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[CitizenVectron]

Those of you who prefer Stannis to Daenerys: why?

Because he has a stronger claim to the Iron Throne. The Targaryens lost it by force, which means they no longer have a legitimate claim, much like they took the kingdoms by force to begin with, ending the claims of previous families.

She could always take it back by force though.

 

[WhereAreMahDragonz]

I love Asha and she's one of my top five characters. Dat Kingsmoot.

 

[SamVimes]

There is no such a thing as an innately stronger claim. A claim is just as strong as the army supporting it, i think GRMM made it pretty clear that monarchy fucking sucks.

 

[Valhelm]

Who's that?

On a competently unrelated note I'm interested to see what Theon's sister Yara get's up to this season.

Asha > Yara

 

[WhereAreMahDragonz]

Asha > Yara

Yep.

 

[Dysun]

Those of you who prefer Stannis to Daenerys: why?

Bend the Knee or he will destroy you

 

[BobTheFork]

Those of you who prefer Stannis to Daenerys: why?

I think that's our question to ask about Daeny. One True King!

 

[Real Hero]

book stannis yes tv show stannis ehhhh

 

[Moff]

as it has been pointed out before, stannis' time to shine has not come yet, in the show.

at that point, book readers didnt have any reason to root for him either, its the battle at the wall that turns him into such a badass king.
I do hope though they somehow find a reason to make him more than melisandres bitch in season 4, after that letter scene.

 

[Reyne]

Those of you who prefer Stannis to Daenerys: why?

More like, why not?

He is just hilarious. He got a subtle sort of humor while Daenerys have none at all. In a way, he is the most genre savvy person in Westeros, and he often calls people out on their corruption and hypocrisy, and the fact that he made a low-born smuggler his hand should tell you something about what he thinks about the opinions of the high-born smug lords around him.
Certainly, he is not perfect and is quite the douche on many issues as befit any man who lives in as sick a society as Westeros is. Seem to have a serious case of middle child syndrome too. But at least he is not one-dimensional, but a complex, conflicting character that I actually find it easy to root for.

Though, I didn't really notice Stannis brilliance until he got to the wall and started interacting Jon and the Night Watch. The way he though even the cook would make a better lord commander than Janon Slynt was just hilarious. And then he also gives Jon recognition where few other seem to. That little nod of approval when Jon finally loops Janos head off was brilliant. On my re-reads I noticed how Stannis raw humor and observations were there all along.

This is why I like book Stannis anyway. Show Stannis is terrible imo as he had almost none of the dialogue from the books and he wasn't half as trusting or obsessed with Melisandre, hopefully they'll rectify this in the fourth season.

 

[Valhelm]

Stannis is a zealous cultist who murdered his brother and wants to burn children alive. Were he king, Westeros would be torn apart by a religious civil war.

 

[Real Hero]

Stannis is one the funniest characters (in the book) no doubt.

 

[Violater]

Who's that?

On a competently unrelated note I'm interested to see what Theon's sister Yara get's up to this season.

Lol I don't understand why they did that.

 

[Moff]

I wonder if the soldiers in episode 9 will scream MELISANDRE, MELISANDRE and/or R'HLLOR, R'HLLOR

 

[Valhelm]

Lol I don't understand why they did that.

They didn't want to confuse here with Osha, the Wildling.

Asha's fanart is some of the best.

 

[Steelyuhas]

Speaking of Ramsay

Cyfweliad Iwan Rheon

Interview with Iwan Rheon in Welsh. Man, I can't make ANYTHING out of that language and I find it fascinating.

Also, great Jon Snow impression by Iwan at 4:40.

He auditioned for Jon Snow iirc.

 

[bodyofanamerican]

I wonder if the soldiers in episode 9 will scream MELISANDRE, MELISANDRE and/or R'HLLOR, R'HLLOR

Oh my god. Please, don't even joke like that.

Realllllly holding out hope that they set up some sort of arc for him this season where he becomes his own man and finally tells Mel to shut the fuck up. If they don't have the cart before the horse speech (specifically in reference to Davos showing him the way), then for me at least, that's it for show Stannis.

He auditioned for Jon Snow iirc.

