The Unlikeliest Rulers in A Song of Ice and Fire

In the vast and complex world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, many characters rise to power through various means, some more believable than others. Among these is a unique group of individuals who become rulers despite their unorthodox origins and circumstances. In this article, we explore some of the most unlikely rulers in the series, excluding the kings and the most immediately apparent characters like Jon Snow, who is dead by the end of the book series.

Brandon Stark: The Youngest and Most Unexpected

Bringing us to the story, assuming Jon is no longer alive in the timeline, a strong argument can be made for Brandon Stark having risen to power in the unlikeliest manner. The second son and fourth child of Eddard and Catelyn Stark, Brandon would have had about as slim a chance as one could imagine to inherit the throne or any significant territory. Moreover, his disability, having lost the use of his legs after falling from a tower, would have made his ascent to power even more extraordinary.

Brandon's story is one of resilience and cunning. Despite being deemed unimportant and often overlooked, he managed to become a central figure in the narrative of the series. His unique abilities, likely stemming from the Stark legacy, allowed him to transcend his physical limitations and become a significant player in the events of the story. His rise to power is noteworthy not just because of his uncommon route but also because of the circumstances he faced.

Samwise Tarly: The Maester Who Became Grand Maester

Sam Tarly, while not a ruler per se, is another example of an unlikely protagonist. Unlike Jon Snow, who was taken by the Night's Watch at a young age and eventually became Lord Commander, Sam’s journey starts from a place of absolute rejection. Sam wanted to serve as a Maester, a role that requires taking two vows to avoid holding a title. However, circumstances led him to the role of Grand Maester, a position of great power and influence at only 19 years of age. His rise is a testament to the unexpected ways in which fate can shape one's life.

Ser Bronn of the Blackwater: A Commoner’s Path to Power

Speaking of unexpected characters, Ser Bronn of the Blackwater offers another compelling case. As a mere sellsword, Bronn’s rise to become the Lord of Stokeworth is nothing short of miraculous. His story details how he used his wits and martial prowess to carve out a domain for himself. If he were to claim the surrounding lordless lands, he could control the food supply, significantly impacting the Seven Kingdoms. This story is a clear example of how a commoner can rise to power through calculation and strategic thinking.

Littlefinger: A Son of Little or Nothing

Roose Bolton, also known as Royal Tommen’s Hand and the Littlefinger in the books, provides a classic example of an individual rising from nothing to something big. As the son of a minor and impoverished lord, Littlefinger rose to become the Master of Coin, Lord of Hareton, and effectively the acting Lord of the Reach. His route to power is a testament to the feudal social structure of Westeros and how an individual can leverage political connections, wealth, and cunning to achieve extraordinary levels of power.

Varys: From Slave to Powerful Council Member

Finally, Varys’s rise to power is perhaps one of the most dramatic, marking a journey from a lowly slave in Essos to a powerful member of the Council in Westeros. His story is one of stealth, intelligence, and the willingness to manipulate others. Varys’s path to power might be the most unconventional of all, as his initial circumstances seemed hopeless from the start, yet he rose to become one of the most influential figures in the Seven Kingdoms.

These characters, each with their unique stories, serve as a reminder that in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, the path to power is rarely straight or convenient. The stories of these unlikeliest rulers offer a rich tapestry of human resilience, cunning, and the unexpected.