Game of Thrones Season 8: The future of Westeros is finally revealed as a SHOCKING ruler takes the Iron Throne and the Mother of Dragons' fate is revealed in the EPIC feature length series finale
- WARNING: This article contains spoilers throughout
- After eight epic seasons, Game of Thrones came to a dramatic end on Sunday night with the highly-anticipated, feature-length series finale.
- The future of Westeros is set after a surprising turn of events leads to SHOCKING ruler taking the Iron Throne
- Many fans were still reeling after last week's The Bells, the deadliest episode in the show's history where Daenerys Targaryen destroyed King's Landing with one remaining dragon, Drogon
- The show has been averaging a whopping 43 million viewers per episode, through live viewings and HBO Go and HBO Now, an increase of more than 10 million viewers an episode from Season 7
- A series high 18.4 million viewers watched last week's episode The Bells either live or through HBO Go and HBO Now
After eight epic seasons, Game of Thrones came to a dramatic end on Sunday night with the highly-anticipated, feature-length series finale.
With a merciless Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), unleashing her fire and fury on King's Landing in penultimate episode The Bells, fans were left wondering who would finally sit on the Iron Throne when the dust had settled and the smoke had gradually cleared.
While fans expected a new ruler to take the Iron Throne in the series finale, the one who ultimately did take over as the new ruler of Westeros was not expected, with Bran Stark taking the crown.
New ruler: While fans expected a new ruler to take the Iron Throne in the series finale, the one who ultimately did take over as the new ruler of Westeros was not expected, with Bran Stark taking the crown.
Dany's done: Dany's rule was over before it really began, after being struck down by Jon Snow (Kit Harington) in a shocking turn of events
Dany's rule was over before it really began, after being struck down by Jon Snow (Kit Harington) in a shocking turn of events.
The recap of last week's episode begins with a reminder that Tyrion wanted Daenerys to give the people of King's Landing a chance to escape, which she didn't give them, leading into the iconic title sequence.
The episode begins with Tyrion Lannister walking around what's left of King's Landing, as small fires still burn around him.
He walks past a dead young girl, while a half naked man with charred flesh walks past him, saying nothing, as we see Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) walking behind Tyrion.
Tyrion: The episode begins with Tyrion Lannister walking around what's left of King's Landing, as small fires still burn around him
Charred: He walks past a dead young girl, while a half naked man with charred flesh walks past him, saying nothing, as we see Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Davos Seaworth (Liam Cunningham) walking behind Tyrion
Tyrion alone: They come to a stop, with Tyrion going off on his own, as Jon says it's not safe, wanting to send some men with him, but a downtrodden Tyrion says, 'I'm going alone'
They come to a stop, with Tyrion going off on his own, as Jon says it's not safe, wanting to send some men with him, but a downtrodden Tyrion says, 'I'm going alone.'
When Tyrion walks off, Jon and Davos find Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson), about to execute a group of Lannister soldiers, when Jon tries to stop him, but Grey Worm says his queen has ordered anyone following Queen Cersei must die.
A tense showdown ensues, with several unsullied warriors aiming their spears at Jon, but cooler heads prevail as Jon and Davos go to speak with Daenerys.
Showdown: A tense showdown ensues, with several unsullied warriors aiming their spears at Jon, but cooler heads prevail as Jon and Davos go to speak with Daenerys
Standoff: When Tyrion walks off, Jon and Davos find Grey Worm (Jacob Anderson), about to execute a group of Lannister soldiers, when Jon tries to stop him, but Grey Worm says his queen has ordered anyone following Queen Cersei must die
Tyrion goes into the Red Keep, or what's left of it, with rubble covering the floor where Cersei once had all of Westeros painted on it.
He goes into the basement with a torch, perhaps looking to see if his brother Jaime (Nikolaj Coster Waldau) and Queen Cersei (Lena Headey) had survived, when he finds Jaime's golden hand, not moving.
Tyrion starts breathing heavily, removing bricks one by one, when he sees the faces of his deceased siblings and breaks down and cries.
Westeros in rubble: Tyrion goes into the Red Keep, or what's left of it, with rubble covering the floor where Cersei once had all of Westeros painted on it
Discovery: He goes into the basement with a torch, perhaps looking to see if his brother Jaime (Nikolaj Coster Waldau) and Queen Cersei (Lena Headey) had survived, when he finds Jaime's golden hand, not moving
Breaking down: Tyrion starts breathing heavily, removing bricks one by one, when he sees the faces of his deceased siblings and breaks down and cries
He finds Jaime had died holding his sister/lover close, as Tyrion starts smashing bricks together, crying for his lost siblings, as the last remaining Lannister.
Outside King's Landing, Arya comes across a horde of Dothraki warriors, and her brother Jon Snow walking through the pack,leading to a formation of unsullied warriors.
Draped across what's left of the Red Keep is a large flag bearing the Targaryen family sigil, as Snow makes the long walk up the stairs of the Red Keep, where Grey Worm is waiting for him.
