7 Game of Thrones Rulers Who Were an Absolute Disaster for Westeros

Summary

Most rulers failed due to personal flaws and decisions based on emotions rather than logic.
Machiavellian traits were apparent in successful leaders like Euron Greyjoy, showing that ambition is key to power.
Rulers like Joffrey Lannister spiraled into tyranny, while Cersei lost everything due to her vindictive nature.

In the intricate universe of “Game of Thrones,” there have been numerous crafty tyrants making an appearance. Power has always been wielded with brutal efficiency, keeping the populace in check. Following the tumultuous final season, the arrival of “House of the Dragon” rekindles fan anticipation, demonstrating that the series still commands a dedicated and expanding audience. It appears that the showrunners have successfully recaptured the essence of the initial series.

In both the world of Westeros and real-life dictatorships, there are certain principles that seem to guarantee a successful reign. While fans might have their preferred monarchs, it’s often those with a clear mind (regrettably, not always Ned Stark) and an icy heart who tend to last the longest. If a ruler lacks these traits, they may find their rule cut short, ending in disaster. It’s intriguing to revisit Game of Thrones and ponder which characters deserve the title of ‘the worst of the worst’. There are many contenders, from those who betrayed their people for personal gain, to those who were too naive to foresee the consequences of their actions.

7. Robb Stark

Followed His Heart, And The Majority Of House Stark Paid The Price

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1

Driven by good intentions and a worthy goal, Robb Stark showed potential as a powerful ruler of the North. Regrettably, his decisions were often influenced more by feelings than reason. One of his significant missteps was rejecting the proposed marriage to a daughter from House Frey. This decision cost him the allegiance of House Frey, and ultimately led to the tragic Red Wedding event.

It wasn’t wise of Robb to let anger blind his decision-making when he killed Rickard Karstark. Many of Robb’s northern troops were loyal to Rickard, and his death reduced their numbers significantly. This loss led other leaders to switch allegiances as Robb’s support waned and his forces were diminished due to the war with the Lannisters. The cunning Roose Bolton and reckless Theon Greyjoy gradually weakened Robb’s power. As a character, Robb Stark was admirable, but he was certainly one of the poorest rulers in ‘Game of Thrones’.

6. Robert Baratheon

The Personification Of A Brat, Enjoying The Perks Of The Throne Without Any Of The Responsibility

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1

One character from “Game of Thrones” who might be described as immature and irresponsible is Robert Baratheon. He carelessly ridiculed and neglected his royal responsibilities, displaying an attitude typical of a lazy layabout. Robert embodied the essence of a man overindulging in past glories. Remarkably, his reign was relatively peaceful, which is quite impressive given that it followed the dethronement of the “Mad King,” a notorious mass murderer. However, things soon took a turn for the worse after that.

Robert Baratheon’s military prowess didn’t smoothly transition into managing government affairs and diplomacy. His carefree approach, lavish spending, and mounting debts provided a fertile ground for schemers. Moreover, his scandalous personal life was marked by frequent visits to brothels, despite being married. To make matters worse, he often delegated responsibilities to Ned Stark, which ultimately led to Stark’s downfall and sparked the chain of events depicted in the show.

5. Ramsay Bolton

Sadistic, Conniving, And Extremely Cruel, His Hyperfixation Was His Downfall

First Appearance: Season 3, Episode 2

Although Ramsay Bolton didn’t rule in the conventional sense, he held an influential position as Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. He skillfully asserted control over the region, but his actions made him detested by viewers. Known for his cruelty and sadistic nature, many overlooked his cunning side. Ramsay deceitfully formed alliances, resorted to brutal tactics to gain information, broke promises without a second thought, and even enjoyed killing his own men for entertainment. Clearly, the qualities he exhibited were not those desired in a respected leader.

In a chilling escalation, Ramsay Bolton went to extremes by brutally killing his own family to claim his father’s title in “Game of Thrones”. Even as he faced justice, his arrogance was so profound that he couldn’t conceive of any scenario where he might lose. His lack of foresight and disregard for the potential repercussions ultimately led to his downfall in the series.