No kidding! That's interesting. Since they're playing Jon and Ramsay as opposite sides of the same coin in the show, I wonder if that sent them right back to Iwan when Ramsay's casting came up.

 

[Reyne]

Stannis is a zealous cultist who murdered his brother and wants to burn children alive. Were he king, Westeros would be torn apart by a religious civil war.

In the book he is not a zealous cultist. He cares no more for the lord of light than the seven gods or what-have-you. However, he acknowledges that Melisandre has power ( unlike the seven ) and is willingly to make compromises to that end. He doesn't 'want' to burn anyone, and as far as I remember haven't burned any children yet, mostly thanks to the Hand he elected and put his integrity and trust in.

As for Renly, he tried to take his elder brothers crown. What do you imagine any elder brother of the Targaryen dynasty would do, if their younger brother rebelled and tried to have themselves crowned? In a way, Stannis ended the battle against Renly and the Reach with a minimum causalities, while Renly were prepared to have many people die for him just so he could be crowned.

 

[Valhelm]

In the book he is not a zealous cultist. He cares no more for the lord of light than the seven gods or what-have-you. However, he acknowledges that Melisandre has power ( unlike the seven ) and is willingly to make compromises to that end. He doesn't 'want' to burn anyone, and as far as I remember haven't burned any children yet, mostly thanks to the Hand he elected and put his integrity and trust in.

As for Renly, he tried to take his elder brothers crown. What do you imagine any elder brother of the Targaryen dynasty would do, if their younger brother rebelled and tried to have themselves crowned? In a way, Stannis ended the battle against Renly and the Reach with a minimum causalities, while Renly were prepared to have many people die for him just so he could be crowned.

Stannis wasn't really the rightful king, though. The entire Baratheon claim was pretty flimsy, and as Joffrey's illegitimacy is not recognized, Stannis isn't the rightful king. He murdered Renly because he knew he would not have been able to defeat him in a fair battle.

 

[Reyne]

Stannis wasn't really the rightful king, though. The entire Baratheon claim was pretty flimsy, and as Joffrey's illegitimacy is not recognized, Stannis isn't the rightful king. He murdered Renly because he knew he would not have been able to defeat him in a fair battle.

What do you think Renly was about to do then, once he got to Kings Landing? Think he would send Joffrey on his merry little way to Casterly Rock? Nope, he would have to kill him or have him locked up forever ( at best ) in order to be King. By conquest or otherwise. Stannis would do the same, true. However, he was right in that Cerseis children were illegitimate while someone like Renly simply didn't even care, and thus as far as the Baratheon dynasty goes, Stannis is the rightful King. But then, all this talk of legitimacy to the throne is flimsy to begin with.

As for fair battle? What do you think Daenerys means to do once she gets to Westeros with three Dragons? Give every honorable knight the fair battle they are due? Hell no, she would have them bend the knee without a fair battle or she would give them another Field of Fire, and instead of killing one man, the leader, would probably see thousands of people die burning.

 

[Steelyuhas]

No kidding! That's interesting. Since they're playing Jon and Ramsay as opposite sides of the same coin in the show, I wonder if that sent them right back to Iwan when Ramsay's casting came up.

The show has a history of bringing back people that originally auditioned for different roles. Liam Cunningham (Davos) auditioned for a role for season 1 (I assume Jorah). Carice (Melisandre) auditioned for Cersei. Joe Dempsie (Gendry) also auditioned for Jon Snow I believe.

 

[bodyofanamerican]

Stannis wasn't really the rightful king, though. The entire Baratheon claim was pretty flimsy, and as Joffrey's illegitimacy is not recognized, Stannis isn't the rightful king. He murdered Renly because he knew he would not have been able to defeat him in a fair battle.

Well, he won the throne by conquest (which I believe is widely recognized as legit in Westeros, no?) and the Baratheons are distant cousins to the Targs, lending an extra layer of legitimacy.

 

[Massa]

I wonder if the soldiers in episode 9 will scream MELISANDRE, MELISANDRE and/or R'HLLOR, R'HLLOR

 

[Jibbajabbawockky]

as it has been pointed out before, stannis' time to shine has not come yet, in the show.

at that point, book readers didnt have any reason to root for him either, its the battle at the wall that turns him into such a badass king.
I do hope though they somehow find a reason to make him more than melisandres bitch in season 4, after that letter scene.

