for the throne, but has submitted to Dany to let her rule.
He’s said that he doesn’t actually want the throne, although many believe this fortells him getting it (since he won’t go mad craving power like others have).
Fan theories have also abounded that he may take the throne and give it to someone else… But who?
Arya Stark
Going by the theory that Daenerys is potentially next on her kill list, it could be young Arya that gets revenge for the damage the Mother of Dragons has done and takes the crown for herself.
She does tout herself as more of a warrior than a ruler, but perhaps realising that she could rule for good will be a turning point.
Sansa Stark
In the most recent episode we haven’t seen much of Sansa, but this turned to be a good thing as she stayed at her home and avoided Danaerys’ wrath.
Many have praised the way she’s grown from a naive princess to an eagle-eyed leader, so she’s high on the list of favourites for the throne.
If she does end up ruling as a leader for a free North, it’ll likely be a much less terrifying leadership.
Bran Stark
Although bets poured in for Bran to take the Iron Throne, it still seems like an unlikely thought.
That said, he has been disappearing using his warg ability throughout the recent battle, and it’s still unclear what he’s up to. On top of this, Bran has played a pivotal role in many other character’s development (especially Arya and Jon).
His seeing skills also mean that – even if it isn’t him – the Three Eyed Raven may just know who will rule.
Tyrion Lannister
Tyrion has very few allies left, and even his friendship with Daenerys is faltering. After he let Jaime go, Dany said ‘The next time you fail me, will be the last time you fail me.’ Ominous.
With his low social standing, even if he does manage to claim the throne, he will have to do it by fear rather than through the people’s support,
He is technically Cersei’s heir, and stranger things have happened. We wouldn’t bet on it, though.
Others
Some fans have suggested that Jaime Lannister might not be dead, and will be making a surprise return in the finale.
Gendry has also been touted as a potential option, but it seems hard to imagine the ‘bastard’ who grew up as a commoner will be king.
It would be pretty miraculous is Samwell Tarly – with no fighting experience and a bumbling demeanour – sat on the throne. It has been debated, though.
No one
Given the amount of twists and turns we’ve seen so far, this is not impossible.
Either everyone might die (because you win, or die, as Cersei said), or an agreement would be reached where different leaders from different parts of Westeros join together and create something of a council to rule.
To be honest, George R.R. Martin is not usually one for happy endings, but at least that rowdy lot would learn how to share for once.
MORE: What colour eyes does Daenerys Targaryen have?
