According to the currently published books, A Song of Ice and Fire, George R.R. Martin hasn’t finished the series, so there is no definitive ending to how does game of thrones end according to the book. The storylines are also diverging from the show, meaning the book’s conclusion will likely differ significantly.
The HBO series Game of Thrones captivated the world, but many fans still wonder, “how does game of thrones end according to the book?” It’s a valid question, as the show’s ending proved divisive, and the source material, A Song of Ice and Fire, remains unfinished.
George R.R. Martin is still writing the final two books, so we don’t know exactly how it will all conclude in the book form. The published books have many divergences from the television series. This suggests different paths for characters and narratives.
How Does Game of Thrones End According to the Book?
The TV show Game of Thrones gave us an ending, but the books, A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, are still not finished. That means we don’t know for sure how the story will end in the books. However, we can make some good guesses based on what we know so far. The show and the books have already taken some different paths, so we can expect the book ending will be quite different. Let’s dig into some of the biggest differences and what they might mean for the end of the story in the books.
Major Differences Between the Show and Books
Before we talk about the possible book ending, it’s important to remember that the show and the books are not exactly the same. Some major events and character storylines are very different. This means we can’t just assume the book ending will be the same as the show ending.
Character Arcs Diverging
In the books, many characters are in very different situations than they were in the show when it ended. For example:
- Lady Stoneheart: In the books, Catelyn Stark is brought back to life as Lady Stoneheart, a vengeful figure who leads the Brotherhood Without Banners. This character doesn’t exist in the show. This major difference makes a big impact on the story, especially for characters in the Riverlands.
- Tyrion Lannister: In the books, Tyrion’s journey is different. He kills his father, Tywin, and goes to Essos, where he meets Daenerys Targaryen. But his relationship with her is still developing. He has also spent time in the company of a mysterious group of characters that are not in the show.
- Jon Snow: In the books, Jon Snow is still dead at the end of A Dance with Dragons. While many believe he will return, his story and how he may return remains unclear. His situation at the Wall is very different from where he is at the end of the TV show.
- Aegon Targaryen: In the books, there’s a character believed to be the true son of Rhaegar Targaryen, called Aegon. He is alive and in the mix, claiming his right to the Iron Throne. This character was cut completely from the TV show, changing the power dynamic of the succession considerably.
- Dorne: The political situation in Dorne is more complex in the books. The Martells have more prominent roles and a very different agenda than seen in the series. Their plans are not yet fully unveiled, but they definitely have an impact on the game of thrones.
Plot Points Missing or Changed
Besides character differences, major plot lines in the book have been omitted or altered in the show. These include:
- The Young Griff storyline: As discussed before, Aegon Targaryen, believed to be Rhaegar’s son, is a huge part of the story in the books. His claim and the support he garners are important factors to consider when thinking about how the story may conclude.
- The Greyjoy family: The book explores the Greyjoys in much more depth, especially their political conflicts and ambitions. Euron Greyjoy is portrayed as a much darker and more dangerous character in the books, with connections to dark magic. This makes the Greyjoy storyline much more complex in the books than it ever was in the TV show.
- The Others: In the books, we know more about the Others and what motivates them. The books also explore more about the magic involved with the Others and their motivations. We can anticipate that this will play a more prominent role in the book endings than it did in the TV series.
Possible Book Endings: Theories and Speculations
Since the books are not finished, we can only make educated guesses about how the story will end. Here are some popular theories based on what we know from the books so far:
The Great War Against the Others
Most agree that the fight against the Others will be central to the end of the series. The books suggest that the Others might not be just mindless monsters, but rather have their own motivations and a connection to the magic of the North. Here’s what might be important in the conflict:
- The Wall: The Wall’s destruction is probably going to happen, but the books may show a different event and consequence than the TV show. It could potentially lead to a more detailed exploration of the mystical forces behind the Wall.
