Game of Thrones finale: Did Daenerys stay on the Iron Throne?

During the penultimate episode of Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen finally succeeded in claiming the Iron Throne. But did she actually manage to keep it through the finale?

During last week’s episode of Game of Thrones, Daenerys Targaryen succeeded in doing what she’d wanted to since the first few seasons of the show: taking King’s Landing and claiming the Iron Throne for herself. Of course, Dany’s big moment isn’t exactly what anyone—including her—imagined it would be. Despite her insistence that she wouldn’t be queen of the ashes, she burnt King’s Landing to the ground, killing many of its innocent denizens in the process.

Given Dany’s means of claiming the city, most fans predicted her time on the Iron Throne would be shortlived. And, as it turns out, they were right about her reign. The Dragon Queen has a single scene with the throne itself before Jon takes the opportunity to rid Westeros of her rule.

To be fair, Jon does plead with his queen before betraying her. The scene comes after Daenerys’ worrisome speech to the Dothraki and the Unsullied, during which she exclaims that they’ll continue freeing the people of Westeros from tyranny.

Of course, Tyrion and Jon read between the lines: Daenerys has won the war, but she plans to continue fighting the Westerosi. Freedom, to her, means everyone bowing before her—or facing her wrath.

Jon confronts Daenerys, begging her to show mercy to the people of Westeros—and Tyrion specifically—but he quicky realizes she can’t be reasoned with anymore. He pledges his loyalty to her, but then drives his dagger into her. It’s a heartbreaking moment for both characters, but it’s a necessary move for the realm. As Tyrion puts it, “Sometimes, duty is the death of love.”

And while Daenerys doesn’t sit on the Iron Throne at the finale’s end, House Targaryen fans can be comforted (sort of?) by the fact that no one else does either. Drogon makes sure to destroy it before flying off, and the lords and ladies of Westeros elect their next ruler: Bran Stark.

And, in bringing some form of democratic rule to Westeros, Daenerys does actually manage to break the wheel. Sadly, she just needed to become the villain and forfeit the Iron Throne to do it.

What did you think of the Game of Thrones series finale? Let us know in the comments.