Question about Season 1 poster (Ned Stark on the Iron Throne)

[buratheon]

Hello, everyone. I was just curious as to how people interpret this Ned Stark poster from the first season where he's sitting on the Iron Throne and looking down to his left:

A friend of mine said it reflects how after Ned saw Jaime kill Aerys II, Ned held the throne until Robert arrived. He said that incident should be juxtaposed with when Cersei told Ned that he was a fool for giving the throne to Robert.

I myself interpret the poster to mean simply that Ned was the best ruler Westeros never had.

Is there any "official" interpretation (that is, from GRR Martin?) And does anyone else have any interpretation for the poster? Thanks. I was just very curious about the significance of the poster or any meanings it might have.

[cuendillar]

It might just be to juxtapose the character and object/title season one revolves around. It does not have to be a hidden meaning beyond that.

[waaimasjien]

Uh, the poster is designed to say "this is a new HBO show that has Sean Bean and swords and a raven and it's real gritty and cool so if you like that kind of thing you should probably get an HBO subscription now thanks".

[Indigocell]

I also don't think there is much to read into with this poster... However, I still think it is fun to do so. :)

I wonder what Ned was thinking while he held the throne, could he have actually refused Robert? I'm also starting to wonder about the implications of Ned briefly holding it once more while Robert was hunting. Will it have a lasting positive and/or negative impact on the realm?

I feel like he looks kind of sad and very contemplative here. Probably thinking about his sister.

[Koi No Yokan]

He's musing about his life as a Targaryen double-agent.

[Fightbringer]

i thought it was just intended to encapsulate what the show is about- badassness(the iron throne and a fucking big sword and sean bean) politics (the throne again) and the conflict between good and evil as GRRM would put it 'within the human heart' as ned looks as if he is deep in thought on something like that

[Nudu]

He is the Hand of the King so it is his right to sit on that chair. Problem?

[blood of the dragoon]

Uh, the poster is designed to say "this is a new HBO show that has Sean Bean and swords and a raven and it's real gritty and cool so if you like that kind of thing you should probably get an HBO subscription now thanks".

Cynical, but yes

[Lord Bronn of Sunspear]

Since we've seen not only Ned sit the IT, but most of the characters, whether it be posters, promo clips, whatever, I think its to empesise the "game" and that anyone can win. Being a S1 poster, before you-know-who loses his you-know-what, its implying that Ned could win. Or Tyrion, or Baelish, or Jon Snow (the other characters i can think of that ive seen in the throne).

[Ser Uncle P]

the only time Ned sat on the throne( in either book or show) was to pronounce sentence on Gregor and summon Tywin to court.

At that time his leg was in a cast after being mugged, so I dont think the poster represents a specific point in time, rather just show the elements of the show in a memorable image

[Grandpa House]

I think the the simple two answers are:

1) showing a man who clearly has taken on responsibilities that he is reluctant to

2) the obvious bait/switch/twist. everyone has talked about how Ned died yet "He was on the show's poster!"

[Sword of the Mid-Afternoon]

Uh, the poster is designed to say "this is a new HBO show that has Sean Bean and swords and a raven and it's real gritty and cool so if you like that kind of thing you should probably get an HBO subscription now thanks".

i think thats it

[Sword of the Mid-Afternoon]

It's called advertising a known face (Sean Bean)

[2fingers]

I thought it was just Ned Stark sitting on the Iron Throne and looking like he wants to be 100 miles away from the throne. Kind of like Arnold in Conan...you see him as King Conan...and not liking it one bit.