The case for Jon Snow to end up on the Iron Throne

Who should end up on the Iron Throne? We've got some ideas.

Jon Snow is the true heir to the Iron Throne.

If he’s left standing at the end of Game of Thrones, which I believe will happen, Jon is the only worthy ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. Let’s get the most obvious reason out of the way first. The overarching title of the books, A Song of Ice and Fire, literally refers to him. The Season 7 finale confirmed the long-assumed theory that Jon is actually Aegon Targaryen, the true born son of Lyanna Stark (Ice!) and Rhaegar Targaryen (Fire!). He now officially has an even better claim than his aunt/lover Daenerys.

They don't know it just yet but his entire journey has prepared him to ascend on that Throne.

Sure, he joined the Night’s Watch when he was simply Ned’s bastard. Even I didn’t think he was important then (I read the books between Seasons 3-4). Robb was off fighting wars, Arya was escaping one enemy after the next, Sansa was suffering Joffrey’s cruelty, Bran and Rickon were on the run. In the meantime, Jon emerged as a goddamn leader.

He infiltrated the Freefolk camp and returned to Castle Black with vital information. His guidance helped the crows win the Wildling attack in Season 4 even if it meant he lost the (first) love of his life Ygritte. Then, Jon did the impossible: he brokered peace between the two warring parties who had spent hundreds of years hating and murdering each other. It’s an unfathomable achievement and proves he can unite the toughest of clans.

Yes, fine, this got him stabbed by his own men and he died briefly. But are you telling me Jon cheated death (like some kind of "prince that was promised") for no reason? He returned with a mission and a man bun, reunited with Sansa, and with her help regained control of Winterfell by defeating the Boltons.

Jon became both the Lord Commander and the King in the North despite it seeming like he has no birthright claim. He did all on his own merit. In the words of Davos Seaworth while introducing Jon to Dany, “all those tough sons of bitches chose him as a leader because they believe in him.” They are right! Jon is the only one who's had his priorities straight for years. He knows where the real threat is; he knows it's not about politics or mind games.

That's why he'll be a good ruler. He's tough when needed (RIP but not really Alliser Thorne and Olly), fair when it's right (he spared the Umbers and Karstarks after the Battle of the Bastards). His upbringing has made him empathetic towards everyone, no matter their low or high birth.

In the impending and possibly apocalyptic war against the Army of the Dead, Jon will clearly take charge. Once it's over, he will be there to pick up the icy pieces. By uniting almost everyone besides Cersei to fight the Night King, he's already done way too much for Westeros not to be able to rule it after.

Let Game of Thrones end with rightful king Jon Snow/Aegon Targaryen taking his place on the Throne. He will rise to the occasion, as he has done in the past, and the kingdom will be better off for it.

Game of Thrones Season 8 premieres on April 14.