The Iron Throne, seat to the king of the Seven Kingdoms and forged by Aegon Targaryen from the swords of his enemies. It is said the swords are so sharp that the throne has actually killed some who have tried to sit in it.
The throne of swords is the symbol of authority and justice in the Seven Kingdoms. After nearly 300 years of rule by the Targaryens, King Aerys II , the Mad King, is over thrown in the War of the Usurper and House Baratheon takes the throne. It’s not a stable regime however, and King Robert Baratheon is challenged six years after his accession by Lord Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands. Greyjoy is defeated, with two sons dead in combat and one made hostage to Ned Stark, lord of Winterfell. King Robert himself is killed in a suspicious hunting accident and the Iron Throne is ripe for the taking. Who has the right to reign over the Seven Kingdoms?
For those of you who’ve read the novels you’ve probably a better idea of who still has a chance at it. We still want your opinion, just don’t spoil it for the rest of us! Here are the main players right now:
Joffrey Baratheon – He carries the name but not the blood. Bastard son of his uncle and a product of incest between Jaimie Lannister and Queen Cersei Lannister. Joffrey is currently sitting on the prickly hot seat, but does he belong there?
Stannis Baratheon – The middle Baratheon brother believes himself the rightful heir. He knows the truth of Joffrey’s parentage and is willing to sell his soul to the Red Priestess for rulership.
Is he right?
Renly Baratheon – The youngest Baratheon brother and Lord of Storm’s End. Charismatic and popular with the people, he is encouraged by his advisors to throw his hat into the ring but does he really stand a chance?
Daenerys Targaryen – Known as “The Storm Born”, daughter to King Aeyrs II, she too considers herself the rightful heir. Living in exile, she struggles to return to her own country and take the throne that is “rightfully hers”. If it weren’t for Jaimie Lannister the Kingslayer of House Lannister we might not even be having this conversation.
But those are the more obvious answers to the question of who should sit the Iron Throne. In this world, almost anyone could potentially make their way to power. Here are a few other possibilities, would they be better choices?
Robb Stark – Lord of Winterfell after the death of his father, Ned Stark at the hands of King Joffrey Lannister. Robb is only concerned at this point about gaining independence for the people of the North. Maybe he should aim higher.
Balon Greyjoy – Lord of the Iron Islands, once considered a King in his own right and willing to “pay the iron price” to regain his royal
status. Will he too try for all Seven Kingdoms?
Myrcella Baratheon – Sister to Joffrey, illegitimate child again of Jaime Lannister and Queen Cersei. She is in line for the throne after her younger brother Tommen but being the older of the two, maybe she should inherit before her brother?
Tommen Baratheon – The youngest of the Baratheons, (incest… need I say it again?)
Not a drop of Baratheon blood. Does he deserve to inherit the Iron Throne?
Here’s your chance to voice your opinion. Vote for your next ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Who will rule on the iron throne? Vote in our poll below:
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