As narratively intricate, thematically rich and grown up as ASOIAF is, there is still a child in me that gets caught up in the medieval romanticism when reading about the series' kings and queens... before I remember that they are, of course, unelected rulers seizing and retaining power through aggression and fear rather than through the consent and support of those they govern.
Accepting the current model of government, which would-be rulers have wanted to hold the top job for the 'right' reasons? Who has had the nearest thing to a mandate? Who has the most worthy policies, values and character? Who thinks they would actually do the best job?
I don't count birthright as being the 'right' reason. Ditto vague prophecies. So I'd rule out Dany. Joff too. Tommen as well.
Stannis would be a decent ruler, but has no popular support; just retainers, cult-followers and small-time lords.
Respect to the Iron Islands for at least meeting and mooting for a king - closest thing this world comes to an election. But the Ironborn all just want to be king for their own sake.
Not sure 'Aegon' counts? Or Jon. Or Mance.
Robb and Renly have struck me as the most worthy characters that have gone in for a spot of kinging. They seemed to genuinely want to be king for the good of their people and realm.
They saw the king's role as serving the people, and seemed relatively respected and popular amongst nobles and commoners alike.
What do you think?
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Who wants to be king for the 'right' reasons?
Started by
Northern Soul
, Mar 16 2012 07:37 PM
176 replies to this topic
#2
The Swaggering Bravo
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Posted 16 March 2012 - 07:44 PM
I believe that Mance made a good king, he put so much work into doing what he did for the survival of the Wildlings. But yes, aside from a select few Essos governments (Props to Volantis' Triumvirate) an elected ruler is almost unheard of. Robb was basically chosen to rule by his bannermen, Euron chosen at the moot, and Renly was beloved and understood that bloodline is no right to power - if for the wrong reasons.
#3
Quint
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Squire
Posted 16 March 2012 - 07:50 PM
I think Stannis would be the best king considering how he feels that it is his duty not his right. Besides although Aegon has been groomed to rule he IS still a boy out for glory whereas Stannis has seen and fought many wars and is one of the few people left in Westeros that can lead men against the Others
#4
Thunderfist
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Posted 16 March 2012 - 08:03 PM
Mance Rayder wanted to be king for the right reasons. Robb Stark never wanted to be king, it just happened. Stannis doesn´t want to be king, he is the king!
#5
Mark Antony
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Posted 16 March 2012 - 08:05 PM
well it is Stannis' throne by "right".
#6
chris999
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Posted 16 March 2012 - 08:08 PM
All of them have their faults, but I think that Stannis would make the best king. He is fair and just.
#7
A Free Shadow
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Posted 16 March 2012 - 08:13 PM
I think people would have liked to have Renly for their king the most. Renly would not have been harsh and people would like his youth and charms. Practically no common person sees their king in their lives, so if he is not taking things from them and is nice to talk about, it will do. Smallfolk would feel included in some sort of a party only by talking about His Shiny Grace 
Margaery and Olenna would have made sure that he would not be taken advantage off and all.
Stannis could be the best now, but he must patiently build upon his few current advatages. Because things he has to offer, people start to value only in time.
Margaery and Olenna would have made sure that he would not be taken advantage off and all.Stannis could be the best now, but he must patiently build upon his few current advatages. Because things he has to offer, people start to value only in time.
#8
Apple Martini
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Fetch Me A Block
Posted 16 March 2012 - 10:19 PM
I think Stannis comes the closest, in that when he says he really doesn't want to be king but wants to fulfill the law, I actually believe him.
#10
LuisDantas
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Morituri Delendi
Posted 16 March 2012 - 10:47 PM
Regard the OP's question, those would be Renly and Robb. Stannis is categorically NOT in my list.
#11
butterbumps!
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Posted 16 March 2012 - 10:52 PM
LuisDantas, on 16 March 2012 - 10:47 PM, said:
Regard the OP's question, those would be Renly and Robb. Stannis is categorically NOT in my list.
Why's that?
#12
Howling Mad
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Desecrating the old gods one tree at a time
Posted 16 March 2012 - 11:18 PM
Stannis has the best claim to the throne and the best fool in Patchface (man I hate that character)
#13
TheStarvedMan
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Posted 16 March 2012 - 11:33 PM
I don't think anyone is in it for the right reasons, but I think Stannis would do the best job.
#14
The GreatRon
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Posted 17 March 2012 - 12:01 AM
Stannis
If it isnt Mel or Davos telling him what to do he doesnt give a shit, thats a good trait to have in KL apparently.
Also being the only one to show up at the wall and actually defend the realm from a legit threat was pretty kingly
If it isnt Mel or Davos telling him what to do he doesnt give a shit, thats a good trait to have in KL apparently.
Also being the only one to show up at the wall and actually defend the realm from a legit threat was pretty kingly
Edited by The GreatRon, 17 March 2012 - 12:03 AM.
#16
JKeats
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Posted 17 March 2012 - 12:52 AM
Stannis. He pursues the throne out of duty, for justice, and to confront the Others.
That puts him leagues ahead of everybody else, even relatively decent rivals like Robb and Dany.
That puts him leagues ahead of everybody else, even relatively decent rivals like Robb and Dany.
#17
Know Face Man
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Posted 17 March 2012 - 03:00 AM
Stannis doesn't want to be King but he feel he has too being Roberts heir. That makes him a King for the right reason.
Robb was picked as King he didn't proclaim himself King, in my mind that is a reason to be King. If your people pick you to rule then its (Rightful)
Mace doesn't claim to be King of the 7 Kingdoms, only King to his people. (Rightful)
Robb was picked as King he didn't proclaim himself King, in my mind that is a reason to be King. If your people pick you to rule then its (Rightful)
Mace doesn't claim to be King of the 7 Kingdoms, only King to his people. (Rightful)
Edited by Know Face Man, 17 March 2012 - 03:02 AM.
#18
TheFlayedMan
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Posted 17 March 2012 - 03:30 AM
Tommen Baratheon.
Somebody has to make a stand against beets.
Somebody has to make a stand against beets.
#19
Ser Leo Targaryen
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Posted 17 March 2012 - 03:46 AM
WuTangWesteros, on 16 March 2012 - 08:05 PM, said:
well it is Stannis' throne by "right".
If we are talking about birth rights, the throne is Dany's, and not Stannis'. Or YG's, considering he really is who he claims to be...
But I'd give my vote to Renly. I think he's the only one who actually understood what being king meant!
Robb had a good sense of justice and duty, just as Jon does. But as Starks, they are not flexible to handle de court and its games and intrigues...
Every character tends to believe Stannis is too "hard" to be king, and I kinda agree with that...
Edited by Ser Leo Targaryen, 17 March 2012 - 03:47 AM.
#20
TheFlayedMan
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Posted 17 March 2012 - 03:50 AM
Ser Leo Targaryen, on 17 March 2012 - 03:46 AM, said:
If we are talking about birth rights, the throne is Dany's, and not Stannis'. Or YG's, considering he really is who he claims to be...
But I'd give my vote to Renly. I think he's the only one who actually understood what being king meant!
Robb had a good sense of justice and duty, just as Jon does. But as Starks, they are not flexible to handle de court and its games and intrigues...
Every character tends to believe Stannis is too "hard" to be king, and I kinda agree with that...
But I'd give my vote to Renly. I think he's the only one who actually understood what being king meant!
Robb had a good sense of justice and duty, just as Jon does. But as Starks, they are not flexible to handle de court and its games and intrigues...
Every character tends to believe Stannis is too "hard" to be king, and I kinda agree with that...
The Targaryen dynasty is no longer on the throne. Remember the little rebellion?
