Would Ned Stark have been a Good King? | Game of Thrones 

Neds biggest flaw would he wouldnt have time to rule as hed be busy doing all the executions seeing as he has to swing the sword 😂

Ned’s legacy as Lord Paramount and Warden of the North speaks for itself. He’d be as just and fair as the Mannis while being more likeable.

Ned would’ve been Jaehaerys I come again, he was kind but also strong, just but also merciful, and he knew how to rule effectively.

Also some of the clansmen of the North literally called him “The Ned.” They are willing to fight for Stannis to avenge Ned.

In some fanfic that I've read, when Robert succumbed to his wounds in the Trident , Ned was named King because the high lords didn't want the others to be king.

0:50 gregor would just pick up the sword with the rock still stuck on the end, and whack people with it as a hammer

Ned as King could have also fostered a better relationship with Dorne, since he would have likely given them Tywin and The Mountain for what they did to Elia and her children.

I think If Rhaegar cared about duty he wouldn’t have abandoned his wife and kids

that "love you mannis" in every video where stannis the mannis is present is just top tier.

Hotpie better be number 1

I imagine for Ned’s small council, he’d want to diversify it somewhat rather than just having exclusively Northerners, with that in mind here’s what I think he might go with, assuming this is after Jon Arryn’s death (feel free to dispute any of these) Grand Maester: Luwin Master of Laws: Edmure Tully or Yohn Royce Master of Ships: Wendel Manderly Master of Coin: Willas Tyrell Master of Whisperers: None (maybe Roose Bolton if I had to pick one, but I think it’s unlikely Ned would employ a MoW) Lord Commander of KG: Barristan Selmy Hand of the King: Stannis Baratheon

How Viserys could’ve won the game next bromies 🙏

I’m so happy to see some love for Ned he doesn’t seem to like underhanded tactics in combat so honor is still his weakness

Stannis after he defended Storms End gave his men food before he eat himself and never ate more then them

I feel like Tywin and Edmure are polar opposites in a certain regard; The Small Council. Tywin would have had the Small Council as more of a formality used to provide information before doing what he wanted, wheras Edmure NEEDS the Council to temper his compassion, provided by he doesn't fill it with sycophants. If he puts say, the Blackfish, on the council, he'd have people who aren't afraid to disagree with him and help him make the hard decisions.

Ned's biggest flaw is not believing people when they tell him exactly who they are. Little Finger is a more literal example, but characters like Cersei show who they are, and he still warns her. If he's worried about the children, there are probably other ways to protect them (kidnapping, lmao). It would be interesting to see him spend more time in Kings Landing to see how his mindset would evolve.

I feel like Hugo Wull's quote speaks volumes about just what kind of king Ned would be, "I would rather my men die fighting for The Ned's little girl."

what if the boar that killed robert was some gnomes in a costume?

I think he would have been similar to Daeron II as king. Reasonable, logical and correcting many of the excesses, but surrounded by schemers. He might have had to fight off a rebellion or two, but would have done a lot better than Robert for example. Imagine if Ned found a way to work together with Tywin, as his Hand. I think that would be a stunning duo

Hour of the Wolf would have gone CRAZY with Ned as ruler!!!

Putting stannis baratheon photo on when talking about hero is great

That Ned portion was so heart-warming.

Ned Stark would be a very good king, but too good. I believe Stannis would be a perfect king with Ned Stark at his side as Hand of the King. Stannis is fair, feared, and knows that it is often necessary to take actions that others may disagree with. In the books even Tywin knows Stannis is extremely strong and a man to be feared. Ned, on the other hand, has empathy and his empathy could be a weak point. Still, Ned Stark is intelligent and a man of honor. Stannis and Ned would bring prosperity to the Seven Kingdoms if they were both together in King's Landing working together.

I think Oberyn Martell would have been fantastic. He cares about Justice, it's not just his sister and her children he cared about. He also didn't hurt Myrcella, saying they don't hurt little girls. He's a scholar, having learned academic matters at the citadel. He's an able combatant, having forged a reputation as a fighter. He's charismatic and attractive - and attractiveness does help. He mixes with the common folk as well as the nobility.

@5:07 As usual, I LOVE the dialogue they come up with for these videos

For Jon Maester Aemon as grand maester Sam Tarly as master of coin (and kinda his hand as he’d still seek his advice but you forget how smart Tarly is with books and ledgers in the book) Arthur Dayne as lord commander (Show) Varys as his master of whispers (f Branns magic) (Redeemed) Theon as his master of ships (Old) Barristan the bold as his hand Randel Tarly as his master of laws (he is in the books I think)

If a sword in a stone determined who would be king, Tywin would have hired every stone mason in the realm.

In my opinion young Tywin with Joanna alive is the best king, the world of Westeros is brutal, to brutal for the honorable Ned Stark.

Defo think he would be he’s honest and kind and dose what’s right. He would hold the kingdom together with loyalty and men fight for those that they admire and treat them right. I think Ned would do the best job and would have stan the man as his hand and don’t think he would have rob anywhere near the politics he would have him as a general.

