Why Bran Stark Became King: A Deep Dive into Game of Thrones’ Controversial Choice

The selection of Bran Stark, “Bran the Broken,” as King of the Six Kingdoms (formerly Seven) at the conclusion of Game of Thrones remains one of the most debated aspects of the series. The core reason behind this choice boils down to Tyrion Lannister’s persuasive argument, which resonated with the assembled leaders of Westeros. Tyrion advocated for Bran not based on lineage, military might, or political ambition, but on his unique position as the Three-Eyed Raven, the living repository of Westeros’ history and a figure detached from personal desires for power. He argued that Bran’s ability to remember the past made him uniquely qualified to guide Westeros toward a more just and prosperous future.

The Tyrion Lannister Factor

Tyrion Lannister, ever the wordsmith, masterfully presented Bran as the ideal candidate. He pointed out that Bran’s story, his suffering, and his transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven made him a figure of impartiality and wisdom. He argued that hereditary rule had repeatedly failed Westeros, leading to conflict and suffering. A ruler chosen for their wisdom and experience, rather than their bloodline, offered a new path.

Tyrion wasn’t just looking for a strong leader; he was seeking a figurehead who could usher in a new era of representative governance. His speech emphasized the importance of remembering history to avoid repeating past mistakes, something Bran, as the Three-Eyed Raven, was uniquely capable of doing. He cleverly highlighted the fact that Bran’s physical limitations removed any ambition for personal power, making him a seemingly selfless choice.

Beyond the Speech: Why Bran?

While Tyrion’s speech provided the immediate justification, several other factors contributed to Bran’s selection:

• A Rejection of Traditional Claimants: The traditional line of succession was shattered. Daenerys Targaryen, the last Targaryen claimant, was dead, having fallen to madness. Jon Snow, revealed to be Aegon Targaryen, was sent back to the Night’s Watch for killing Daenerys. Other houses were either weakened or lacked a compelling claim. In short, Westeros was ready to abandon the notion of inherited rule.
• The Need for a Neutral Figure: After years of war and political intrigue, Westeros needed a ruler who wasn’t embroiled in past conflicts or motivated by personal vendettas. Bran, detached from Stark family interests (as he declared he “can no longer be a Stark”), seemed to offer that neutrality.
• Symbolism and Hope: Bran’s resilience, despite his physical limitations, provided a symbol of hope for a war-torn kingdom. His story of overcoming adversity, of finding purpose beyond personal ambition, resonated with those seeking a better future. His association with the Weirwood trees and ancient knowledge connected him to the very roots of Westerosi history and spirituality.
• Tyrion’s influence: After everything that had happened, it was clear that Tyrion wielded significant sway over the assembled lords and ladies. His support for Bran was crucial in swaying their votes.

The Controversial Choice: Was It Deserved?

Bran’s ascension to the throne is perhaps the most polarizing part of the series finale. Critics argue that Bran’s character arc was underdeveloped, that his abilities as the Three-Eyed Raven were poorly defined, and that his lack of emotional engagement made him an uninspiring choice for a ruler. They question whether Bran actually wanted to be king or was merely fulfilling a preordained destiny.

Defenders of the decision, however, point to the fact that the choice was never about who deserved to be king in a traditional sense. It was about choosing a system that moved away from the flawed notions of inheritance and conquest. Bran’s position as the Three-Eyed Raven, detached from personal ambition and driven by a duty to preserve the realm’s collective memory, offered a unique and potentially beneficial approach to governance. Ultimately, whether or not Bran “deserved” the throne is subjective and depends on one’s perspective on the purpose and future of Westeros.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Bran Stark’s coronation, providing deeper insights into the rationale and implications of this pivotal decision:

1. Why can Bran be king but not Lord of Winterfell? Bran’s statement that he “can no longer be” Bran Stark, the Lord of Winterfell, stems from his transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven. He views himself as no longer bound by family ties or regional loyalties. The kingship, in this new context, is seen as a duty rather than an inheritance, aligning with his role as a repository of knowledge.
2. Did Bran want the throne all along? Bran’s enigmatic response, “Why do you think I came all this way?” certainly suggests a degree of foresight. Whether he actively desired the throne is debatable. He may have been aware of his destiny and accepted it as his duty, rather than actively seeking power.
3. Is Bran related to the Targaryens? No, Bran Stark is not directly related to the Targaryens. He is a Stark of Winterfell. His lineage is separate from the Targaryen dynasty, which adds to his perceived neutrality as king.
4. Why did Tyrion choose Bran? Tyrion believed Bran, as the Three-Eyed Raven, possessed the wisdom and impartiality necessary to rule effectively. He saw him as a symbol of a new era, free from the corrupting influences of ambition and personal gain.
5. Who decided Bran should be king? The decision was made by a council of Westeros’ leaders, including representatives from various Great Houses and regions. This council included figures like Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Yara Greyjoy, Samwell Tarly, Edmure Tully, Brienne of Tarth, and Davos Seaworth. They voted on Tyrion’s suggestion.
6. Why did the Night King come for Bran? The Night King sought to erase the world and plunge it into eternal darkness. Bran, as the Three-Eyed Raven, represented the world’s memory and history. Killing Bran would effectively erase all knowledge of the past, allowing the Night King to achieve his goal.
7. Did Bran know Arya would save him? As the Three-Eyed Raven, Bran likely had a vision of Arya’s crucial role in defeating the Night King. His knowledge of the future allowed him to prepare Arya for the task.
8. Did Bran know he would be king? Based on his comments during the finale, it seems likely that Bran had foreseen his ascendance to the throne, although the extent of his foresight remains ambiguous.
9. Was Bran looking for Drogon? This is never definitively explained in the show, and is open to interpretation. Some believe he was seeking to locate Drogon to ensure he wouldn’t be a threat, while others think he may have been looking to connect with Drogon in some way.
10. Who ordered Bran to be killed? Joffrey Baratheon, eager to impress his father, Robert, hired an assassin to kill Bran.
11. Is Jon Snow immune to fire? Unlike Daenerys, Jon Snow is not immune to fire. This was evidenced when he sustained burns on his hands in Season 1.
12. Why didn’t Jon Snow become king? Jon Snow, despite his Targaryen heritage, was not chosen because of his role in killing Daenerys, as well as the fact that he was already banished for his actions. Giving Jon the throne would have been seen as perpetuating the cycle of violence and power struggles that plagued Westeros.
13. What happens if Night King killed Bran? The destruction of all knowledge of mankind would occur if the Night King succeeded in his attempt to kill Bran.
14. Why did Bran not tell the truth? Bran’s selective memory and cryptic pronouncements are a result of his transformation into the Three-Eyed Raven. His focus shifted from personal grievances to the preservation of knowledge and the long-term well-being of Westeros.
15. Where did Tyrion get the idea for Bran to become king? After being imprisoned and reflecting on everything that had happened, Tyrion felt that it was time for a new approach to rule. Tyrion himself admitted that he had spent a long time thinking about how Westeros could have the best leader possible.

In conclusion, the decision to crown Bran Stark as King was a multifaceted one, driven by Tyrion Lannister’s persuasive argument, a rejection of traditional inheritance, a need for a neutral figure, and the symbolic hope Bran represented. While controversial, the choice reflected a desire for a new era of governance, one based on wisdom, memory, and a commitment to the collective good. For more insights into the dynamics of games, learning, and societal change, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.