You know nothing, Wilfried Zaha
Mild spoilers.
In two week’s time, we will be preparing ourselves for the end of Game of Thrones, the fantasy TV show based on George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire book series which has captured the hearts and mins of millions of people around the world.
With just two episodes remaining in the show’s eighth and final season, it still remains unclear who will end up on the Iron Throne. Cersei Lannister remains there for now, but an impending battle will surely not end her reign.
The obvious narrative – so surely the least likely outcome – would end up with Jon Snow on the throne. The show’s main hero from the start was recently informed that he has a stronger claim to the throne than Daenerys, the queen he has fallen in love with and promised to serve. However, Jon (or, Aegon) claims not to want to be king. His humility is his most charming trait, and is what has seen him elected Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and King in the North by the northern people in the past. Even if he doesn’t want to lead, it is in his nature.
However, Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha has expressed doubts over Jon’s ability to rule the Seven Kingdoms, in a sentence I never thought I would write.
In an interview published in the match day programme for Palace’s clash with Bournemouth on Sunday, Zaha spoke about his love of Game of Thrones. “I am going to miss it when it is over, what am I going to watch?!” he said.
The Palace hero then highlighted the frequency with which Jon is saved from a seemingly disastrous situation.
“I have no idea who is going to end up on the Iron Throne; Jon Snow has a heart but I don’t know if he knows how to lead, as he always seems to end up by himself and luckily someone will save him – like in the ‘Battle of the Bastards’ episode.”
While Jon Snow is a popular figure and would almost certainly win an election if Westeros suddenly introduced democracy, Zaha is right to highlight how many times Snow has cheated death in the show.