Well, Book Stannis starts getting his shit together when he decides to go to the Wall. But the show already kind of butchered that by making it Mel tell Stannis to go to the Wall.

Oh my god. Please, don't even joke like that.

Realllllly holding out hope that they set up some sort of arc for him this season where he becomes his own man and finally tells Mel to shut the fuck up. If they don't have the cart before the horse speech (specifically in reference to Davos showing him the way), then for me at least, that's it for show Stannis.

Yup. That quote is great:

"Lord Seaworth is a man of humble birth, but he reminded me of my duty, when all I could think of was my rights. I had the cart before the horse, Davos said. I was trying to win the throne to save the kingdom, when I should have been trying to save the kingdom to win the throne." Stannis pointed north. "There is where I'll find the enemy I was born to fight."

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

Yup. That quote is great:

"Lord Seaworth is a man of humble birth, but he reminded me of my duty, when all I could think of was my rights. I had the cart before the horse, Davos said. I was trying to win the throne to save the kingdom, when I should have been trying to save the kingdom to win the throne." Stannis pointed north. "There is where I'll find the enemy I was born to fight."

Show version:

"Melisandre told me to come here."

 

[Cpt.Underpants]

He would probably be better as Jon Snow tbh

 

[Valhelm]

What do you think Renly was about to do then, once he got to Kings Landing? Think he would send Joffrey on his merry little way to Casterly Rock? Nope, he would have to kill him or have him locked up forever ( at best ) in order to be King. By conquest or otherwise. Stannis would do the same, true. However, he was right in that Cerseis children were illegitimate while someone like Renly simply didn't even care, and thus as far as the Baratheon dynasty goes, Stannis is the rightful King. But then, all this talk of legitimacy to the throne is flimsy to begin with.

As for fair battle? What do you think Daenerys means to do once she gets to Westeros with three Dragons? Give every honorable knight the fair battle they are due? Hell no, she would have them bend the knee without a fair battle or she would give them another Field of Fire, and instead of killing one man, the leader, would probably see thousands of people die burning.

I don't think Renly would be a particularly good king, but I would prefer him to Stannis. Stannis may be skilled at leading a disciplined army, but he would be despised by his vassals and subjects. His propensity for erasing Andal culture and burning statues could lead to revolt after revolt.

Daenerys has extensive practice ruling people, has three fucking dragons and a huge amount of gold behind her, and actually cares about her people. "Smallfolk" would be much better under Dany than under Stannis. When the dragons arrive Stannis and his army will surely be destroyed, so his best hope will be to bend the knee and accept his title as Lord Paramount of the Stormlands.

Stannis would be a good king for wartime, but a horrible king for peacetime.

 

[Cornballer]

- HitFix Interview: 'Game of Thrones' star Alfie Allen on Theon's torture

 

[todd360]

I don't think Renly would be a particularly good king, but I would prefer him to Stannis. Stannis may be skilled at leading a disciplined army, but he would be despised by his vassals and subjects. His propensity for erasing Andal culture and burning statues could lead to revolt after revolt.

Daenerys has extensive practice ruling people, has three fucking dragons and a huge amount of gold behind her, and actually cares about her people. "Smallfolk" would be much better under Dany than under Stannis. When the dragons arrive Stannis and his army will surely be destroyed, so his best hope will be to bend the knee and accept his title as Lord Paramount of the Stormlands.

Stannis would be a good king for wartime, but a horrible king for peacetime.

Yea I think Daenerys would be better as well. You know as long as the targ crazy doesn't pop up in her.

 

[El Daniel]

This is why I like book Stannis anyway. Show Stannis is terrible imo as he had almost none of the dialogue from the books and he wasn't half as trusting or obsessed with Melisandre, hopefully they'll rectify this in the fourth season.

A shame because the actor playing Stannis has the voice and the delivery. Just watch this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8reIFMFoJg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rTWGVBRpx8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2frNcO3egXw

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

Toes, fingers and teeth also his schlong (implied). Ramsay would remove the flesh from a finger at the middle part and let the top one rot decay for maximum pain and suffering

Um...

