Would Lord Eddard Stark Have Made a Great King after the Rebellion?

The Game of Thrones series has captivated audiences with its complex characters and political intrigue. One intriguing question is: would Lord Eddard Stark have made a better king in the aftermath of Robert Baratheon's rebellion?

Why Robert Baratheon Was the Best Choice

Robert Baratheon emerges as the most logical choice for a king following the demise of the Targaryen dynasty. At the age of 21, he was young, ambitious, and charismatic, and had slain the hated Rhaegar Targaryen, which aligned his forces with the rebels. Here are some points supporting Robert's suitability as a king:

Marriage Alliances: Robert's marriage to Cersei Lannister solidified the Lannister ties with the Baratheons, ensuring a powerful alliance. Military Strength: As the leader of the rebellion, Robert commanded a formidable army, making him a formidable protector for the realm. Political Connections: His relationships with Ned Stark and Jon Arryn in the North and Vale provided a solid foundation for governance. Succession: If Viserys and Daenerys were not present to reclaim the Iron Throne, Robert inherited the claim through the Targaryen line.

Moreover, Robert's reign was not without merit. He was a capable king, despite his personal shortcomings. While his human failings were evident, he maintained a semblance of order and stability.

Lord Eddard Stark: An Alternative King

While Robert Baratheon was the most practical choice, other contenders like Ned Stark, Hoster Tully, Tywin Lannister, and Jon Arryn were also considered. An intriguing hypothetical scenario is Lord Eddard Stark as an alternative king. Here are the potential strengths and weaknesses:

Eddard Stark's Qualities

Ned Stark, the Lord of Winterfell, is a just and honorable man with a decent army and impressive fighting skills. His character is marked by his integrity:

Honor and Integrity: Ned is known for his sense of justice and honor, which would translate to fair governance. Humility: Unlike Robert, Ned never craved for kingship, making him a dedicated ruler. Leadership: He was an effective leader at Winterfell, and his experience would serve him well in Westminster.

The Challenges Ned Would Face

However, Ned Stark's candidacy comes with significant challenges. Here are some potential issues he would face:

No Desire for the Throne: Ned Stark would not willingly accept the crown, which could lead to prolonged conflict and instability. Immediate Responsibilities: As a ruler of the North, Ned would have to manage multiple challenges, including the presidency of the North, control of the Narrow Sea, and the entire Seven Kingdoms, all at once. Successors: Ned's immediate heirs, Robb and Benjen, were too young and Benjen's inclination towards joining the Night's Watch could complicate his governance.

The Tully and Arryn Choices

Other potential candidates, like Hoster Tully and Jon Arryn, had their own drawbacks. Hoster's heirs, Edmure Cat and Lysa, while competent, would leave Riverrun without proper governance, potentially leading to conflict between the North and the Vale.

Jon Arryn's suitability was dashed by his age and his attachment to Robert Baratheon, making him a less practical choice.

Revisiting Robert Baratheon's Reign

While Ned Stark would bring about a different style of governance, Robert Baratheon provided a more stable and effective leadership. The political landscape of Game of Thrones is deeply rooted in complicated relationships and power struggles. Robert's marriage to Cersei Lannister and his alliances with key northern lords provided a strong foundation for governance.

Although Robert's personal shortcomings were not negligible, his reign was marked by periods of relative peace and prosperity. His image as a great king should not be diminished by his personal failings.

In conclusion, while Lord Eddard Stark would have made a commendable king, Robert Baratheon was the most pragmatic and politically adept choice. The complex interplay of politics, power, and personality in Game of Thrones underscores the challenges of transitioning from a rebellion to a stable and prosperous kingdom.