Post by danl on May 20, 2019 17:04:01 GMT
What if Bran wins the Game of Thrones? It seems like something that GRRM might do to us. If so, it has some really disturbing implications
How does Bran get there? Bran cannot produce an heir. There is no tradition that says the person who knows the most should rule -- the tradition might make that person Hand or Master of Whisperers. There is no Stark claim to throne. If Bran becomes King, there is some major manipulation happening -- Bran (or someone, or something) would have to mess with the minds of multiple people, likely many people.
I am not assuming that GRRM is going to develop Bran into an omniscient being. (Actually, I don't really expect Bran to ever leave the cave but for purposes of this thought experiment, I'm setting that aside; although I am more open to Bran on his throne of roots manipulating the pieces of the Seven Kingdoms or whatever is left of them).
Bran certainly has sources of knowledge that most people lack. He has the power to skinchange birds, wolves, and some people. He may develop other, related skills. And I think the only way he could become king would be by developing skills to manipulate the minds of humans. Those skills would shape his rule.
Bran as king would produce a proto-totalitarian state. In addition to the normal powers of the king, he could have an independent source of information akin to his own spy network. He may also have religious power, being a prophet or even a demi-god. He would not have a natural heir, but would likely want to control the succession.
A king's power, even when theoretically unlimited, is limited by knowledge, resources, plots, intrigue, and potential rebellion. Many of these natural checks on power may not be in Bran's way.
I don't have any idea what his motivation might be. Perhaps he would be controlled by CotF or BR. Perhaps he would have his own motivations. Even if he is a benevolent ruler, he would be taking civilization in some disturbing directions
My musings have been greatly shaped by the Golden Path humanity is forced onto in Frank Herbert's Dune series
How does Bran get there? Bran cannot produce an heir. There is no tradition that says the person who knows the most should rule -- the tradition might make that person Hand or Master of Whisperers. There is no Stark claim to throne. If Bran becomes King, there is some major manipulation happening -- Bran (or someone, or something) would have to mess with the minds of multiple people, likely many people.
I am not assuming that GRRM is going to develop Bran into an omniscient being. (Actually, I don't really expect Bran to ever leave the cave but for purposes of this thought experiment, I'm setting that aside; although I am more open to Bran on his throne of roots manipulating the pieces of the Seven Kingdoms or whatever is left of them).
Bran certainly has sources of knowledge that most people lack. He has the power to skinchange birds, wolves, and some people. He may develop other, related skills. And I think the only way he could become king would be by developing skills to manipulate the minds of humans. Those skills would shape his rule.
Bran as king would produce a proto-totalitarian state. In addition to the normal powers of the king, he could have an independent source of information akin to his own spy network. He may also have religious power, being a prophet or even a demi-god. He would not have a natural heir, but would likely want to control the succession.
A king's power, even when theoretically unlimited, is limited by knowledge, resources, plots, intrigue, and potential rebellion. Many of these natural checks on power may not be in Bran's way.
I don't have any idea what his motivation might be. Perhaps he would be controlled by CotF or BR. Perhaps he would have his own motivations. Even if he is a benevolent ruler, he would be taking civilization in some disturbing directions
My musings have been greatly shaped by the Golden Path humanity is forced onto in Frank Herbert's Dune series