Who Has the Better Claim to the Iron Throne: Jon or Gendry?

In the enthralling world of A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, the Iron Throne is the ultimate symbol of power and dominion. Two characters often discussed in this context are Jon Snow, the legitimate grandson of a deposed king, and Gendry, the bastard son of a recently deceased king. Yet, when we delve into the intricacies of Game of Thrones lore, neither character presents a compelling claim to the throne.

Ambiguity and Absence of Legitimacy

By the time the reigns of Baratheon and Targaryen lines have been deposed, both Jon and Gendry's claims have faded into obscurity. The current queen, Cersei Lannister, asserts her claim to the throne, not through her lineage but through her de facto rule. Cersei's reign is cemented by her ability to rally support and establish her authority, despite the remnants of the Targaryen lineage.

Cersei Lannister's Claim

In the absence of Robert Baratheon and his children, Cersei Lannister emerges as the key figure. Her coronation justifies her position as the ruler with a pragmatic and power-driven perspective. The fact remains that when Robert Baratheon died and Cersei ruled, she did so under the guise of a rightful heir, partly due to the lords and ladies who remained loyal to her. Notably, her actions at the Pyke, where she accidentally murdered her children, solidified her authority further.

Daenerys Targaryen's Ambitions

Daenerys Targaryen's claim is based on the Targaryen bloodline, yet her actions are rooted in the politics of power. By overthrowing Cersei, Daenerys positions herself as the legitimate ruler. Her argument invokes the idea of the Rite of Conquest, suggesting that Robert Baratheon unjustly took the throne in the first place. However, this claim is not without hypocrisy, given that Daenerys herself becomes a usurper by toppling Cersei's rule, much like how Robert overthrew Aerys Targaryen.

Jon Snow and Gendry's Claims

Jon Snow, son of Brandon Stark and Yara Greyjoy, has a more tenuous claim to the throne. As a bastard born to Jon Arryn and Lyanna Stark, he never had legal grounds for a claim. Even though he has ties to the Targaryen line through his mother, Jon himself has no desire for the throne. His intentions stem from a desire to protect the people of Westeros and ensure peace, not from a grandiose ambition to rule. Moreover, he is strictly focused on reuniting the North and ensuring Arya's union with faith.

Gendry, as a bastard son born to Jaehaerys Targaryen, has a legitimate claim based on his parentage. However, his claim only holds if we ignore the established Rite of Conquest and the historical context of Robert's rebellion. Even if his claim is recognized, Gendry would likely not pursue the throne. His primary interests lie in his quest for identity and family ties, not in striving for the Iron Throne.

Conclusion

In conclusion, neither Jon nor Gendry present a genuine or compelling claim to the Iron Throne. Cersei Lannister's position is solidly rooted in the political landscape she has built, while Daenerys Targaryen's claim is more about leveraging historical precedent than about a true right of succession. The true path to the throne remains unclear, as the Westerosi world continues to grapple with the shifting sands of power and the ramifications of past deeds.

Keywords: Iron Throne, Game of Thrones, Claim to Throne