Who could have predicted that Bran Stark, the quiet and mystical “Three-Eyed Raven,” would ultimately sit on the Iron Throne — or what was left of it? For many viewers, this decision sparked surprise, debate, and even confusion. Why was Bran chosen as king by the council? In a series filled with powerful warriors, clever politicians, and rightful heirs, Bran’s selection seemed unexpected. Yet, when we dig deeper into the final moments of Game of Thrones, it becomes clear that his appointment carried significant meaning. In this article, we’ll break down the reasons behind Bran’s crowning and explore why he was seen as the best choice for a fractured realm seeking a new future.
The Role of the Great Council in Westeros’ Politics
The Great Council was traditionally convened in medieval England to address the issue of succession when there was no clear heir to the throne. The purpose of the council was to gather prominent nobles and clergy to deliberate and ultimately elect a new ruler. This process was designed to prevent power struggles and ensure a smooth transition of leadership. The Great Council played a crucial role in shaping the monarchy and maintaining stability during times of uncertainty.
The process of selecting a leader in Westeros has varied throughout history. In addition to the current system of selecting a ruler through the Great Council, there have been instances of leadership selection through councils or other similar bodies in the past. This includes events such as the Great Council of 101 AC, which was convened to determine the succession after the death of King Jaehaerys I. These historical examples provide context for the current process of leadership selection in Westeros.
Bran Stark’s Journey and Qualities
Bran’s transformation from a young, naive nobleman into the all-seeing Three-Eyed Raven is a central storyline in the “Game of Thrones” series. Initially, Bran is portrayed as an adventurous and curious young boy, eager to explore the world around him. However, after a tragic fall from a tower leaves him paralyzed, Bran’s journey takes a profound turn. Through his experiences beyond the Wall and his encounters with the mystical beings known as the Children of the Forest, Bran begins to harness his latent abilities as a greenseer. As the Three-Eyed Raven, he gains the power of clairvoyance and the ability to see into the past, present, and future.
Bran’s symbolic role as a figure of wisdom, impartiality, and neutrality is significant in the context of leadership. As the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran possesses supernatural abilities that set him apart from other candidates. His leadership is based on knowledge and foresight rather than power or ambition, making him a unique and valuable asset. His impartiality and neutrality make him a symbol of wise and just leadership, offering a different perspective on governance and decision-making.
The Political Context: Why the Council Rejected Other Candidates
Daenerys Targaryen, despite her claim to the throne and strong following, was not chosen because of her descent into tyranny and her destructive actions in King’s Landing. Many members of the council feared her rule due to her increasingly ruthless and power-hungry behavior, culminating in the devastating destruction of King’s Landing and the deaths of countless innocent civilians. This led to widespread concern about her ability to govern justly and fairly, ultimately leading to her being bypassed in favor of a different ruler.
Jon Snow’s position as a potential heir is certainly a complex one. As the trueborn son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, he possesses a strong claim to the Iron Throne. However, his strong moral compass and reluctance to claim the throne have made him a less appealing candidate to those who seek a more neutral and non-controversial ruler. Jon’s personal qualities, such as his sense of honor and duty, have endeared him to many, but have also made him a target for those who prefer a more politically savvy and manipulative leader. Despite the challenges he faces, Jon’s integrity and commitment to the greater good continue to shape his decisions and influence the path he chooses to follow.
Tyrion Lannister’s past decisions and his failure to effectively manage Daenerys’ actions may have made him an unlikely choice for leadership. While he possesses intelligence and cunning, his track record as Hand of the Queen may have raised concerns about his ability to lead effectively. As for Sansa Stark, she was ultimately chosen to rule the North due to her strength, resilience, and leadership capabilities. Other candidates may have been considered too controversial or self-serving, making Sansa the clear choice for the position. It’s important to consider the qualities and actions of potential leaders when making such important decisions.
