Game of Thrones season 8: Predictions for the show’s major women
Season 8: Emilia Clarke.
photo: Helen Sloane/HBO
Game of Thrones has no shortage of powerful women, and many of them will have important roles to play before the series comes to an end.
Game of Thrones has been praised for plenty of things since the series first aired back in 2011. Everything from the show’s complex political sphere to its brutal treatment of its main characters has been applauded, and, of course, the series has been lauded for its cast of characters, all of whom are well developed and multifaceted.
Perhaps the greatest accomplishment of the series, however, is the wide range of powerful female characters it’s introduced over time. Game of Thrones has always presented the women as the show as cunning and brave, even when they find themselves in powerless situations. And, over time, most of the show’s women—the one’s who have survived this long, at least—have found themselves climbing the ranks.
Daenerys, who began the show being married off to gain her brother an army, is now one of the main contenders for the Iron Throne. Cersei now sits on that throne, with no husband, father, or advisors to keep her from making decisions. Sansa, who was held hostage by both the Lannisters and the Boltons, has taken her place as the Lady of Winterfell. Arya, who was forced into all sorts of unpleasant situations after her family was killed, has avenged them and returned home.
Of course, not all of the series’ women have remained on an upswing when it comes to the power they hold. Yara Greyjoy, the most obvious choice to rule the Iron Islands, is being held captive by Cersei as we head into season 8. Meera Reed, though she’s returning home to her family, has sacrificed everything to see Bran become the Three-Eyed Raven. And Melisandre—who perhaps deserves it after everything she’s done—has left Westeros rather than be executed at Jon’s command.
But no matter where the major women of Westeros are currently, one thing is certain: They’ll all be forced to face the approaching threat of the Night King before the series ends. Every one of them is in danger, and each of them will have a part to play in the upcoming wars.
These are our predictions for the leading ladies of Game of Thrones as we head into season 8.