4. Euron Greyjoy

A True Tactician And Charismatic Manipulator Whose Only Flaw Was His Overambition

First Appearance: Season 6, Episode 2

In the realm of “Game of Thrones,” Euron Greyjoy could be considered the epitome of ambition. Unlike other characters, his desire for the throne was unparalleled. He was a formidable warrior with an undeniable charm and the mindset of a shrewd ruler. He openly acknowledged his atrocities such as fratricide and torture, which he used to establish himself as the absolute ruler of the Ironborn. His expertise in naval warfare was remarkable, and he excelled at utilizing the battlefield’s surroundings during conflict. However, his most potent weapon was undeniably his opportunistic mindset. This trait becomes evident when he courtesans Cersei Lannister, persuading her to accept his marriage proposal. His self-assured demeanor was unrivaled. On several occasions, he boasted about himself as a deity.

Euron Greyjoy skillfully undermined and strategically weakened Daenerys Targaryen’s army. Notably, his most significant achievement was the fatal strike against Rhaegal, one of her dragons. Despite his many victories, Euron Greyjoy unfortunately met his end in a duel with Jamie Lannister and failed to claim the throne as he had hoped.

3. Joffrey Baratheon

An Entitled, Despicably Heinous, And Highly Inexperienced King

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1

Among all characters from “Game of Thrones,” none has garnered as much disdain as Joffrey Baratheon. Unlike other characters, he showed no signs of improvement or redemption. Instead, his behavior grew increasingly cruel and tyrannical, particularly after he ascended to the throne. The only significant action taken independently by Joffrey Lannister was to tarnish the reputation of House Lannister in a single, disastrous act.

Instead of yielding to Sansa Stark’s plea for mercy and his mother’s advice to spare Ned Stark, he chose otherwise. This single choice ignited the Northern uprising. Despite being a figurehead ruler, Joffrey was boastful and arrogant, frequently flaunting his royal status. However, when it was time to show courage and take charge during the Battle of Blackwater, much like a true leader would, he retreated. Interestingly, he perceived himself as a warrior, but in reality, he lacked any innate skill with swords or formal training.

2. Cersei Lannister

The Shrewd Woman Who Took The Throne And Overcame Everything Only To Lose It All

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1

Among the memorable figures in “Game of Thrones,” few are as widely recognized as Cersei Lannister. Her rule, however, is more accurately described as a catastrophe waiting to explode. She was the unpredictable factor in the narrative, with many of her adversaries meeting their end due to underestimating her spiteful and vengeful nature. Cersei demonstrated cunning in winning people over, but the threat was never far from the reward. The series consistently portrayed her as someone who subjected others to torment, only for her plans to frequently boomerang back on her. This led to the loss of all her children and a descent into madness.

Cersei’s pivotal moment came when she exacted revenge against those who had wronged her, notably the inhabitants of the Sept of Baelor and House Tyrell’s Olenna and Margaery. Becoming Queen Regent was a crucial turning point for her. Despite enduring numerous personal tragedies throughout the series, as a ruler, Cersei lacked backing from the influential houses of Westeros. Consequently, this situation led to her debt to the Iron Bank increasing dramatically.

1. Daenerys Targaryen

A Literal Fall From Grace Into Villainy Thanks To The Trauma Triggering The Madness

First Appearance: Season 1, Episode 1

Let’s take a moment to understand why Daenerys Targaryen might appear as the poorest ruler in ‘Game of Thrones’. Despite her impressive character development and advancement throughout the series, her final season was somewhat controversial. Initially, she was merely a pawn in her brother’s political games. Following his death, she found strength among the Dothraki and gradually built an unparalleled army – the Unsullied, the Iron Fleet, and her own Dragons. As her power expanded, other houses eager to bring down House Lannister began joining forces with her, further strengthening her position and influence.

In an ideal scenario, Daenerys Targaryen had everything necessary to ascend the Iron Throne and rule with justice. However, the emotional turmoil from losing her dragons and dealing with past traumas caused a surge of ancient madness within her. This led to an unexpected cruelty as she ordered Drogo to burn down King’s Landing, even when the enemy had surrendered. Sadly, Daenerys didn’t get to savor a single moment of her reign before Jon Snow ended her life in the chaos following her conquest.

2025-05-01 18:39