Sigil: Draped across what's left of the Red Keep is a large flag bearing the Targaryen family sigil, as Snow makes the long walk up the stairs of the Red Keep, where Grey Worm is waiting for him
Siblings: He finds Jaime had died holding his sister/lover close, as Tyrion starts smashing bricks together, crying for his lost siblings, as the last remaining Lannister
Formation: Outside King's Landing, Arya comes across a horde of Dothraki warriors, and her brother Jon Snow walking through the pack,leading to a formation of unsullied warriors
Dany: Daenerys speaks to her forces, saying they gave her the Seven Kingdoms, as they cheer for her while she turns to Grey Worm, and names him her new Master of War, for his faithful service
The screech of Drogon can be heard as the last dragon flies overhead, causing the Dothraki soldiers to cheer and raise their weapons.
While Daenerys' forces were decimated by the Battle of Winterfell and the Last War, it's clear she still is hundreds of soldiers ready to fight for her, Dothraki and unsullied alike.
Daenerys speaks to her forces, saying they gave her the Seven Kingdoms, as they cheer for her while she turns to Grey Worm, and names him her new Master of War, for his faithful service.
Forces: The screech of Drogon can be heard as the last dragon flies overhead, causing the Dothraki soldiers to cheer and raise their weapons
Speech: While Daenerys' forces were decimated by the Battle of Winterfell and the Last War, it's clear she still is hundreds of soldiers ready to fight for her, Dothraki and unsullied alike
New master: Daenerys speaks to her forces, saying they gave her the Seven Kingdoms, as they cheer for her while she turns to Grey Worm, and names him her new Master of War, for his faithful service
She then addresses the unsullied warriors, saying, surprisingly, that the war is not over, and she plans to 'liberate' everyone in the entire world, from Dorne to Qarth, as Tyrion and Jon look on, extremely worried.
'Will you break the wheel with me?' Daenerys asks her followers, as the Dothraki cheer and the unsullied stomp their spears into the ground.
After her speech, Tyrion joins Dany, who tells him, 'You freed your brother. You committed treason.'
'I freed my brother. And you slaughtered a city,' Tyrion responds, before taking off his Hand of the King emblem and tossing it down the stairs.
Break the wheel: 'Will you break the wheel with me?' Daenerys asks her followers, as the Dothraki cheer and the unsullied stomp their spears into the ground
Worried: Liberator: She then addresses the unsullied warriors, saying, surprisingly, that the war is not over, and she plans to 'liberate' everyone in the entire world, from Dorne to Qarth, as Tyrion and Jon look on, extremely worried
Treason: After her speech, Tyrion joins Dany, who tells him, 'You freed your brother. You committed treason'
Done: 'I freed my brother. And you slaughtered a city,' Tyrion responds, before taking off his Hand of the King emblem and tossing it down the stairs
Daenerys tells the unsullied soldiers to take him, as he's lead away, giving Jon Snow a very stern look while he leaves.
Daenerys and Jon exchange an icy glare before she walks away without Jon, but when she leaves, Arya joins Jon, who asks what she's doing there.
Arya says she came to kill Cersei but 'your queen got to her first.'
'She's everyone's queen now,' he tells Arya, who says that Dany knows Jon will always be a threat to her, adding that she knows a killer when she sees one.
Arya and Jon: Daenerys and Jon exchange an icy glare before she walks away without Jon, but when she leaves, Arya joins Jon, who asks what she's doing there
Knows a killer: 'She's everyone's queen now,' he tells Arya, who says that Dany knows Jon will always be a threat to her, adding that she knows a killer when she sees one
Jon goes back inside to see Tyrion, who asks if he has brought any wine, which he hasn't, but Tyrion thanks him for seeing him anyway.
'Now Varys' ashes can tell my ashes, "See, I told you so,' Tyrion jokes.
Tyrion asks Jon if there is life after death, due to his resurrection, but he says he saw none. Tyrion says that he chose his fate, but the people of King's Landing did not.
Jon says he wont' justify what she did, but he thinks the war is over, but Tyrion says, 'Does she sound like someone who has stopped fighting?'
No wine: Jon goes back inside to see Tyrion, who asks if he has brought any wine, which he hasn't, but Tyrion thanks him for seeing him anyway
Varys: 'Now Varys' ashes can tell my ashes, "See, I told you so,' Tyrion jokes
Life after death: Tyrion asks Jon if there is life after death, due to his resurrection, but he says he saw none. Tyrion says that he chose his fate, but the people of King's Landing did not
Not justified: Jon says he wont' justify what she did, but he thinks the war is over, but Tyrion says, 'Does she sound like someone who has stopped fighting?'
Tyrion thinks Varys was right, before they argue about what Daenerys did, when Tyrion asks Jon if he would have burned the city down, but Jon says he doesn't know.
'You won't say because you don't want to betray her, but you know,' Tyrion says.
Tyrion then breaks down all of the men she slaughtered, saying, 'Everywhere she goes, evil men die and we cheer her for it.'
'She believes her destiny is to build a better world for everyone. If you truly believed that, wouldn't you kill everyone who stood between you and paradise?' Tyrion says to Jon, who is trying to come to grips with who Daenerys really is.
