Game Of Thrones: Who Won The Great War?

The question of who ultimately won the Great War in Game of Thrones is a complex one, sparking debate among fans even years after the show's conclusion. While the Army of the Dead, led by the Night King, posed an existential threat to all of Westeros, their defeat at the Battle of Winterfell doesn't necessarily equate to a clear victory for any single faction. To truly understand the outcome, we need to examine the state of Westeros before, during, and after the war, considering the sacrifices made, the power dynamics shifted, and the ultimate consequences for the major players.

The Night King's Threat and the Alliance Against Him

The primary antagonist of the Great War was undoubtedly the Night King. This ancient entity, created by the Children of the Forest as a weapon against the First Men, had amassed a vast army of wights and White Walkers, threatening to plunge Westeros into an eternal winter. His motives were shrouded in mystery, seemingly driven by a desire to extinguish all life and erase the memory of the world. The threat he posed was so immense that it forced the warring factions of Westeros to set aside their differences, at least temporarily, and unite against a common enemy. Daenerys Targaryen, with her dragons and Unsullied army, Jon Snow, with his knowledge of the Night King's weaknesses and his leadership among the Northern houses, and the combined forces of the North, the Vale, and even some elements of the Lannister army, all played crucial roles in the defense of Winterfell.

The Battle of Winterfell: A Pyrrhic Victory

The Battle of Winterfell was a brutal and devastating clash. The living suffered heavy losses, and while Arya Stark's assassination of the Night King secured a tactical victory, it came at a great cost. Key characters like Jorah Mormont and Lyanna Mormont perished, and the morale of the surviving soldiers was undoubtedly shaken. While the immediate threat of the Night King was eliminated, the war had weakened the North significantly, leaving them vulnerable to further conflict. Daenerys's forces also suffered substantial losses, diminishing her overall strength and contributing to her growing paranoia and isolation. In essence, the victory at Winterfell was a pyrrhic victory, one that inflicted such a heavy toll on the victors that it was almost equivalent to a defeat.

Daenerys Targaryen's Claim and the Mad Queen's Descent

With the Night King defeated, the focus shifted back to the Iron Throne. Daenerys Targaryen, having sacrificed much to aid the North, believed she was the rightful heir and deserved to rule Westeros. However, her claim was challenged by Jon Snow's true identity as Aegon Targaryen, a legitimate male heir with a stronger claim to the throne. This revelation, coupled with the growing love and respect the people of Westeros held for Jon, fueled Daenerys's insecurities and paranoia. She felt increasingly isolated and unappreciated, leading her to make a series of questionable decisions that culminated in the devastation of King's Landing.

The Sack of King's Landing: A Moral Defeat

Daenerys's decision to burn King's Landing, despite the city's surrender, marked a turning point in her character arc and solidified her descent into madness. This act of unspeakable cruelty alienated her remaining allies, including Jon Snow, and shattered any remaining hope of her being a benevolent ruler. While she technically achieved her goal of seizing the Iron Throne, the manner in which she did so rendered her victory hollow and morally reprehensible. The burning of King's Landing not only cost countless innocent lives but also destroyed much of the city's infrastructure and historical landmarks, leaving Westeros in a state of further chaos and despair. From a moral standpoint, Daenerys's actions constituted a significant defeat for her and her claim to the throne.

The Aftermath: A New Beginning or More of the Same?

Following Daenerys's assassination at the hands of Jon Snow, the question of who would rule Westeros remained unresolved. The remaining lords and ladies of Westeros convened to decide the fate of the Seven Kingdoms, ultimately choosing Bran Stark, the Three-Eyed Raven, as their king. Bran's unique ability to see the past, present, and future was seen as an asset, allowing him to rule with wisdom and foresight. However, his detached and somewhat emotionless demeanor raised concerns about his ability to connect with the people and understand their needs.

Bran the Broken: A Compromise Candidate

Bran's ascension to the throne was largely a compromise, a way to avoid further conflict and establish a new order. He wasn't necessarily the most popular choice, but he represented a neutral figure who could unite the fractured kingdoms. His first acts as king included granting the North its independence, appointing Tyrion Lannister as his Hand, and tasking his council with rebuilding Westeros. While Bran's reign promised stability and a focus on long-term planning, it also lacked the charisma and dynamism needed to inspire true change. Whether his rule would ultimately lead to a better future for Westeros remained to be seen.

So, Who Really Won?

Ultimately, there's no single winner of the Great War in Game of Thrones. The Night King was defeated, but at a tremendous cost. Daenerys achieved her goal of taking the Iron Throne, but her actions ultimately led to her downfall. Bran was crowned king, but his reign was uncertain. Perhaps the closest thing to a winner was the people of Westeros, who survived the Long Night and had the opportunity to rebuild their lives. However, even their victory was bittersweet, marked by loss, trauma, and the lingering threat of future conflicts.

The Real Winner: The People of Westeros

If we had to pick a winner, it would be the people of Westeros. They endured the Long Night, witnessed unimaginable horrors, and suffered immense losses. Yet, they persevered, demonstrating resilience and a determination to rebuild their lives. The new small council, with Tyrion at the helm, promised a more just and equitable society, one that prioritized the needs of the common people. While the future remained uncertain, the people of Westeros had earned the right to hope for a better tomorrow. Their survival, their resilience, and their unwavering spirit represented a true victory in the face of overwhelming adversity. They are the unsung heroes of the Great War, the ones who will ultimately determine the fate of Westeros.

In conclusion, while the Great War in Game of Thrones saw the defeat of the Night King and the rise of a new king, the true victory belonged to the people of Westeros. Their survival, their resilience, and their unwavering spirit represent a testament to the human capacity to overcome even the darkest of times. The story serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming odds, hope can endure, and that the future is ultimately shaped by those who dare to rebuild and strive for a better world. The question of who won the Great War is therefore not about individual glory or political power, but about the collective strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of existential threat.