Westeros has many conflicting players and alliances, but one goal has persisted throughout — winning. I'm always sort of hesitant to throw my support behind any character on Game of Thrones and it's so much of a death wish that even admitting that right now makes me feel like I'm the one being cliché. However, as Season 5 speeds toward its conclusion, I wonder... should Jon Snow take the Iron Throne on Game of Thrones? Somebody has to when all is said and done, you'd think.
There are plenty of people I don't think should sit on that pointy chair ever. Ramsay Snow, Littlefinger, and Melisandre come to mind. Meanwhile, I wouldn't hate it if Myrcella Baratheon, Daenerys Targaryen, or maybe somebody like Gendry took their place. That said, it seems as if Jon Snow's destiny is becoming clearer.
Like Ned Stark before me, I cannot tell a lie — or the one lie I have to tell for reasons tortures me daily. Personally, I haven't always been a fan of Jon Snow. He whined more than Luke Skywalker when he got to the Wall. I never thought I'd consider someone who's constantly reminded of his bastard status as "privileged," but there you go. However, Jon Snow has come a long way since Season 1 of Game of Thrones and I'm finally coming around to seeing him as a real contender for ruling over Westeros.
In fact, the only reason why I think Jon might not be a good ruler? He's a terrible pet owner. Seriously, has anybody seen Ghost? Other than that, here's why Jon Snow deserves to be the ultimate winner on Game of Thrones.
He's Already Won A Popular Vote
As a democratic American, I think there are worse ways to come upon a monarch. Despite a lack of years in experience — though I would argue the quality of his limited experience is high — the Night's Watch trusts his natural leadership skills and elected him Lord Commander. He's already got big plans. He could go all the way to the top.
His Speeches Would Be Short
Probably depressing sometimes, but brief. He's not a man of many words, that Jon.
He's Had Many Teachers
One thing that Jon Snow and Sansa Stark have in common is that they are both keen observers of their surroundings. As outsiders since leaving Winterfell, they've had to be. In his life, Jon Snow has learned how and how not to be a leader from Aemon Targaryen, Mance Rayder, Craster, Jeor Mormont, Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Alliser Thorne and even in his brief encounter with Tyrion Lannister. He can take all of this in like a sponge and become the best.
Winter. Is. Coming.
The White Walkers are no joke! Think of Jon Snow as the political candidate with the most military experience. All of the armies in the country are going to need to get together to fight this mysterious force, and Jon Snow is the Lord Commander to do it.
He's Totally A Feminist
Not only is Jon Snow the #1 fan of Ygritte, but he also gave Arya her sword. Never forget! If a dude is going to end up on this dumb throne, I'm gonna need him to have his priorities straight.
He's Bringing Peace
Of course Jon Snow, sweet summer child, wants peace with the Wildlings. Of course he wants them to settle in Westeros so that they can be united when the Walkers come a'calling. What a King thing to do.
He's A Bad Liar
I prefer my Kings honest, don't you? No wonder Arya's no good at the "Game of Faces" — it's genetic.
He's A Just Ruler
Okay, so remember the pilot? Specifically, remember the lesson that Ned Stark taught Bran about executions? "The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword," he said. That's been weighing on me a lot this season. Daenerys had her traitorous advisor executed by Daario, to disastrous results. She's now using her dragons to carry out her sentences, just like her ancestors. Stannis prefers to watch his victims burn as well.
Jon Snow has had a bit of a journey with this principle. He couldn't bring himself to execute Ygritte, and we all know how that turned out. He was only able to save Mance from suffering at the last moment. However, he finally came into his own and beheaded Janos Slynt himself. It may be against the vows of the Night's Watch (they take no crowns), but Jon Snow is finally ready to be a King.
He's Hella Loyal
Loyalty is hard to come by in Westeros, but you don't have to worry about Jon Snow. He keeps his friends close.
He — What Were We Talking About?
Right. Thrones. Hi.
Let's Be Real, It's Kind Of Already His
If you subscribe to the R+L=J Game of Thrones fan theory, Lord Commander Jon Snow should not be legitimized as Jon Stark of Winterfell, but as Jon Targaryen of Dragonstone. If he is Rhaegar and Lyanna's son, he has a real claim to the Iron Throne. If Westeros continues to favor male heirs in succession, the Throne is rightfully his before Daenerys. Of course, he would need a monarch to legitimize him first — and I don't see the Baratheon dynasty giving up like that any time soon.
It is known (see what I did there) that A Song of Ice And Fire is based on the War of the Roses in English history. However, I think it's also worth comparing to to the February Revolution in Russia that saw the end of the Romanov Dynasty... specifically with regards to the lasting fairytale (see: Anastasia) that a Russian royal would turn up one day.
In fact, there is a somewhat competing theory that Tyrion Lannister is secretly the son of Aerys II "The Mad King" Targaryen and Joanna Lannister and therefore decidedly first in line for the Iron Throne. That's why Tywin took his family back to Casterly Rock and always hated his youngest boy. If this whole series is about the remaining Targaryens finding each other and uniting to take back their dynasty, that would be pretty adorable, right? Still, don't let that theory rain on your King Jon I parade!
Images: Helen Sloan/courtesy of HBO; Giphy (11)