Distraught: Tyrion thinks Varys was right, before they argue about what Daenerys did, when Tyrion asks Jon if he would have burned the city down, but Jon says he doesn't know
He takes a seat, as Tyrion approaches and says, 'I know you love her. I love her too. Not as successfully as you, but I believed in her, with all my heart. Love is more powerful than reason, we all know that, look at my brother.'
'Love is the death of duty,' Jon responds, which Tyrion adds, 'You just came up with that?' Jon responds that Maester Aemon came up with that a long time ago.
'You are the shield that guards the realms of men. You've always tried to do the right thing no matter the cost. Who's the greatest threat to the people now?' Tyrion says.
'Who is more dangerous than the rightful heir to the Iron Throne?' Tyrion adds, but Jon says, 'That's her decision. She is the queen. I'm sorry it came to this,' before leaving Tyrion, refusing to fulfill his destiny.
Before he leaves, Tyrion asks if his sisters will bend the knee, and he says they will obey the queen, but Tyrion disagrees, and says Jon has to choose, and he has to choose right now, before a guard comes and leads him out of Tyrion's cell.
Love duty: 'Love is the death of duty,' Jon responds, which Tyrion adds, 'You just came up with that?' Jon responds that Maester Aemon came up with that a long time ago
Love: He takes a seat, as Tyrion approaches and says, 'I know you love her. I love her too. Not as successfully as you, but I believed in her, with all my heart. Love is more powerful than reason, we all know that, look at my brother'
Decision: Before he leaves, Tyrion asks if his sisters will bend the knee, and he says they will obey the queen, but Tyrion disagrees, and says Jon has to choose, and he has to choose right now, before a guard comes and leads him out of Tyrion's cell
When Jon gets outside, it's snowing in the ruined King's Landing, when the dragon Drogon emerges from a pile of snow, getting very close to Jon before stepping aside as Jon goes in to see Daenerys.
Daenerys goes further into the Red Keep, and see that the Iron Throne is in fact still standing and intact, though the walls around it are gone.
She slowly makes her way to the Iron Throne, amid all of the rubble that surrounds it, thanks to her destruction, with a layer of snow coating the ground.
Dany smiles, full of pride, as she gets to the Iron Throne, reaching out to touch it for the first time, the throne made of the swords of the Kingdom's enemies, as she turns and finds Jon Snow approaching.
Snowy dragon: When Jon gets outside, it's snowing in the ruined King's Landing, when the dragon Drogon emerges from a pile of snow, getting very close to Jon before stepping aside as Jon goes in to see Daenerys
Dany and the Throne: Daenerys goes further into the Red Keep, and see that the Iron Throne is in fact still standing and intact, though the walls around it are gone
Snowy throne: She slowly makes her way to the Iron Throne, amid all of the rubble that surrounds it, thanks to her destruction, with a layer of snow coating the ground
Throne talk: 'When I was a girl, my brother told me it was made from a thousand swords made of Aegon's enemies,' but Jon challenges her about killing the Lannister men
'When I was a girl, my brother told me it was made from a thousand swords made of Aegon's enemies,' but Jon challenges her about killing the Lannister men.
Jon gets angry, saying there are children burning in the street, and Jon asks about Tyrion, saying he would forgive him, but Cersei says she cannot.
'We can't hide behind small mercies. The world we need won't be made by men loyal to the world we have,' Dany says.
Jon says this world needs to be made of mercy, and Dany insists it will be, but Jon has doubts about the other people who know what's good.
'Be with me. Build a new world with me,' Dany says. 'We do it together. We break the wheel together.'
'You are my queen, now and always,' Jon says, before they start passionately kissing.... until Jon drives a dagger into his Queen, killing her on the steps of the Iron Throne, as he breaks down and cries.
Angry: Jon gets angry, saying there are children burning in the street, and Jon asks about Tyrion, saying he would forgive him, but Cersei says she cannot
New world: Jon says this world needs to be made of mercy, and Dany insists it will be, but Jon has doubts about the other people who know what's good
Dany's death: 'You are my queen, now and always,' Jon says, before they start passionately kissing.... until Jon drives a dagger into his Queen, killing her on the steps of the Iron Throne, as he breaks down and cries
As he holds Daenerys' corpse, Drogon is heard screeching outside, flying around the Red Keep, as the Mother of Dragons lays dead in Jon Snow's arms.
Drogon walks up to Jon, getting very close to him, as Jon sets her down in the snow, looking at her corpse, before turning to face Drogon.
Drogon sniffs Dany's corpse, nudging it, with the dagger still stuck in her chest, as he screeches ans spreads his wings, while Jon stands his ground.
While fire comes out of his mouth, he does not direct it at Jon Snow, instead setting fire to the Iron Throne, melting these thousands of swords into molten lava that drips down the stairs.
Drogon picks up Daenerys' body and flies out of the Red Keep, clutching her corpse in its talons, as it flies away, perhaps towards Daenerys' ancestral home of Dragonstone.
