Why Gendry Will Not Take the Throne: An Analysis

As the narrative in George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series unfolds, it is reasonable to wonder about the chances of Gendry ascending to the Iron Throne. However, a closer examination of the series' events, character dynamics, and the intricate political landscape of Westeros provides compelling reasons why Gendry's claim to the throne is unlikely.

The Absence of Pre-Setup

The storyline offers little to no indication that Gendry should be deemed the next king. Unlike Jon Snow, who had extensive support from the North, or even the possibility of a legitimate claim through Sansa Stark, Gendry does not have any pre-established narrative threads leading to his rise to power. A sudden and unexpected ascension to the throne would likely be seen as a cheap and undeserved twist, which goes against the rich plotting and deep character development present in the series.

Political Feuds and Vendettas

Gendry is portrayed as somewhat of an outsider, not deeply embroiled in the political and familial disputes that define Westerosi society. His lack of personal vendettas against the major houses, combined with his relatively neutral stance in the conflicts, means he does not present a compelling alternative for the throne. Moreover, the political dynamics might lead him to marry Sansa Stark, assuming Arya Stark’s death, which would align him more closely with the heir of Winterfell, increasing his candidacy among some major houses.

Legitimacy and Legal Claims

One of the key challenges for any claimant to the Iron Throne is the issue of legitimacy. Gendry, being an illegitimate son, faces significant obstacles. Unlike characters such as Tommen Baratheon, who at least claimed legitimacy through a rumor, Gendry's true parentage is clear and unchangeable. The documents proving Jon Snow's true parentage and the support of characters like Samwell Tarly and Bran Stark for this claim underscore the fact that Jon has a much stronger claim to the throne than Gendry.

Political Support and Fealty

Gendry lacks the political backing that Jon had in his bid for the North. Jon's status as King of the North was made possible by the support he garnered among the Northerners, despite being considered illegitimate. Such political backing made the illegitimacy of his birth irrelevant. Gendry, on the other hand, would struggle to gain similar political support without having a compelling claim of legitimacy or a powerful patron.

The Illegitimacy Issue

Another significant barrier to Gendry's claim is the fact that he is an unrecognized bastard. Robert Baratheon never acknowledged him as his son, and if he was, his surname would have been Waters, the name given to bastards born in the Crownlands. For Gendry to legitimize his claim to the throne, he would need to be recognized as Gendry Baratheon first. This presents a substantial hurdle, as no monarch would consider creating a rival for their own crown. Cersei Lannister, Euron Greyjoy, Daenerys Targaryen, and even Jon Snow would likely view legitimizing Gendry as a risk rather than an opportunity.

In the event that Gendry were to swear allegiance to Jon or Daenerys, recognizing the Baratheon claim and becoming Lord Paramount of the Stormlands, such a rise would be unprecedented but still face significant opposition. It would likely be the farthest Gendry could ascend in Westeros, transforming from a recognized bastard with no titles to a powerful noble, but ultimately, the Iron Throne remains difficult to obtain for him.

In conclusion, the complex political landscape, the absence of pre-established narrative threads, and the status of illegitimacy conspire to make Gendry an unlikely contender for the Iron Throne. While his story is compelling and his character depth is significant, the structural challenges facing his claim to the throne remain formidable.