Would Ned Stark Have Become King If He Won the War?

It is fascinating to imagine what would have happened if Eddard Stark had taken the Iron Throne after the Rebellion. With Ned Robert and Jon Arryn being among the big three leaders of the coalition against the Targaryens, the question arises: would they have chosen Ned Stark as the new king? This scenario draws on the historical dynamics and alliances present in the world of Game of Thrones.

A Political Consensus Among the Great Lords

Seems like Ned Roberts, Jon Arryn, and Robert Baratheon would all have had a claim, as they were the pivotal leaders of the coalition during the Targaryen Rebellion. Hoster Tully, though a crucial ally, was seen as a late addition and his Riverlands lacked the royal status of the other great houses. His potential claim would likely have been excluded from the initial discussions and consensus.

Ned Stark and His Interest in the Throne

Ned Stark was not interested in ruling from the Iron Throne. Staying true to his northern roots, he envisioned a return to Winterfell, which felt too distant for the southern lords, especially those accustomed to living in the west of the Seven Kingdoms. Jon Arryn, while a father figure and early leader in the rebellion, was already advanced in age and unable to sire an heir, making his succession insecure.

Why Robert Baratheon as King?

The choice for the Iron Throne would likely fall on Robert Baratheon. Robert has a Targaryen grandmother, which gave him a potential claim through blood, in addition to his conquest-based claim. His barony of the Stormlands, situated close to King's Landing, made him an ideal candidate. The Stormlands would provide Robert with a loyal and capable army, and his brothers would control regions such as Dragonstone and the Stormlands, ensuring a reliable source of power and loyalty.

The Complexities of a New Reign

The scenario would require significant changes to match the original narrative. For one, Jaehaerys and Shaera would need to have an additional daughter, Rhaella, whom they would marry to Rickard Stark to honor the pact of Ice and Fire. This would strengthen Ned and his siblings' claim to the throne, as Rhaella would be part-Targaryen. This detail would add a layer of complexity to the already intricate political landscape.

The betrothal of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark would further complicate the scenario, potentially destabilizing the new regime. Adding another notch to this intricate web, Ned Stark would need at least one younger brother to ensure the continuation of the House Stark's line. The oversight in the original timeline that left House Stark's succession looking thin would need to be addressed if Ned Stark were to take the throne.

The Personal Fates of the Stark Family

The scenario would come with severe personal consequences. Catelyn Stark's life might be cut short, and her children, Sansa and Robb, would face challenging circumstances. The stress of court life and the tensions with other nobles might lead to Catelyn's untimely death from a mysterious illness. Robb, already faced with parental loss, might also be fated to an untimely death, leaving him embittered and angered by the betrayals that come his way.

While the original storyline of Jon Arryn's treatment of Jon Snow was undoubtedly harsh, the potential scenario for Ned Stark as king presents a different kind of suffering for the Stark family. Their lives would be marked by uncertainty, potential betrayals, and the harsh realities of a new reign.

Conclusion: The Complexity of Royal Succession

The question of who would have taken the Iron Throne after the Rebellion showcases the intricate web of political legitimacy and personal aspirations. Ned Stark's character, driven by duty and loyalty, might have faced a future far more fraught with challenges than what he originally sought. The complexity of royal succession in Westeros is a testament to the rich political landscape of Martin's world, where the most unexpected twists can lead to the most compelling narratives.