Dead Dany: As he holds Daenerys' corpse, Drogon is heard screeching outside, flying around the Red Keep, as the Mother of Dragons lays dead in Jon Snow's arms
Snowy death: Drogon walks up to Jon, getting very close to him, as Jon sets her down in the snow, looking at her corpse, before turning to face Drogon
Dead mother: Drogon sniffs Dany's corpse, nudging it, with the dagger still stuck in her chest, as he screeches ans spreads his wings, while Jon stands his ground
Destroyed throne: While fire comes out of his mouth, he does not direct it at Jon Snow, instead setting fire to the Iron Throne, melting these thousands of swords into molten lava that drips down the stairs
Flying home: Drogon picks up Daenerys' body and flies out of the Red Keep, clutching her corpse in its talons, as it flies away, perhaps towards Daenerys' ancestral home of Dragonstone
The next scene finds Tyrion lying on the floor, when footsteps approach and the door is opened and Grey Worm arrives, taking Tyrion out in shackles.
Tyrion has seemingly been there for some time, since his beard has grown fuller, as he's lead outside, where he's met by a number of characters who represent all of the Seven Kingdoms.
Sansa and argue about why Jon Snow wasn't brought out, while Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan) argues that Jon Snow should be killed for killing Daenerys
Davos (Liam Cunningham) asks Grey Worm to take The Reach as his land, but Grey Worm disagrees, while Tyrion asks the assembled leaders to choose who will be the new king or queen of Westeros.
Angry Yara: Sansa and argue about why Jon Snow wasn't brought out, while Yara Greyjoy (Gemma Whelan) argues that Jon Snow should be killed for killing Daenerys
Tyrion and Grey Worm: Tyrion has seemingly been there for some time, since his beard has grown fuller, as he's lead outside, where he's met by a number of characters who represent all of the Seven Kingdoms
Laughing matter: Yohn Royce says they have to choose someone, but Samwell says the decision should be left to everyone, not just the leaders of the houses, which causes everyone to laugh
Yohn Royce says they have to choose someone, but Samwell says the decision should be left to everyone, not just the leaders of the houses, which causes everyone to laugh.
Tyrion is asked if he thinks it should be him, but he says he can't think of a worse choice, and when Davos asks him who he thinks should be queen, and he's been thinking for weeks about the future of Westeros.
'There's nothing in the world more powerful than a good story, nothing can stop it,' Tyrion begins. 'Who has a better story than Bran the Broken. The boy who fell from a high tower and lived.'
'He crawled beyond the wall and became the Three-Eyed Raven,' Tyrion continues. 'Who better to lead us into the future.
Sansa says Bran has no interest in ruling and cannot father children, but Tyrion thinks that's what makes him perfect. He lays out a plan that from now on, the lords and ladies will come to this very place to choose a new ruler.
Worst choice: Tyrion is asked if he thinks it should be him, but he says he can't think of a worse choice, and when Davos asks him who he thinks should be queen, and he's been thinking for weeks about the future of Westeros
Good story: 'There's nothing in the world more powerful than a good story, nothing can stop it,' Tyrion begins. 'Who has a better story than Bran the Broken. The boy who fell from a high tower and lived'
Bran the Broken: Sansa says Bran has no interest in ruling and cannot father children, but Tyrion thinks that's what makes him perfect. He lays out a plan that from now on, the lords and ladies will come to this very place to choose a new ruler
Tyrion asks Bran if he is chosen, would he rule to the best of his abilities, to which Bran answers, 'Why do you think I came all this way?'
Tyrion casts his vote, as does Samwell, and every other lord and lady assembled, as Sansa turns to him, proclaiming that the North will remain an independent kingdom, as it's been for thousands of years.
Bran gives his sister a nod, as Tyrion proclaims Bran the Broken as the new leader of the Six Kingdoms.
As Tyrion walks away, Bran names him Hand of the King, but he says he doesn't want it.
Grey Worm is not pleased, saying he is a criminal, but Bran thinks he will get justice by trying to fix all of the mistakes he's made. Grey Worm thinks it's not enough, which leads to Jon Snow going back to where he started - The Night's Watch.
All this way: Tyrion asks Bran if he is chosen, would he rule to the best of his abilities, to which Bran answers, 'Why do you think I came all this way?'
New ruler: Bran gives his sister a nod, as Tyrion proclaims Bran the Broken as the new leader of the Six Kingdoms
He will hold no lands, have no wife and bear no children, as as traditional for The Night's Watch, even if there are no white walkers to defend Westeros from.
Tyrion says there will always be a place for bastards and broken men.
Jon asks Tyrion if it was right what he did, saying it doesn't feel right, but Tyrion responds, 'Ask me again in 10 years,' but Jon thinks he won't see him again.
'A few years as hand of the king would make anyone want to piss off the edge of the world,' Tyrion responds.
Jon Snow is lead outside where ships are sailing away, as he exchanges a nasty look with Grey Worm atop a ship, who tells another soldier that they will sail to the Isle of Naarth, where his beloved (and deceased) Missandei (Nathalie Emmanuel) hailed from.
Back north: He will hold no lands, have no wife and bear no children, as as traditional for The Night's Watch, even if there are no white walkers to defend Westeros from
Heading home: Jon asks Tyrion if it was right what he did, saying it doesn't feel right, but Tyrion responds, 'Ask me again in 10 years,' but Jon thinks he won't see him again
Jon Snow walks up to meet Sansa, who says she wishes there could be another way, asking him to forgive her. He tells her the North is now free because of her.
