Was George R. R. Martin Planning for Bran Stark to Be the King of Westeros?

George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series is often compared to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. Just as Aragorn was swindled out of his rightful claim to Gondor in Tolkien's tale, the question arises whether Martin might have planned to depose Bran Stark from his right to the Iron Throne of Westeros. But is this scenario plausible, or are we being overly speculative?

Revisionist Interpretation

Was Bran intended to lose, much like Aragorn lost Gondor to Frodo at the series' end? This is a stretch for many fans. G.R.R. Martin is known for his intricate plotting, period, but the idea of swindling Bran out of his claim to the throne seems like a far-fetched twist. Furthermore, after morphing into an entity outside of mundane human existence, Bran's character as a king would be compromised. A king must interact with the daily lives of his subjects, which Bran would be unlikely to do.

Guidelines and Jon Snow's Fate

Martin has given clear guidelines to the showrunners on how the story should end. Jon Snow, who was often seen as a discard in early seasons, has clearly found his place in the Night's Watch and excels in his role. This suggests that even if Bran were to become king, Jon would not be his choice for the Iron Throne. Jon has never harbored an ambition to be king, having been content with his vows to the Night's Watch. His experience in the northern lands, where being a bastard is considered insignificant, aligns with his values and character, reinforcing the idea that kingship wouldn't be his path.

Bran as the Last POV Character

Bran Stark was the first proper point-of-view (POV) character in each book, as he gradually fades into a less active role. This narrative pattern suggests that Bran will likely be the last POV character in the series. Given his significance, it would be fitting for him to win the game of thrones and become the King of Westeros. However, his kingship could be more symbolic, like a shaman or an intermediary figure, rather than a traditional king, wielding his powers through others.

Jon and Daenerys' Fate

The possibility of Jon Snow killing Daenerys Targaryen as a "holy shit" moment is less likely, as this isn't mentioned as a surprise in the book series. It implies that the idea was not Martin's original plan but a show-only addition. This twist, however, leaves the question unanswered: why might Jon ultimately be beyond the Wall, perhaps related to his resurrection and the damage that comes with it? Additionally, there is no strong evidence to suggest that there would be any romance between Jon and Daenerys, given the complex and eventful path Jon must take to reach his final destination.

In conclusion, while speculation is fun, George R. R. Martin's story structure and established character arcs suggest a more plausible outcome for Bran Stark becoming the rightful ruler of Westeros. The narrative experiences and roles of Jon and Bran within the series support this conclusion, leaving the fans in awe of the intricate and dynamic storyline Martin has created.