- The Prince That Was Promised/Azor Ahai: Many characters may be connected to the prophecy of Azor Ahai, a legendary figure who will defeat the darkness. The books present this more ambiguously, making it hard to pinpoint which character, if any, will fulfill this destiny. Could be Jon, Daenerys, or even someone else entirely.
- Bran and the Children of the Forest: Bran’s connection with the old magic, through the Children of the Forest, is expected to be important. His powers as the Three-Eyed Raven could be a key component in stopping the Others. He may have access to more information that will help characters in the books.
- Dragons: The role of dragons is also expected to play a major part in the conflict against the Others. How they’re used and how they impact the war will certainly be different from the show.
The Political Landscape of Westeros
The fight for the Iron Throne will still be important, but the end of the books might suggest a changed political structure. The books delve into the complexities of power, making it likely that the end will be more nuanced. Here are some ideas:
- Aegon’s Claim: The presence of Aegon is a big deal. His claim to the throne complicates the political scene, and his story may end in many ways. He might seize the throne, die trying or even reveal himself to be an imposter.
- Daenerys’ Journey: Daenerys’ role is still changing. Her path in the books is different, and it’s unlikely her ending will be the same as the TV show. The books examine her potential for both good and evil, making it likely she will not become the ultimate evil.
- The North’s Independence: The North might seek independence from the Iron Throne. The Stark family, now scarred by loss and change, might create their own system of governance.
- The Fate of the Iron Throne: The idea of the Iron Throne itself may be challenged, or even completely destroyed. The system of monarchy may no longer be the best way for Westeros to move forward.
Character Fates and the Final Chapters
The fates of specific characters are some of the biggest questions for fans of the series. The books hint that many characters may not survive until the end. Here’s what’s uncertain:
- Jon Snow’s Future: While most expect Jon Snow to return, his role after his death is unclear. How his past and family ties will affect his character and his future is yet unknown.
- Tyrion’s Role: Tyrion might take on a very different role. His journey in the books suggests he could have an essential part in the power dynamic that is developing, or he might even turn against Daenerys.
- Sansa’s Development: Sansa’s growth from a naive girl to a shrewd player in the game of thrones is very detailed in the books. How she uses this growth and development will likely impact the fate of the north.
- Arya’s Journey: Arya’s story is much more independent in the books. She is following her own path with the Faceless Men. How she will return to Westeros and if she ever will is uncertain.
Thematic Considerations
The books are not just about battles and dragons. George R.R. Martin explores themes of power, morality, and the human cost of war. It’s highly likely that the books will conclude with these themes at the forefront.
The Nature of Power
The books question what true power is. It’s not always about being a king or queen. The books show that power can come in many forms. The books also show how easily power can corrupt someone. Expect a complex look at what power really means.
The Consequences of War
The effects of war are a major theme, especially the suffering of the common people. The book will not likely provide any easy solutions to what a just society would look like, making the conclusion all that much more complex.
The Importance of Choice
The series underscores that people’s choices and actions lead to consequences, whether good or bad. These choices often have wide reaching impacts on other people’s lives. Expect this theme to be especially prominent in the book’s conclusion.
The ending of the books is still a mystery. George R.R. Martin may take the story in many unexpected directions. The only thing we know for sure is that the ending in the books is expected to be different from the TV series. While we can speculate, we will have to wait until the release of The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring to see how the books ultimately conclude. The wait is part of the experience for fans of the series, however, and the anticipation is building. Whatever the ending may be, it’s sure to be unforgettable.
How will George R.R. Martin’s final “Game of Thrones” books end?
Final Thoughts
The book series, A Song of Ice and Fire, remains unfinished, so “how does game of thrones end according to the book” is unanswered. George R.R. Martin has plans for the final two books. However, they are not complete, and the ending’s details remain a mystery.
Therefore, any conclusion about the book’s definitive end is speculative. The show’s ending differs significantly from the material, highlighting this crucial distinction. This makes the book’s final events a must for fans to continue waiting for.