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

A shame because the actor playing Stannis has the voice and the delivery. Just watch this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8reIFMFoJg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rTWGVBRpx8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2frNcO3egXw

As usual the casting is great, but the writing...

 

[John Harker]

book stannis yes tv show stannis ehhhh

Yea I love the TV show's interpretation of the characters, and I actually think a lot of them are significantly stronger on the show... except for Stannis.

He's the one I can't figure out, he's like a petulant child on the show vs this draconian moral judicator type of character he is in the books.

You can find ways to hate him either way, but it's hard to find ways to *like* his TV persona.
And It's not the actor, he's great for the role... he's just written in a whiney way.

 

[Jayof9s]

Um...

It is very blatant in the show but in the books it is only implied. At least that's what I assume he meant by that.

 

[PhoenixDark]

Those of you who prefer Stannis to Daenerys: why?

Because Stannis is the true king, and the only ruler who recognizes saving the realm is better than winning an iron seat. He is also the only ruler I'd want leading the realm against a supernatural threat.

Is he perfect? No, he killed his brother. But he has improved as a leader and man since ACOK.

Also: his Hand is one of the few honorable men left in the realm.

 

[Valhelm]

Um...

In the book, it's subtle. Theon says that if he had a tail, Ramsay would have cut it off.

 

[NeoGiff]

I've lurked around here for too long. It's time to suit up and represent the one true king.

 

[WhereAreMahDragonz]

In the book, it's subtle. Theon says that if he had a tail, Ramsay would have cut it off.

Also the scene with "Arya" on their wedding night.

 

[Razzer]

I wonder if the soldiers in episode 9 will scream MELISANDRE, MELISANDRE and/or R'HLLOR, R'HLLOR

Oh my god. Please, don't even joke like that.

Realllllly holding out hope that they set up some sort of arc for him this season where he becomes his own man and finally tells Mel to shut the fuck up. If they don't have the cart before the horse speech (specifically in reference to Davos showing him the way), then for me at least, that's it for show Stannis.

Well, Book Stannis starts getting his shit together when he decides to go to the Wall. But the show already kind of butchered that by making it Mel tell Stannis to go to the Wall.



Yup. That quote is great:

"Lord Seaworth is a man of humble birth, but he reminded me of my duty, when all I could think of was my rights. I had the cart before the horse, Davos said. I was trying to win the throne to save the kingdom, when I should have been trying to save the kingdom to win the throne." Stannis pointed north. "There is where I'll find the enemy I was born to fight."

Show version:

"Melisandre told me to come here."

 

[Cornballer]

- Washington Post: ‘Game of Thrones,’ the one true battle: Readers vs. Watchers
- College Humor: The Ultimate Game of Thrones Recap (video)

Also, a video essay on Game of Thrones & re-appropriation of past (e.g. Game of Thrones and the War of the Roses):
- Between the Lines: Game of Thrones

 

[El Daniel]

Because Stannis is the true king, and the only ruler who recognizes saving the realm is better than winning an iron seat. He is also the only ruler I'd want leading the realm against a supernatural threat.

Is he perfect? No, he killed his brother. But he has improved as a leader and man since ACOK.

Renly should've sided with Stannis.

Why did he wanted the throne so bad? Robert once rebelled against the king, but that was not his brother and he didn't do it because he wanted to be king.

Renly rebelled against and his brother and nephew Joffrey (who he thought legit at the time) just because he wanted to sit the throne.

 

[Valhelm]

I wonder if Davos could ever leave Stannis for Daenerys.

Perhaps if Stannis becomes the new Night's King?

 

[Reyne]

I don't think Renly would be a particularly good king, but I would prefer him to Stannis. Stannis may be skilled at leading a disciplined army, but he would be despised by his vassals and subjects. His propensity for erasing Andal culture and burning statues could lead to revolt after revolt.

Could. But I seriously don't think Stannis cares too much about what religion people have at the end of the day. For the nonce he is willingly to let Melisandre burn a little wood here and there. As for his vassals not liking him, well thats true. But I think thats because their privileges are at stake here. Stannis, looking past noble birth and upbringing just made a low born commoner into a Lord and the Hand of the King. Thats certainly a bummer for the Andal culture which revolves very much around the privilege of the elite.

