The TV series Game of Thrones captured the imagination of millions with its complex characters, intricate politics, and jaw-dropping moments of shock and awe. Based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire books, the show was filled with twists, betrayals, and dramatic battles. However, fans felt mixed feelings when the show’s final season aired in 2019. Many people still wonder how Game of Thrones ends. If you’re looking for a clear answer or just curious about the ending, this article will break it down for you.
Let’s dive into the grand conclusion of this epic tale. By the time the show’s final episodes aired, the Seven Kingdoms were in turmoil, key characters were facing life-altering choices, and the Iron Throne—the ultimate prize—was still up for grabs.
Daenerys Targaryen’s Downfall
One of the most surprising turns in the final season is Daenerys Targaryen’s descent into madness. Throughout the series, Daenerys, the “Mother of Dragons,” is depicted as a compassionate ruler with a fierce desire to free the oppressed. However, as the series neared its conclusion, her character turned dark. In the episode “The Bells,” Daenerys, despite the surrender of King’s Landing, uses her dragon, Drogon, to burn the city to ashes.
This brutal decision shocked fans and characters alike. But why did she do it? Throughout the last few seasons, Daenerys lost many close friends and allies, including her trusted advisor, Missandei, her dragon Rhaegal, and her closest companion, Jorah Mormont. Betrayals from critical figures like Varys and the growing love between Jon Snow and herself also play a part in her unravelling.
Her final act of destruction in King’s Landing pushed others to take drastic action. But how does Game of Thrones end for Daenerys herself?
The Death of Daenerys
Daenerys’ final fate is sealed by Jon Snow, her lover—and, as revealed in Season 8, her nephew. Although Jon initially supports Daenerys, he becomes increasingly disturbed by her growing ruthlessness. After seeing the carnage she unleashed on innocent civilians in King’s Landing, he is left with no choice.
In the throne room of the destroyed Red Keep, Jon confronts Daenerys. In a deeply emotional moment, Jon pleads with her to see reason, but Daenerys remains resolute, believing her way is the only path to “free the world.” Realizing she will continue her violent campaign, Jon stabs her in the heart, killing her as Drogon watches in horror.
But instead of attacking Jon, Drogon mournfully picks up Daenerys’ lifeless body and flies away, taking her far from Westeros. The fate of Drogon and Daenerys’ remains is left ambiguous, but it’s clear that her reign has come to a tragic and sudden end.
Who Becomes the New Ruler of Westeros?
Daenerys dies, the Iron Throne is left without a ruler, and Westeros is uncertain. This raises the critical question many viewers have been waiting for: how does Game of Thrones end in terms of leadership? Who would finally sit on the Iron Throne?
Surprisingly, the throne itself doesn’t survive. After Daenerys’ death, Drogon returns and, in a fit of grief and anger, melts the Iron Throne with his fiery breath, eradicating it. This symbol of power, the very thing countless people died for, is reduced to molten metal.
With the throne gone, a council of remaining influential figures, including Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Tyrion Lannister, and others, convene to decide the fate of Westeros. After much deliberation, Tyrion suggests an unexpected candidate: Bran Stark. Bran, known as the Three-Eyed Raven, had gained mystical powers and knowledge of the past and future. Tyrion argues that Bran’s wisdom and impartiality make him the ideal ruler.
In an unexpected twist, the council agrees, and Bran Stark is chosen as the new King of Westeros, ushering in a new era of governance. This decision puts an end to the tradition of dynastic rule, as Bran is not able to father children. The Seven Kingdoms also become six, as Sansa Stark declares the North an independent kingdom, with herself as its Queen.
Jon Snow’s Fate
Jon Snow’s fate after killing Daenerys is also of significant interest. Many fans expected him to rule, especially given that he is revealed to be Aegon Targaryen, the legitimate heir to the Iron Throne. However, Jon rejects any claim to power, and he’s seen more as a tragic hero than a ruler.
As punishment for Daenerys’ murder, Jon is exiled to the Night’s Watch, the same group he once led. While this might seem like a harsh ending for a character as beloved as Jon, something is fitting about it. Jon’s journey comes full circle as he returns to the Wall, and in the final scenes, he leads a group of Free Folk north of the Wall, symbolizing his departure from the political conflicts of Westeros.
Though Jon Snow doesn’t end up as king, he finds peace in the wilderness, free from the burdens of leadership.
The Stark Family’s Destiny
Once scattered and divided, the Starks see their fates converge in the series finale. Here’s how the ending treats the remaining members of the Stark family:
- Sansa Stark: After years of suffering and growth, Sansa becomes the Queen of the North. She chooses to make the North an independent kingdom, ruling it with wisdom and strength. This marks a significant moment, as Sansa finally gets the power and respect she fought so hard for throughout the series.
- Arya Stark: Arya, the skilled assassin who played a significant role in defeating the Night King, decides to explore what lies “west of Westeros.” In the final scene, Arya is seen sailing away on her ship, ready to embark on a new adventure. Arya’s arc closes on a note of freedom and discovery, fitting for the character who was never meant to stay in one place.
- Bran Stark: Bran, now king, plays a mostly passive role in the series’ conclusion. His reign signifies a new kind of leadership based on knowledge rather than ambition or power. He leaves the day-to-day governing to advisors like Tyrion, suggesting he will rule from a place of detachment and wisdom.
Tyrion Lannister’s Final Role
Tyrion Lannister, one of the show’s most beloved characters, also finds a new purpose at the end. After Daenerys’ death, he is initially imprisoned for betraying her. However, he is later pardoned by Bran and named Hand of the King, a position he once held under Daenerys and Joffrey. Tyrion’s journey has been filled with trials, mistakes, and a search for redemption, and his role as Hand under Bran’s rule offers him a chance at peace.
Tyrion’s cleverness and experience make him a crucial advisor to Bran, and he is shown leading the Small Council at the end of the series, with other key figures like Brienne of Tarth, Samwell Tarly, and Davos Seaworth by his side.
The Small Council: Who’s Who?
The final scene of the Small Council meeting reveals a hopeful future for Westeros, with a group of capable leaders working together to govern the kingdom. Here’s a quick breakdown of who is on the council:
CharacterPosition
Tyrion Lannister, Hand of the King
Davos Seaworth, Master of Ships
Brienne of Tarth Lord Commander of the Kingsguard
Samwell Tarly Grand Master
Bronn Master of Coin
This final gathering signifies the dawn of a new age in Westeros, where the council will work collaboratively to rebuild after years of war and strife.
The Night King’s Defeat
Though it occurred earlier in the final season, the defeat of the Night King is an essential moment to mention when discussing how Game of Thrones ends. The Night King, leader of the White Walkers, had long been a looming threat to all of Westeros. In the third episode of the final season, titled “The Long Night,” the Night King launches his assault on Winterfell.
The climactic battle is dark, brutal, and costly, but it all ends in one stunning moment: Arya Stark sneaks up on the Night King and stabs him with a Valyrian steel dagger, shattering him into ice. His death immediately destroys his entire army, including all the White Walkers and wights. With this, the existential threat to humanity is finally eliminated.
Fan Reactions to the Ending
The ending of Game of Thrones has been among the most debated in television history. Some viewers praised the show for its bold choices, while others were disappointed by the pacing and character arcs in the final season. Still, whether you love it or hate it, the ending of Game of Thrones remains a cultural phenomenon.
While some fans felt let down by how Daenerys’ arc concluded or by Bran’s unexpected rise to power, others appreciated the bittersweet, complex nature of the finale. Ultimately, how Game of Thrones ends is less about a happy resolution and more about the complexities of power, leadership, and the human condition.
