The final episode of Game of Thrones brought an end to the long and turbulent history of Westeros. The fates of the Starks, Targaryens, and Lannisters came to a close in unexpected and dramatic ways. With twists and major decisions, the finale drew its curtain on the iconic storylines that had captivated audiences for years.
Bran the Broken – A New Ruler Emerges
One of the most surprising moments in the finale was the crowning of Bran Stark as Bran the Broken, King of the Six Kingdoms. The decision by the council of lords and ladies to appoint Bran marked a significant shift in the power structure of Westeros.
Tyrion Lannister, once Daenerys Targaryen’s Hand, proposed that the ruler should no longer be decided by bloodline, but through a selection process by the most powerful people in the realm.
Bran, possessing the unique ability to see and understand the history of Westeros as the Three-Eyed Raven, was viewed as an ideal candidate. His rule represented a break from the violence and chaos that had defined the previous monarchs. The choice of Bran as king was one of the show’s boldest conclusions, adding depth to the idea that knowledge and wisdom were now valued over traditional claims to power.
Sansa Stark – Queen in the North
While Bran was crowned king, Sansa Stark declared the North’s independence, ensuring the survival of her people as a free and sovereign kingdom. Her decision to become Queen in the North highlighted her growth as a leader throughout the series. From a naïve girl to a powerful and assertive ruler, Sansa’s journey was one of the most significant transformations in the show.
Her coronation scene provided closure for the North, which had always fought to remain free from the influence of the South. Sansa’s leadership was based on protecting her people and maintaining the strength of the North, echoing the values of her family.
Jon Snow – Love, Duty, and Exile
Jon Snow’s fate in the finale was a tragic one. His loyalty to Daenerys Targaryen put him in a terrible position, forced to choose between love and duty. After witnessing Daenerys’ descent into madness and the destruction of King’s Landing, Jon ultimately made the painful decision to kill her to prevent further bloodshed. This moment carried heavy emotional weight, as Jon had been deeply conflicted throughout the series about his true identity and role in the war for Westeros.
After Daenerys’ death, Jon was exiled to the Night’s Watch as punishment for his actions. However, rather than staying at Castle Black, Jon ventured beyond the Wall with Tormund and the Free Folk. This decision felt like a fitting end for Jon, a man who had always been more comfortable with the free and untamed people of the North than in the political intrigue of the South.
The Death of Daenerys Targaryen and Drogon’s Grief
The most shocking scene in the finale was the death of Daenerys Targaryen, who had spent her life believing she was destined to rule Westeros. Her downfall came swiftly after she burned King’s Landing to the ground, killing thousands of innocent people. Her madness, much like her father the Mad King, made her a threat to everyone, including Jon Snow.
After Jon killed her, the image of Drogon, the last remaining dragon, grieving over her body and melting the Iron Throne became an unforgettable visual. The symbolism was profound. The Iron Throne, a representation of power that had caused endless suffering, was destroyed in the flames of the creature born to win it. Drogon’s departure with Daenerys’ body marked the end of the Targaryen’s quest for power.
Arya Stark – A New Journey Begins
Arya Stark, who had played a crucial role in defeating the Night King, chose a different path. Rather than staying in Westeros, Arya decided to explore the uncharted lands west of the continent. Her decision to sail into the unknown was a natural conclusion to her character arc. Arya had always been a free spirit, driven by her desire for independence.
The final shot of her sailing toward new adventures provided a sense of excitement and curiosity, leaving the door open for future possibilities.
Tyrion Lannister – The Mastermind of a New Westeros
Tyrion Lannister’s role in the finale was critical to shaping the new political order. After Daenerys’ death, Tyrion proposed that Westeros should no longer be ruled by bloodline succession but through an elected monarchy. His suggestion was accepted by the council of lords and ladies, leading to Bran’s crowning as king.
As a result, Tyrion returned to his position as Hand of the King, serving Bran with the hope of building a better future for Westeros. Tyrion’s influence on the show’s events, from his clever maneuvering to his ability to survive the dangerous political games, made him one of the central figures in the final chapter of the saga.
Brienne of Tarth – Honoring Jaime’s Legacy
Brienne of Tarth’s final moments in the series provided an emotional conclusion to her relationship with Jaime Lannister. Now a member of King Bran’s Kingsguard, Brienne was shown completing Jaime’s entry in the Book of Brothers.
Despite their complicated relationship, Brienne chose to honor Jaime’s legacy by highlighting his bravery and sacrifice, rather than focusing on his flaws. This quiet moment of reflection brought a sense of closure to Jaime’s journey from Kingslayer to a man seeking redemption.
Symbolic Meanings in the Finale
- Bran’s Kingship – Wisdom and knowledge triumph over brute force.
- Sansa’s Independence – A victory for those who fight for their own freedom.
- Jon’s Exile – The cost of loyalty and love can lead to isolation.
- Drogon’s Grief – The destructive power of unchecked ambition.
- Arya’s Voyage – A symbol of exploration and seeking new paths.
- Brienne’s Writing – Honoring complex legacies, even with flaws.
- Iron Throne’s Destruction – The end of a cycle of power and bloodshed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Iron Throne melted in the series finale?
The Iron Throne was melted by Drogon, Daenerys Targaryen’s dragon, after her death. This symbolic act signifies the end of the power struggle over the Iron Throne and represents the transition to a new era in Westeros.
Can you explain the last scene of Daenerys Targaryen?
In the last scene of Daenerys, she enters the throne room, reaches out to touch the Iron Throne but is then confronted by Jon Snow. Following a conversation about power and responsibility, Jon Snow kills Daenerys to prevent further destruction. This marks the end of her quest for power and the beginning of a transformation in the ruling structure of Westeros.
What is the significance of the final moment in Game of Thrones Season 8?
The final moment of Game of Thrones Season 8 shows the main characters moving on to the next chapters of their lives. The Stark siblings – Sansa, Arya, and Bran – have all found new paths that suit their strengths and experiences, while Jon Snow returns to the Night’s Watch, symbolizing a new era for Westeros.
What led to the perceived dissatisfaction with Game of Thrones’ ending?
The dissatisfaction with the ending of Game of Thrones can be attributed to several factors, one of which includes the rushed pacing of the final season. Additionally, some fans felt that certain character arcs were not true to their established development, and significant plot points were left unresolved left unanswered.
How did the Game of Thrones cast react to the finale?
Reactions from the Game of Thrones cast varied, with some expressing satisfaction with their characters’ fates, while others had mixed feelings or were disappointed. Overall, the cast seemed to appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into creating the show’s final season.
What is the fate of Jon Snow in the final episode?
In the final episode, Jon Snow is exiled to the Night’s Watch as a punishment for killing Daenerys Targaryen. This outcome is bittersweet for Jon, as he takes on a new responsibility at the Night’s Watch, reconnects with Ghost (his direwolf), and helps protect Westeros from potential future threats.
Last Words
The Game of Thrones finale reshaped Westeros, with Bran’s understanding of the realm’s history making him an unexpected choice for king. As the Three-Eyed Raven, his rule represented a break from the bloodline-driven power struggles that had defined the kingdom.
Though the episode drew divided reactions, including a fan petition demanding a rewrite, the saga crafted by George R.R. Martin and brought to screen by David Benioff and Dan Weiss left a lasting mark on pop culture, regardless of the backlash.