He tells Arya that she can come see him at Castle Black, but she says she's not going back North. When asked where she's going, she asks 'What's West of Westeros?'
No one knows, and she says that's where all the maps stop, and that's where she's going, as Jon asks if she has her needle.
He then bows before King Bran the Broken, saying, 'I'm sorry I wasn't there where you needed me,' but Bran says, 'You were exactly where you were supposed to be.'
Jon gives his family a final look as he head to the small boat with the rest of his Night's Watch brothers.
Sansa: Jon Snow walks up to meet Sansa, who says she wishes there could be another way, asking him to forgive her. He tells her the North is now free because of her
Arya: He tells Arya that she can come see him at Castle Black, but she says she's not going back North. When asked where she's going, she asks 'What's West of Westeros?'
Bowing: He then bows before King Bran the Broken, saying, 'I'm sorry I wasn't there where you needed me,' but Bran says, 'You were exactly where you were supposed to be'
Back north: Jon gives his family a final look as he head to the small boat with the rest of his Night's Watch brothers
Inside, Brienne of Tarth is flipping through the pages of a large book, coming to a stop at Ser Jaime Lannister. She decides to add to his entry in the book, continuing his story where it left off in the book, with him being the Kingslayer.
'Died protecting his queen,' the final entry reads, as a conflicted Brienne puts the pen down and closes the book on Jaime Lannister.
Tyrion walks up to the room where the Small Council meetings were held, in less tumultuous times, and starts arranging the chairs, with his new Hand of the King emblem on his chest.
The door opens as Bronn (Jerome Flynn) enters with Davos and Samwell, who presents him with a large book, entitled A Song of Ice and Fire.
They all stand when Bran is wheeled into the room by Brienne, when Bran says they're missing a master of whisperers, master of war and another master.
Brienne: Inside, Brienne of Tarth is flipping through the pages of a large book, coming to a stop at Ser Jaime Lannister. She decides to add to his entry in the book, continuing his story where it left off in the book, with him being the Kingslayer
Jaime's story: 'Died protecting his queen,' the final entry reads, as a conflicted Brienne puts the pen down and closes the book on Jaime Lannister
Bran says he will try to find Drogon, who was last seen flying East, before leaving abruptly.
Bronn is now Master of Coin, with Davos as Master of Ships and Samwell as the Archmaester, as they get on about the business of rebuilding King's Landing and the rest of Westeros.
Jon Snow arrives back at Castle Black, where he's met by Tormund Giantsbane (Kristofer Hivju), as the gates are closed.
Arya is seen getting dressed for her long journey, bringing maps, telescope, her valyrian steel dagger, and, of course, needle, as Sansa is seen walking through the great hall in Winterfell, men bowing at her feet as the new Lady of Winterfell, as Jon Snow greets the wildlings in the north and Arya walks through various men on her ship west.
New hand: Tyrion walks up to the room where the Small Council meetings were held, in less tumultuous times, and starts arranging the chairs, with his new Hand of the King emblem on his chest
New small council: The door opens as Bronn (Jerome Flynn) enters with Davos and Samwell, who presents him with a large book, entitled A Song of Ice and Fire
New book: The door opens as Bronn (Jerome Flynn) enters with Davos and Samwell, who presents him with a large book, entitled A Song of Ice and Fire
Jon finally is reunited with his direwolf Ghost, as Arya looks out to the horizon while setting sail and Sansa has the crown of the North places on her head as she sits on her throne as her men chant 'Queen in the North.'
Jon goes outside the wall with Tormund on horseback as his dierwolf Ghost is out in front of them, with scores of wildlings following, as a small green sprout is seen growing up through the snow.
Jon looks back as the gate to Castle Black is shut, leading the wildlings back home, as the series comes to a close.
Fans will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the final season of Game of Thrones with the two-hour documentary, Game of Thrones: The Last Watch, airing Sunday, May 26 at 9 PM ET on HBO.
Reunited: Jon finally is reunited with his direwolf Ghost, as Arya looks out to the horizon while setting sail and Sansa has the crown of the North places on her head as she sits on her throne as her men chant 'Queen in the North'
Jon and the Wildlings: Jon goes outside the wall with Tormund on horseback as his dierwolf Ghost is out in front of them, with scores of wildlings following, as a small green sprout is seen growing up through the snow
Leading the wildlings: Jon looks back as the gate to Castle Black is shut, leading the wildlings back home, as the series comes to a close
GAME OF THRONES: A BREAKDOWN OF THE KEY PLAYERS
Here's where the key Game Of Thrones characters stand after an action-packed season of zombie-mobbing, dragon-torching and secret-revealing...
