The Winterfell Catastrophe: A New Drama in 'Game of Thrones'

In the climactic moments of the upcoming Game of Thrones series, if Jon and Daenerys lost 99% of their army instead of 50% at Winterfell, the final three episodes would indeed be rife with tension and drama. This catastrophic battle would alter many of the narrative threads and set the stage for a radically different conclusion.

A New Landscape in Winterfell

With almost their entire army lost at Winterfell, Jon and Daenerys find themselves in a dire position. The loss leaves them with no means to enforce their will, forcing them to scrounge up a couple of thousand men and prepare for a grim final stand within the walls of Winterfell. The arrival of Cersei's forces, including the Golden Company and the Lannister army, exacerbates the situation, leaving Jon and Daenerys utterly vulnerable.

The Role of Dragons

Despite the overwhelming odds, Daenerys remains hopeful, counting on her remaining two dragons to hold back the opposing forces. Her plan is to hold the walls of Winterfell while Drogon and Rhaegal, ridden by Daenerys and Jon, come from behind to destroy the scorpions and Lannister army. However, even if Daenerys and the dragons manage to create a diversion, the loss of so much of their support makes clear that Daenerys cannot rule alone.

The Turning Point: Arya Stark

The only real threat to Cersei is the potential for Arya Stark to assassinate her. Arya's role becomes critical; if she can deliver the final blow to Cersei, her death would ensure that Jaime is the new king. With his better judgment, Jaime may seek peace, but if he refuses the throne, he would likely call for a Great Council to decide the new king, potentially leading to a power struggle.

Power Struggles and New Alliances

The absence of Daenerys' dragons and much of her support leads to a new landscape where other forces come into play. Euron Greyjoy might seize power with his nearly untouched forces and vie for the throne. This move would likely prompt a conflict between the Greyjoys and the rest of Westeros, including the largely untouched Dornish and Reach armies. Whoever manages to win over the support of these powerful factions will be the new king.

Dorne and the Reach

Dorne, under the leadership of theupdatedAt spearhead, would likely pose a strong front against Euron. With an estimated 20,000 men, they would be a formidable force. Similarly, the Reach, having been convinced by Randyll Tarly to back Cersei, would likely reconsider their allegiance if Daenerys and Jon present themselves as the better options. These alliances could tip the balance in favor of the winning side.

Final Steps to the Throne

With a renewed and strengthened force, Daenerys would march on King's Landing, seeking a decisive victory over the remaining Lannister and Ironborn forces. Despite her losses, Daenerys' supporters, including Dorne, would bolster her resolve to claim her rightful place as the queen. In the final battle, the Iron Fleet would be destroyed, and while there would be casualties, Daenerys would respond with strategic wisdom, focusing on the Ironborn responsible rather than the entire city.

Jon Snow's Destiny

With Euron's end at the hands of Jon Snow in the Red Keep, Jon faces an unexpected but fulfilling destiny. The storyline would culminate in Jon becoming the king, a path he desperately tried to avoid but is now his rightful place. The tension between two usurpers and the eventual rise of a legitimate claimant would ease the Westerosi concerns and stabilize the kingdom.

Post-Throne Event

To quell lingering fears and appease her lords, Daenerys would likely seek to wed Jon, the Warden of the North. However, these arrangements come with their own complexities, as Sansa Stark would be the ultimate beneficiary, holding the North under her and her lineage. This arrangement would require a delicate balance, with key figures like Tyrion Lannister and Varys ensuring peace and stability.

Timeline Considerations: Losing Dragons

If Daenerys lost her dragons as well, the game would change significantly. Arya's role in assassinating Cersei and potentially seizing the throne would become even more critical. However, even with her dragons gone, Daenerys remains a formidable opponent. Her mind may start to decline, but with the support of Varys and Tyrion, she can still navigate the turbulent waters of Westeros. Yet, as time passes, the inevitable decline of her mental health could lead to chaos, necessitating another intervention from Arya as the 'mad dog'.

Ultimately, the loss of 99% of their army at Winterfell would dramatically alter the Game of Thrones narrative, creating a new and unpredictable path for the characters and the kingdom. The tension and drama would reach new heights, making the upcoming episodes of the series even more captivating for fans.