Daenerys has extensive practice ruling people, has three fucking dragons and a huge amount of gold behind her, and actually cares about her people. "Smallfolk" would be much better under Dany than under Stannis. When the dragons arrive Stannis and his army will surely be destroyed, so his best hope will be to bend the knee and accept his title as Lord Paramount of the Stormlands.

Stannis would be a good king for wartime, but a horrible king for peacetime.

Really? Daenerys wasted time in Essos has been all because she felt the need to please the high born people of Meereen, rather than doing away with them and actually establishing a rule of her own. If Stannis is 'terrible' to the smallfolk, why did he just raise Davos ( who is of the smallfolk ) to lordship?

And when we are on the subject of Andal Culture, remember that women do not inherit and there's people in Westeros who have serious issues about a woman sitting the Iron Throne. Where that leaves Daenerys is anyone guess. I mean, she has dragons, so who cares about Andal culture.

And just for the record, I don't think either Daenerys or Stannis will sit the Iron Throne at the end of the day. Maybe for a while, but I don't think thats the end of it. I just think Stannis is a way more interesting character than Daenerys, and thus I prefer him over Daenerys. Also, sitting the Iron Throne is a terrible job, which tends to corrupt people over time...

 

[Steelyuhas]

"The Climb"

 

[greatgeek]

Honest Trailers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVaD8rouJn0&list=PLFWHlH4koGZAeH9x2wWeTB32VCESjRI51

 

[RedShift]

I don't think Renly would be a particularly good king, but I would prefer him to Stannis. Stannis may be skilled at leading a disciplined army, but he would be despised by his vassals and subjects. His propensity for erasing Andal culture and burning statues could lead to revolt after revolt.

Daenerys has extensive practice ruling people, has three fucking dragons and a huge amount of gold behind her, and actually cares about her people. "Smallfolk" would be much better under Dany than under Stannis. When the dragons arrive Stannis and his army will surely be destroyed, so his best hope will be to bend the knee and accept his title as Lord Paramount of the Stormlands.

Stannis would be a good king for wartime, but a horrible king for peacetime.

Daenerys has been an awful ruler. Meereen is likely to end up a smoking plague ridden crater. Not to mention her ADWD arc seems to end with her thinking "Yeah this ruling stuff is difficult, fuck that, I'm just going to burn anyone who opposes me".

Stannis meanwhile has spent over a decade on his brother's Small Council, and ruled over Dragonstone. He is a way more qualified king. Plus, he's actually been to the country he wants to rule over, which is always a plus.

Oh god, and I haven't even got into the fact that Dany will have no heir, so if she rules the whole realm gets to rip itself apart in 50 years or so.

 

[Massa]

Stannis is a zealous cultist who murdered his brother and wants to burn children alive. Were he king, Westeros would be torn apart by a religious civil war.

The only children burning in the series came from Dany's pet.

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

Daenerys has been an awful ruler. Meereen is likely to end up a smoking plague ridden crater. Not to mention her ADWD arc seems to end with her thinking "Yeah this ruling stuff is difficult, fuck that, I'm just going to burn anyone who opposes me".

Stannis meanwhile has spent over a decade on his brother's Small Council, and ruled over Dragonstone. He is a way more qualified king. Plus, he's actually been to the country he wants to rule over, which is always a plus.

Oh god, and I haven't even got into the fact that Dany will have no heir, so if she rules the whole realm gets to rip itself apart in 50 years or so.

And if the theory that she can have children again is true, who wants that? The Targs are either insane or brilliant, and assuming Dany doesn't go nuts, which she could, how long before another Aerys shows up. Westeros is well rid of that family.

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

Plus, he's actually been to the country he wants to rule over, which is always a plus.

That's what gets me the most, lol. It's just funny to see her so strong willed and all that to rule a place she has never been and probably doesn't understand.

And if the theory that she can have children again is true, who wants that? The Targs are either insane or brilliant, and assuming Dany doesn't go nuts, which she could, how long before another Aerys shows up. Westeros is well rid of that family.

that's why the father has to be the opposite extreme aka a Stark. Get with the fanfic brah.

 

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

that's why the father has to be the opposite extreme aka a Stark. Get with the fanfic brah.

Rickon hooking up with Dany would be awesome.