DAENERYS TARGARYEN
Is there anything more powerful than the Mother of Dragons aboard her favorite son firebombing the city of King's Landing into oblivion? Maybe the fan backlash. Daenerys went from flawed heroine to heel in the season's penultimate episode. That spawned Twitter outrage, a petition demanding a do-over, and perhaps regret among the hundreds of American parents who, according to the Social Security Administration, named their daughters Daenerys or Khaleesi back when she was breaking chains instead of burning innocents. Many viewers, however, thought it a logical, even inevitable, turn of events. The daughter of the Mad King had just seen her best friend beheaded, her longest-serving retainer killed in battle, and her cherished birthright cast in doubt by the man she loves. Now, having conquered the capital, with a ruthless army still intact and her dragon seemingly unstoppable, she has everything she once wanted, except Westeros' love. Having horrified her closest allies, will she hang on to it all? Unfortunately, fans of Dany saw her cut down by the man she loved, Jon Snow, after deciding he couldn't abide by her slaughter of innocents at King's Landing.
Emilia Clarke portraying Daenerys Targaryen
JON SNOW
Is it possible that after eight seasons, Jon Snow still knows nothing? Even after he rose to become lord commander of the Night's Watch, united enemies to fight the army of the dead, came back from death himself, and learned he's not a bastard but a Targaryen who should be heir to what's left of the Iron Throne, Jon appears to be as confused and aimless as when he began. He refused to force his birthright, yielding power to his queen, aunt and apparent ex-girlfriend Daenerys, and then watched helplessly as she burned King's Landing and most of its inhabitants. Will he find a way to rise once more and fight back against this destroyer version of Dany? While it looked like he was ready to obey his queen's every command early on in the episode (despite being horrified by her slaughter at King's Landing), he ultimately plunged a dagger through her chest, ending the Mother of Dragons' reign.
Kit Harington portraying Jon Snow
ARYA STARK
Arya could have wandered into the woods and disappeared halfway through the season and she would have retired a legend. She used her years of assassin training to kill the Night King when all seemed lost at the Battle of Winterfell, snatching the savior-of-humanity role from her big brother Jon Snow. She's killed most of those responsible for her mother and brother's slaughter at the Red Wedding. She even lost her virginity on her terms in a moment of mature empowerment rarely afforded to women in this world. (The thousands of parents who named their daughter Arya are feeling just fine.) But her role has become uncertain since. She turned away from her attempt to assassinate Queen Cersei in the last episode, and seemed to have sworn off a life of revenge. But then she became a firsthand witness to Daenerys' atrocities. Is there one last name on her kill list? It appears not, with Arya playing a largely passive role in the finale, setting sail for the unknown lands West of Westeros, to start a new life.
Maisie Williams portraying Arya Stark
SANSA STARK
Sansa sat out the last episode, and she chose the right one to miss, staying safely in the flame-free North at her family home. As the show's ultimate survivor - and the character who has grown and learned the most since she started as a prissy princess in waiting - it is easy to imagine her as ruler of an independent Winterfell should the finale play out that way. But the major figures of Dany and Jon still stand above her - and in her way. Sansa played a big role in the finale, at a tribunal of sorts between all of the lords and ladies of Westeros, where she declared the North an independent kingdom, giving Northerners the freedom they've been seeking for the entire series.
Sophie Turner portraying Sansa Stark
BRAN STARK
In the show's first episode, Bran was forced to behold a beheading. Since then, seeing things has become his specialty. He's become desensitized to looking on such horrors, assuming a mystical role as the Three-Eyed Raven, timeless seer of all. He's played a crucial role at various points in the story this season, revealing to his Jon his true identity, luring the Night King for his sister Arya to kill, and dispensing some essential bits of wisdom. Throughout the final season, there were a few scenes where Tyrion had expressed interest in knowing more about Bran, and that finally paid off in the finale, where Tyrion nominated Bran as the new king of Westeros, which he reluctantly accepted, ringing in a new era in Westeros.
Isaac Hempstead Wright portraying Bran Stark
TYRION LANNISTER
Tyrion has become an expert at survival and reinvention, but as Hand of the Queen he has failed miserably this season in trying to rein in Daenerys and steer her toward diplomacy over destruction. He was technically still in Daenerys' service when the last episode ended, and in one of very few images revealed of the finale, he is shown walking through the ruins of the city. He could take one last stab at counseling the seemingly now-mad queen, or maybe use his proximity to her to attempt a literal last stab and sacrifice himself to save the realm. While he had hoped to rid himself of a position like Hand of the King, declaring he could think of no worse candidate, new king Bran the Broken nominated him for the role, which he accepted, seen presiding over a Small Council meeting towards the end of the finale.
Peter Dinklage portraying Tyrion Lannister
CERSEI LANNISTER
Cersei stayed at the center of the action for the first seven seasons but had nearly nothing to do in the eighth, watching from a window and drinking wine as her fate played out. Part of this was by her own design - she and her army sat out the Battle of Winterfell with hopes her rivals would be so weakened by the army of the dead that she could hang on to her kingdom. Never a leader who inspired loyalty, she tried to use human shields to hang on to her throne. But Daenerys turned out to be just as ruthless, and that meant Cersei's end. Cersei was last seen clutching onto her brother Jaime Lannister in The Bells, and their corpses were discovered by Tyrion under a pile of rubble in the early moments of the series finale.
