And the meek shall inherit Westeros: How Game of Thrones celebrates reversals of fortune

Many of the initial, powerful players of the great game are gone. Think Tywin Lannister, Robert Baratheon, Stannis Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Jeor Mormont, Khal Drogo, Ned Stark, Robb Stark, Margaery Tyrell, the High Sparrow, Kevan Lannister, Lysa Arryn, Balon Greyjoy, Brynden “Blackfish” Tully, Doran Martell, Oberyn Martell, Mance Rayder, Walder Frey, Roose Bolton, Ramsay Bolton and the (old) Three-Eyed Raven. Every major House has been decapitated. Meanwhile, many who started out in powerless and compromised positions have risen to spectacular heights, and now have the ability to change their world for good or ill.

Who has most benefited from this hierarchical chaos? We take a look at the biggest reversals of position on the show, starting with a lowly bastard who climbed high indeed.

JON SNOW 1.0: THE ULTIMATE BASTARD

It’s rough being a bastard, even the bastard of a high lord in Westeros. The Stark family cared for Jon, but he was always reminded of his low social station. He had to sit at the kids’ table during feasts and endured the antipathy of his stepmother, Lady Catelyn, who always resented Jon for providing proof that her husband cheated on her. His decision to join the Night’s Watch, a once-proud organization now staffed with exiles, criminals and rapers, was one of the few options open to him, career-wise. Being assigned to the Stewards rather than the Rangers was also a blow to Jon’s pride.

JON SNOW 2.0: KING IN THE NORTH and PRINCE WHO WAS PROMISED (POSSIBLY)

In one of the most impressive career arcs on the show, Jon Snow has become King in the North, had his Targaryen/Stark bloodline verified (for viewers), and may well prove to be the legendary Azor Ahai. Even though he has cheated death, he’ll always carry the stigma of his low birth (especially if his true parentage remains obscured to everyone else on the show), but at the moment, Jon has bigger fish to fry, and he’ll use all of his powers to see it happens.

Next: The Lady of Winterfell