In a series filled with power struggles, betrayals, and unexpected twists, one of the most surprising moments came at the very end—when Bran Stark became King. How did a quiet boy from Winterfell, once crippled and lost beyond the Wall, rise to claim the Iron Throne, or rather, what was left of it? For many fans, it was a shocking choice that defied traditional expectations of leadership and heroism. How Bran Stark became King isn’t just a tale of destiny—it’s a complex journey shaped by ancient magic, political strategy, and the collapse of the old world order. Let’s unravel how it all unfolded.
Who is Bran Stark?
Bran Stark is a character from the popular TV series and book series, Game of Thrones. He is the youngest son of Eddard and Catelyn Stark, and a member of the noble Stark family of Winterfell. Bran is known for his curiosity and adventurous spirit, and he is also a skilled climber. His journey throughout the series is marked by tragedy and transformation, as he navigates the dangerous and complex world of Westeros. Bran’s character is central to the overarching narrative of Game of Thrones, and he is a fan favorite for his resilience and determination.
Jon Snow, a prominent character from the popular TV series Game of Thrones, spent his early life in Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark. Despite being a bastard, Jon was raised alongside his half-siblings by Eddard Stark, who instilled in him the values of honor, loyalty, and duty that are emblematic of the Stark family. Known for his adventurous nature, Jon constantly sought out challenges and opportunities for growth, which ultimately led him to join the Night’s Watch, a sworn brotherhood tasked with defending the realm from the dangers beyond the Wall.
The pivotal moment of his fall was when he lost his balance and tumbled down the stairs, resulting in the loss of his mobility. This marked a significant turning point in his life, as he had to come to terms with the challenges of being unable to move as freely as he once had.
Bran Stark’s character evolves into the Three-Eyed Raven through a combination of his natural abilities as a warg and his training with the previous Three-Eyed Raven, who was also known as the Last Greenseer. As the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran gains the ability to see into the past, present, and future, as well as to warg into animals and even control them. In Westeros, the role of the Three-Eyed Raven signifies a deep connection to the magical and mystical aspects of the world, particularly the ability to see and understand the interconnectedness of all events and people.
The Journey to the Throne
The Three-Eyed Raven Transformation:
Bran’s training beyond the Wall helped him transcend human limitations by allowing him to tap into his unique abilities as a greenseer. Through his training with the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran was able to develop his powers of seeing the past, present, and future, giving him a greater understanding of the world around him and the ability to influence events in a way that ordinary humans cannot. This training enabled him to transcend the limitations of ordinary perception and gain a heightened awareness of the interconnectedness of time and space.
Key Events Leading to Kingship:
Bran’s critical role in exposing Jon Snow’s true lineage was essential in shaping the future of Westeros. His ability to see the past and present allowed him to uncover Jon’s true heritage, which had major implications for the political landscape of the realm. During the Battle of Winterfell, Bran’s cryptic but pivotal insights helped guide the forces of the living against the Night King and his army. His unique perspective and knowledge of the enemy’s movements proved to be invaluable in the fight for the survival of humanity. Bran’s detachment from human desires and politics makes him a unique candidate for leadership in Westeros. His focus on the bigger picture and his ability to see beyond individual ambitions sets him apart from other potential rulers.
Why Was Bran Chosen as King?
Tyrion Lannister’s Argument:
During the council meeting where Bran was chosen as the new ruler of Westeros, Tyrion delivered a powerful speech emphasizing the importance of stories and Bran’s role as the keeper of Westeros’ history. He spoke about how stories have the power to unite people and inspire them to work towards a common goal. He also highlighted Bran’s unique ability to see the past, present, and future, making him the ideal choice to lead the realm and ensure that its history is preserved and honored. Tyrion’s speech was a pivotal moment in the decision-making process and helped to solidify Bran’s position as the new leader of Westeros.
Symbolic and Practical Reasons:
Breaking the wheel and moving away from hereditary rule is important for Westeros because it allows for the possibility of a more just and effective system of governance. In the case of Bran, his neutrality and wisdom as the Three-Eyed Raven make him an ideal ruler because he is not driven by personal ambition and has the ability to see beyond the narrow interests of individual houses. This can lead to more fair and balanced decision-making, ultimately benefiting the realm as a whole.
Fan Theories and Debate:
There are various theories surrounding Bran’s rise to power in “Game of Thrones.” Some believe that Bran orchestrated his ascension to the throne, using his powers as the Three-Eyed Raven to manipulate events in his favor. Others argue that Bran was simply a passive recipient of fate, fulfilling his destiny as the chosen ruler. The debate continues as to whether Bran truly desired the throne or if he accepted it as a duty. Ultimately, the true intentions and motivations behind Bran’s rise to power remain open to interpretation and debate among fans of the series.
Reactions to the Twist
Audience Reactions:
The reception to Bran as king has been mixed, with some fans expressing excitement about the unexpected twist and the potential for a new direction in the story. However, there has also been confusion and backlash from fans and critics who have raised concerns about Bran’s lack of charisma and agency, and how his character arc has been developed throughout the series. This has sparked a debate within the fan community about the decision to make Bran king and its implications for the overall narrative.
Critical Analysis of the Decision:
The twist in Game of Thrones aligns with the show’s tradition of subverting expectations by challenging viewers’ assumptions and keeping them on their toes. Throughout the series, the showrunners have consistently taken risks and defied typical storytelling conventions. As for claims of rushed storytelling and character development, it’s important to consider the complexity of the narrative and the multitude of characters and plot lines. While some may feel that certain aspects were rushed, it’s also possible that the show’s creators made intentional choices to prioritize certain storylines. Ultimately, the twist in Game of Thrones reflects the show’s commitment to surprising and challenging its audience.
What Does Bran’s Kingship Symbolize?
Breaking Traditions:
Bran’s kingship marks the end of the traditional feudal system in Westeros because it signifies a shift from conquest-based rulership to wisdom and knowledge-based leadership. Instead of the typical feudal lord who gains power through military victories and land ownership, Bran becomes king based on his ability to see and understand the past, present, and future through his powers as the Three-Eyed Raven. This transition represents a departure from the traditional power structures of Westeros and emphasizes the importance of wisdom and foresight in governance.
Themes of Destiny and Fate:
Bran’s arc in the series ties into larger themes of destiny through his journey of self-discovery and acceptance of his role as the Three-Eyed Raven. Throughout the series, Bran is guided by the belief that he has a significant role to play in the events unfolding in the world. His transformation from a young boy with dreams of being a knight to the all-seeing, enigmatic figure of the Three-Eyed Raven reflects the idea of embracing one’s destiny and the greater purpose that fate has in store for individuals. Bran’s story also highlights the interconnectedness of all characters and the idea that their destinies are intertwined, ultimately shaping the course of the entire series.
Conclusion
Bran’s unexpected rise to kingship in Game of Thrones is a significant moment in the series. It encapsulates the show’s message that power comes in unexpected forms. While Bran’s ascension to the throne has sparked lingering debates among fans and critics, it also celebrates the uniqueness of the twist in the storyline. What does Bran’s reign mean for the future of Westeros? How will his leadership shape the realm in the seasons to come? These are questions that linger as we reflect on the unexpected turn of events in Game of Thrones.