Lena Headey portraying Cersei Lannister
JAIME LANNISTER
Jaime found his redemption this season, then decided he didn't want it. He defied his twin sister Cersei and fought gallantly with his former enemies the Starks against the army of the dead. He used his own knighthood to bestow knight status on Brienne of Tarth in one of the most tear-jerking moments in the entire series. Then he and Brienne, who always brought out the best in him, became unlikely lovers. But only briefly. In the end, he wanted what he had declared to be his only need all along, the incestuous love of Cersei. The two of them were crushed under the wreckage of the Red Keep as they embraced, leaving the world touching each other, just as they had entered it. The finale's opening moments featured Tyrion discovering his siblings' corpses as he broke down and cried.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau portraying Jaime Lannister
With AP reporting
GAME OF THRONES MAP: A guide to all the cities and ruling families in the realm
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HBO's hit fantasy series Game of Thrones is coming to a close with Season 8, which has truly become a global phenomenon in more ways than one.
The series, which is set in the magical world of Westeros and Essos, has filmed all around the globe, shooting in a whopping 10 countries - Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Morocco, Malta, Spain, Croatia, Iceland, United States, Canada and Scotland.
The main production hub is in Belfast, Northern Ireland, home of Titanic Studios, which has six shooting stages that houses the sets used for iconic Westeros locations such as Winterfell, Castle Black, High Hall of the Eyrie, Sky Cells in teh Eyrie, House of Black and White, the Great Sept of Baelor, the Great Pyramid of Meereen Throne Room and perhaps the most iconic set of all, the King's Landing Throne Room.
Another primary location is Seville, Spain, which was used to film Sunspear in Dorne, the seat of House Martell's power, and Highgarden, home of House Tyrell.
Several locations in Croatia were used for King's Landing exteriors, primarily utilizing the city of Dubrovnik's medieval walls, and for other locations in the Essos port city of Meereen, along with Gradac Park, the site of the Purple Wedding.
Malta was used as one of the primary locations in the first season, with portions of King's Landing and the free city of Pentos filmed there, though the production did not return to Malta after Season 1.
The last primary location is Iceland, where they film a lot of locations set north of The Wall.
The eighth and final season filmed in Northern Ireland, Spain, Iceland and Canada.
GAME OF THRONES CAST SAY FAREWELL TO THE HIT SERIES
With Game of Thrones coming to an end on Sunday night, several members of the cast took to social media to give the series a fond farewell.
Sophie Turner shared two behind the scenes pics with her cast mates on Instagram, along with a touching tribute to her Sansa character.
'Sansa, Thank you for teaching me resilience, bravery and what true strength really is. Thank you teaching me to be kind and patient and to lead with love. I grew up with you. I fell in love with you at 13 and now 10 years on.. at 23 I leave you behind, but I will never leave behind what you've taught me,' she began.
Sophie's farewell: Sophie Turner shared two behind the scenes pics with her cast mates on Instagram, along with a touching tribute to her Sansa character
'To the show and the incredible people who make it, thank you for giving me the best life and drama lessons I could have ever asked for,' she continued.
'Without you I wouldn't be the person I am today. Thank you for giving me this chance all those years ago. And finally to the fans. Thank you for falling in love with these characters and supporting this show right through till the end. I'll miss this more than anything,' she concluded.
Emilia Clarke also took to her Instagram to share more behind the scenes snaps, along with a heartfelt message of her own.
Emilia says goodbye: Emilia Clarke also took to her Instagram to share more behind the scenes snaps, along with a heartfelt message of her own
'Finding the words to write this post has left me overwhelmed with how much I want to say but how small words feel in comparison to what this show and Dany have meant to me,' the actress began.
'The mother of dragons chapter has taken up the whole of my adult life. This woman has taken up the whole of my heart. I've sweated in the blaze of dragon fire, shed many tears at those who left our family early, and wrung my brain dry trying to do Khaleesi and the masterful words, actions (and names) I was given, justice,' she added.
'Game of Thrones has shaped me as a woman, as an actor and as a human being. I just wish my darling dad was here now to see how far we've flown,' she continued.
Overwhelmed: 'Finding the words to write this post has left me overwhelmed with how much I want to say but how small words feel in comparison to what this show and Dany have meant to me,' the actress began
'But to you, dear kind magical fans, I owe you so much thanks, for your steady gaze at what we've made and what I've done with a character that was already in the hearts of many before I slipped on the platinum wig of dreams. Without you there is no us. And now our watch has ended,' she concluded.
John Bradley, who has played Samwell Tarly since the first season, took to Instagram on Sunday morning to share the first 'rehearsal and prep schedule' for the first season, which he recently unearthed.
'So tonight we have our very last episode. It's the final step of a long and wonderful journey. A journey that, for me, started at 10am on Monday 19th of July 2010,' Bradley began.
Dear fans: 'But to you, dear kind magical fans, I owe you so much thanks, for your steady gaze at what we've made and what I've done with a character that was already in the hearts of many before I slipped on the platinum wig of dreams. Without you there is no us. And now our watch has ended,' she concluded
'I know this because recently I found my rehearsal and prep schedule for season 1, week 1. This was given to me when I landed in Belfast for the first time, weeks before we even started shooting. Listed here is the rehearsal where I first met Kit, and the first time I wore the costume that's seen me through 8 seasons,' Bradley continued.
