Bran Stark’s Odds to Rule Westeros at End of Season 8 Continue to Improve

• Bran Stark’s odds of ruling Westeros at the end of Game of Thrones have been shortened once again
• The latest price adjustment is rumored to be a result of leaks that are spreading all over the Internet
• Is there a reason to wager on Bran, or is there a better bet?

It’s starting to feel like the end of Game of Thrones has been spoiled. Bran Stark (AKA the weirdest dude in Westeros), is back to being the favorite to rule the Seven Kingdoms when the epic series concludes, despite never showing any interest in power.

Who Will Rule Westeros at the End of Game of Thrones?

*All odds taken 05/09/19

Bran was +200 to rule Westeros following the most recent Game of Thrones episode, but leaks have been swirling around the Internet about how the show will end, and it’s believed the price adjustment is a result of that. This makes sense because nothing in his arc so far through seven and a half seasons suggests he’d be any kind of suitable ruler.

When you try to hold a conversation with Bran Stark. #GameOfThrones pic.twitter.com/6R7tyURsEy

— Jason Pinter (@jasonpinter) May 6, 2019

Bran is the Most Frustrating Character in the Show

If Bran winds up the big winner at the end of Game of Thrones, fans around the world will be livid and for good reason. The show has done a poor job explaining his purpose and what he’s been doing in the most important moments, like during the battle of Winterfell.

Aside from a brief reveal in Season 8, episode 2 that Bran is the world’s memory, the audience doesn’t have a clear picture of what his intentions are or what kind of role he’ll play in the Last War.

The theory that he was the Night King has been squashed, and the new buzz online is that he’s actually the Lord of Light.

While that may still be possible, there isn’t enough time remaining in the series to properly explain it, and it would also bring more fantasy elements back into play, something the show has been trying to move away from.

Why Bran’s Role Could Be Reduced

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve likely noticed that Game of Thrones has shifted back to being a political show. The Night King is gone, the Lord of Light’s disciple’s are dead, and Ghost has been shipped up North. The only true fantasy element that remains are the dragons, and their numbers have been slashed by 66.66%.

Rhaegal, his last seconds of life, he deserved much more… ??#GameofThrones pic.twitter.com/gTGdB6AG2G

— Viserion (@Viserion_11) May 7, 2019

The show’s shift in direction could actually reduce Bran’s role because he’s only useful when he’s channeling his magical powers to travel through time.

Isaac Hempstead Wright, the actor who plays Bran, said it best: “He doesn’t sit there judging. He doesn’t sit there advising. He just sits there keeping an eye on history and time.”

This to me sounds like someone who’s more likely to spend his time sitting outside in the Godswood, than in Westeros ruling the Seven Kingdoms.

Don’t Back Bran to Rule

Ultimately, it would be a real stomach punch to fans if Bran ends up ruling Westeros because nothing about it adds up. He has no claim to the Iron Throne and has shown zero interest in pursuing power. He said it himself in the last episode: “I don’t really want, mostly I live in the past”, and maybe that’s the reason why he might make a compelling ruler.

It would be a real stomach punch to fans if Bran ends up ruling Westeros because nothing about it adds up.

Recall what Varys said last episode: “Have you considered the best ruler might be someone who doesn’t want to rule.” While I can see how that applies to Bran, I just can’t fathom a scenario that sees him rise to that level, and would rather take the longer odds on his sister Sansa.

sansa stark may not have dragons but she’s still roasting pic.twitter.com/zmEIVE2sSA

— ellie (@odairannies) May 7, 2019

At the moment, she’s seeing the board more clearly than anyone else, and while they’re all playing checkers she’s playing chess. She’s proven herself as a capable leader in the North, and she could easily fulfill the role of the younger Queen in Cersei’s prophecy, that replaces her on the throne.

Pick: Sansa Stark (+275)