‘Game of Thrones’: Who Won the Iron Throne?

We finally know the answer to the question that has haunted HBO, television, and nerds in general for almost a decade. In its final episode Game of Thrones revealed who won the Iron Throne and with it control of Westeros’ Kingdoms. And this much-awaited revelation was as shocking and controversial as you would expect.

Here’s who ultimately won it all in Game of Thrones‘ finale, Season 8, Episode 6.

**MAJOR SPOILERS FOR GAME OF THRONES SEASON 8 AHEAD**

For seasons now Game of Thrones has been building up Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) as the ruler of the Iron Throne. But this series has always had a secretive ace up its sleeve. Up until Season 8 Dany has done everything you could want from a ruler, from freeing imprisoned slaves to murdering unapologetic bad guys left and right. That all changed when it was revealed that Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) was the rightful heir to the Iron Throne. For years Jonny boy was believed to be the bastard son of Eddard Stark, but the audience knew that wasn’t entirely true. Jon Snow is actually the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark, making him Aegon Targaryen, aka the rightful heir to the throne.

All of Season 8 has revolved around Dany taking down her enemies and going full mad queen until only one threat to her authority remains: her nephew-lover Jon Snow.

After Jon Snow murdered the love of his life and his aunt-love Dany mid-kiss, Drogon the last remaining dragon snapped. But instead of murdering the rightful heir to the Iron Throne, he destroyed the throne itself.

That left the heads of the seven kingdoms to decide who will become the new ruler of Westeros. Naturally Tyrion (Peter Dinklage) was the one who made the most influential suggestion for this weighty call. Not only did Tyrion recommend that Westeros’ leader should be chosen by the lords and ladies of its kingdoms instead of born into royalty, he also nominated the newly titled Bran the Broken (Isaac Hempstead Wright) to be the king of Westeros’ kingdoms. Well, all but one of them.

Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner) vowed to keep the North independent to prevent further war for her kingdom. After saying that he only came all this way to become king, Bran the Broken become leader of the six kingdoms.

So what’s going on with the rest of our heroes? Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) was sentenced to go back to the Night’s Watch while being forbidden from taking a wife and fathering children. Arya (Maisie Williams) decided to go explore what’s west of Westeros. As for Tyrion, he’s back to being the hand of the throne. In Tyrion’s own words, “No one is very happy, which means it’s a good compromise, I suppose.”

Long story short, Bran is the winner of most of this insane saga — and so is Sansa, the only leader who still has her throne. If those aren’t enough spoilers for you, we have you covered. Check out our breakdown of everyone who died in Game of Thrones‘ final season.

To everyone mourning over the deaths and incomplete storylines of your faves, we’re sorry. Twitter feels your pain. But to all of those Bran and Sansa fans out there, high fives all around.

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