‘Game of Thrones’ Finale: Why Did Drogon Burn the Iron Throne?

This article contains spoilers for Game of Thrones Season 8 episode 6, “The Iron Throne.” Read our review of the episode here.

The Game of Thrones finale held some of the biggest twists of the season. And though some weren’t pleased with the show’s ending, there were some pleasant points that made up for it somehow. Peace was achieved in the realm and there was only one last casualty in the war for the throne. But, more than that, the beloved animal companions of the show survived. Ghost, the mistreated loyal wolf of the last episode, finally got the pat he deserved. Sadly, Drogon didn’t get the same happy ending as Jon’s loyal companion.

How Drogon Ended the literal Game of Thrones

In the finale episode of Game of Thrones, Jon Snow finally did the deed and ended another pre-tyrannical rule. After consulting with Tyrion, he met up with Dany in the throne room of the ruined Red Keep. And after her statements made it clear that Tyrion was right, Jon gave her one last poisonous kiss. Then, he put a knife through her heart.

As Jon held Dany’s dead body (like how he held Ygritte), Drogon arrived, confused to find his mother unmoving. In one of the most heartbreaking moments of the finale, Drogon tenderly nudged his mother’s dead body in hopes of waking her. Some fans on Twitter even found the scene very similar to Lion King’s Simba and Mufasa after the stampede left Mufasa dead. After realizing that his mom isn’t waking up any time soon, Drogon let out a pain filled cry before setting fire to the throne room. This includes burning down the coveted Iron Throne.

HBO

At first glance, it seems that he’s going to burn down his mother’s murderer baring his razor-sharp teeth and pointing a glowing throat at Jon. But, at the last second, Drogon lifts his neck and melts the Iron Throne. Some think that this is because of his great grief. Some also think that he burned it since his mother can’t have it so no one should. But, others think there may be a  deeper reason he decided to burn the Iron Throne rather than Jon.

It may be that Drogon knew that what really killed his mother isn’t Jon but, her reckless and ruthless pursuit of the Iron Throne. In a symbolic twist, Drogon finished his mother’s work for her breaking the wheel that bound the Seven Kingdoms. In this way, Dany’s child fulfilled the pure prophecy she once carried. And even though the dragon queen met an early demise, it seems that in the end, she fulfilled what she sought out to do. No tyrant is sitting on the throne. And the realm is at peace.

The Game of Thrones is now finally over.