The Council’s Desire for Stability and Unity
The state of Westeros after the wars, destruction, and loss of key rulers has left the kingdom in a state of instability. The people of Westeros are in need of a ruler who can unite the fractured kingdom and offer a new, less divisive way forward. With the loss of key rulers such as Robert Baratheon, Joffrey, Stannis, and others, there is a pressing need for stability and strong leadership to guide the kingdom through these turbulent times.
Bran’s symbolic role as king represents the potential for a new beginning, free from the cycle of revenge and personal ambition. His mystical powers and lack of personal ambition signify a leader who rules with fairness and a focus on the greater good, rather than personal gain. Bran’s ascension to the throne offers the hope of a more just and equitable rule, where decisions are made with the welfare of the people in mind. This portrayal of Bran as a leader who breaks from the traditional power struggles and self-interest of previous rulers serves as a symbol of hope for a better future.
In Game of Thrones, the theme of choice and merit is prominently displayed in the selection of rulers. Throughout the series, it becomes clear that rulers are often chosen for qualities beyond birthright. This is exemplified in the selection of Bran Stark as the ruler of the Six Kingdoms. Despite not being the obvious choice due to his birthright, Bran was seen as a neutral party who would work toward the greater good of the realm. This emphasizes the idea that leadership should be based on merit and the ability to lead, rather than simply inheriting the throne. It also highlights the importance of considering the greater good of the realm when selecting a leader, rather than personal agendas.
Bran as a Representation of the New Westeros
Bran’s ascension as king symbolizes a significant shift in the traditional power structures of Westeros. His selection as ruler reflects a departure from the previous system, which was largely based on bloodline and inheritance. Instead, his reign represents a new vision of governance, one that prioritizes the collective good over individual entitlement. Furthermore, Bran’s rise to power embodies the thematic core of the series, which revolves around the idea of change and progress. His reign signifies the possibility of a better future for Westeros, one that is not bound by the mistakes and shortcomings of the past. This theme of change and progression is central to the narrative of the show and is exemplified by Bran’s ascension to the throne.
Bran’s kingship represents a significant shift in the ruling structure of Westeros. With his lack of personal ambition and ability to rule for the greater good, it’s possible that his reign could bring about a new era of peace and wisdom. His neutral stance could also signify the potential end of dynastic rule in favor of more democratic principles, as he rules for the benefit of all rather than for personal gain. While the show doesn’t explicitly show the impact of his rule, it’s plausible to speculate that Bran’s kingship could bring about positive change for the future of Westeros.
The Criticisms and Backlash
There have been mixed reactions from both fans and critics regarding Bran’s selection. Some fans were surprised and disappointed, feeling that other characters were more deserving or had more compelling storylines. Critics have also expressed skepticism about the decision, questioning the logic behind Bran becoming the ruler. However, there are also those who support the choice, seeing it as a fitting conclusion to Bran’s character arc and a departure from traditional rulership.
Narrative criticism of Bran’s ascent to the throne often revolves around the argument that it was rushed and lacked sufficient buildup within the storyline. Some viewers felt that Bran’s sudden rise to power seemed unexpected and unearned, leading to criticism of the narrative choices made by the show’s creators. However, within the context of the narrative, Bran’s legitimacy as the ruler of Westeros was actually the most logical choice given the circumstances. His unique abilities and knowledge made him a suitable candidate to lead in a time of great need. While some may have found his ascension surprising, from a storytelling perspective, Bran’s character was well-established and his eventual rise to power aligned with the narrative arc of the series.
Conclusion
The council selected Bran as king for several reasons. Firstly, they desired stability after years of conflict and chaos. Bran’s symbolic neutrality as the Three-Eyed Raven also appealed to them, as they saw him as being above the petty squabbles of noble houses. Additionally, the thematic elements of Game of Thrones, such as the unpredictability of power and the consequences of ambition, guided their decision. In conclusion, Bran’s selection as king reflects the series’ overall message about leadership, power, and the complexities of governance in a world filled with conflict. Do you believe Bran was truly the best choice for Westeros, or is the true answer one of ambiguity and complexity?