'I'm glad I kept this. I met so many people that week who have come to mean so much to me. Back then we couldn't have known the journey we'd go on together. I wouldn't swap that experience, or those people, for the world. Enjoy the episode and thanks for everything,' he concluded, along with three heart emojis.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau decided to post a video to his Instagram, where he shared his thoughts about the series finale episode.
Early schedule: John Bradley, who has played Samwell Tarly since the first season, took to Instagram on Sunday morning to share the first 'rehearsal and prep schedule' for the first season, which he recently unearthed
Several cast members also sat down with People, to share their thoughts about their final day on the set, filming Game of Thrones.
'It was exciting and sad and overwhelming,' she said. 'Being a part of Thrones has undoubtedly brought more opportunity than I'd ever dreamt of and for that I am eternally grateful.'
Gwendoline Christie, who plays Brienne of Tarth, said she tried to hold off on crying for as long as possible.
''I remember thinking that I wasn't going to humiliate myself by crying,' she said. 'Because they filmed it for the behind-the-scenes documentary.'
Sophie Turner said she remembered crying quite a bit on her final day, after her final take of the series.
'I remember just crying and crying and crying,' said Turner. 'I think the most memorable thing was that I knew that [the end] was coming so I was waiting for them to say, 'Cut.' They would say 'Cut!' and I would think, 'Oh my God this is it,' and I'd start crying. And then they'd say, 'Moving on to the next setup.' And then I'd have to be like, 'Okay. Keep it together. Keep it together.' I just remember just being on the edge of tears all day.'
Happier times: Sophie Turner said she remembered crying quite a bit on her final day, after her final take of the series
GAME OF THRONES FANS REACT TO THE SERIES FINALE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
SPOILERS: There will be SPOILERS for the series finale of Game of Thrones below so read on at your own risk.
HBO aired the series finale of Game of Thrones on Sunday night, and fans didn't hesitate to share their reactions on social media.
Fans have wondered for eight seasons who would sit on the Iron Thone, and they were given a surprising answer, Bran Stark (Isaac Hempstead Wright).
Bran, who was crippled in the pilot episode by Jaime Lannister after Bran saw his incestuous tryst with Cersei, went on to become the Three Eyed Raven, and he was nominated by Tyrion to take over as the new King of Westeros.
Fans certainly took note of the shocking move, with one fan named Emma posting a wheelchair meme, adding, 'Bran on his way to claim the throne.'
Another fan was surprised that Bran ascended to the throne, stating that Bran 'does nothing for eight seasons and becomes king,' while Jon Snow, 'saves the world twice and gets sent to Castle Black' for his efforts.
Another fan made light of Drogon destroying the Iron Throne after Jon Snow murdered the Mother of Dragons during a kiss, stating, 'Drogon said if my mom can't have the Iron Throne no one can period.'
Drogon: Another fan made light of Drogon destroying the Iron Throne after Jon Snow murdered the Mother of Dragons during a kiss, stating, 'Drogon said if my mom can't have the Iron Throne no one can period.'
Other fans straight up just voiced their displeasure, with one stating, 'Me thinking about all the hours I've spent on GOT to be given that trash finale.'
Another compared the finale to Bran being thrown out of a window, which he said represented the show as a whole being thrown out of a window.
Others were at a loss for words, including one fan who said, 'I don't know what to say I'm just-'
Trash: Other fans straight up just voiced their displeasure, with one stating, 'Me thinking about all the hours I've spent on GOT to be given that trash finale.'
While this season has been controversial, it has been the most-watched season to date.
The show has averaged a whopping 43 million viewers per episode, through live viewings and VOD platforms, 10 million more per episode than last year.
Fans who want to go behind the scenes of Game of Thrones can tune in next Sunday, May 26, when HBO airs the two-hour documentary Game of Thrones: The Last Watch.
Take a look at our favorite social media reactions from the Game of Thrones finale below.
Throne claim: A tweet showed video of a man hustling in a wheelchair with the caption reading 'Bran on his way to claim the throne' as Twitter lit up Sunday for the Game Of Thrones finale
Deep thought: A viewer showed Captain Kirk of Star Trek thinking about the fate of Bran and Jon Snow
Melted down: A Twitter user reacted to Drogon melting the Iron Throne after Dany's death
Trash finale: A viewer of the HBO shared their disappointment with the 'trash finale'
Last episode: Another tweet made fun of the 'parallels of Bran being thrown out a window in the first episode and the show being thrown out a window in the last episode'
Stunned silence: The ending of the HBO fantasy show left some in stunned silence
Drastically different: Fans also took to Twitter to note their dismay over the series coming to an end with @amanda_tersigni tweeting that life was going to be 'drastically different'
Life after: The hit HBO show had fans wondering how they would survive without it
Dramatic entrance: Dany made a dramatic entrance in the series finale with her dragon Drogon unfurling its wings behind her
Color coding: A tweet showed how Arya Stark was going to explain to Jon Snow why she had to kill Dany with the use of color coding
Slow roll: A tweet shared a clip of a youth crying and compared it to the sight of seeing Tyrion weeping over his brother Jaime's dead body
So finally, Bran was the three eyed raven for no r...
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