Great picks, and it's nice someone finally gave Edmure a fair shake. As for me, I'd say an argument could be made that Ser Davos would be a good choice for king. Sure, he might not be an expert in actual administration or things like that, but that's where a good small council can come in. He's brave (as shown by his willingness to evade the Tyrell blockade in the rebellion), his background of having come from nothing guarantees that he'll be sympathetic to the problems of the smallfolk, and we've seen time and again that he's got a fair share of wisdom to him. He's no highborn or experienced battle commander like your choices, but I for one would not be unhappy in the slightest at having that good old fellow as my ruler 😊

One of the best assessments of Ned I have seen on-line.

Actually I think rebellion was inevitable because of how unhinged the mad king was

Walter White as King Jesse Pinkman Hand of the King Hank Schrader as Master of Laws Saul Goodman as Master of Coin Gus Fring as Master of Whispers Lalo Salamanca as Master of Ships Mike Ehrmantraut as Lord Commander of the Kinsguard

Another damn good list. I wonder if Tywin was king and Jaime inherited the throne how would things play out? By the end of his journey in the books or part way through the show he’s definitely flawed but I think Jaime might actually not do as bad of a job as some people think. But he definitely had the potential to go a bit nuts.

I think Ned should have take the crown and the throne to the north and ruled as king surrounded by his loyal banner men and giving him time to build relationships with other high lords to form a powerful kingdom

Ned's greatest weakness is underestimating scheming political opponents. It could bite him in the ass in the long run

Ned would’ve been a great king if he inherited a peaceful realm he would’ve been very just and peaceful. If Ned inherited in times of war he would’ve been a troubled king the exact things that would’ve made him good in times of peace would’ve made him awful in times of war, he was too honorable he didn’t think about politics in the way most do he had no stomach for schemes and assumed everyone would do exactly as he would do.

'Incest Goblin?!' HA! 🤣🤣🤣 that freaking killed me the instant it got spat out!

Ayyy its a good friday when you guys upload a video.

Gotta agree, Ned would have been a blessing! Hard to pick a proper concil for him though.. my suggestions would be Grand Maester... Maester Luwin (easy choice) Hand of the King... Stannis Baratheon (if he would accept) Lord Commander of the Kingsguard... Barristan Selmy (Another easy choice) Master of War... Randyll Tarly (Making peace with former enemies and he would be more disciplined than Robert) Master of Ships... Paxter Redwyne (Helped against the Greyjoy Rebellion) Master of Coin... Willas Tyrell? (Actually the hardest one to pick, def much more competent than his father) Master of Whispers... Doran Martell (he is certainly good at scheming, I think he would be loyal if you give him the head of Gregor and put Tywin in a prison) Master of Laws... Renly Baratheon (why not just keep him?)

The ending of the show is something for sure lol, but if Bran does become king at the end, I do think that Bran will be the best king Westeros has ever seen. Since Bran knows all of the past mistakes and even future happenings, he can always lead the kingdom on the right path.

"My people. They were afraid" King Chadmure Tully

What a great video idea guys !!. Brilliant as always

Ned as King/regent for the baby Jon Targaryen after deposing the Mad King would have been ideal

With Ned as king, I get the feeling that maybe a good move would be to have Edmure as Hand. The affection for Ned would only be enhanced by having Edmure as his bagman, while at the same time, you'd hopefully be instilling a little more steel into Edmure, turning a potentialy good ruler into an even better one for running the Riverlands later on, or as an extra optional heir, should something happen to the Stark kids.

@3:57 Although given that that was the Crown Prince and his good friend that Ser Arthur was jousting against, jury's out if Ser Arthur was trying his utmost to win. Similar argument can be made for Ser Barristan. Rhaegar definitely beat Brandon fair and square though, which is impressive considering that Brandon was a skilled horserider (Barbrey Dustin describes him and Lyanna as "a pair of centaurs,") and jousting is stated to be 90% horsemanship

RIP Ned 😢 he's not the king we wanted, but the king we deserved

He was a good Warden of the North.... I'd have to say yes, but he may not have reigned long

Ned's one possible hole could be his economics which is that we don't know if he would be able to make the realm rich

2:14 yes, yes i did

amazing, as always

Great video as always keep up the work

For Ned's Small Council (I'm going to be doing this based off chars alive at the start of Book 1) I'd do the following - Hand of the King - Stannis Baratheon [Has the disposition of both a leader and follower, will be absolutely loyal if he makes that oath, and will certainly not be afraid to voice his opinions and counsel to Ned, as well as having a mindset not like a Northman to see angles Ned couldn't] Master of Coin - Wyman Manderly [Greed is a tempting sort, and you need someone who can manage large sums of finance without attempting to embezzle or screw their lordship over. Wyman is absolutely loyal to the Starks, and runs one of the biggest trading hubs of Westeros (even if it is the smallest of the five)] Master of Laws - Brynden Tully [Once again, a loyal man and forthright man who is unafraid of ruffling feathers. He has the Tully compassion, but also can be as hardassed as Stannis when it counts (this is why he beats out Edmure for me), plus he can still absolutely fight to bring the King's Justice on his own merit to lead knights in Ned's name.] Master of Whispers - Doran Martell [THE BOOK VERSION. Doran is smart, quick-witting, and willing to be patient. He can play the Game quite handedly as well, and is doing his best to play subterfuge at current. He is also a DECENT PERSON who has not shown as of yet capacity for betrayal or self-serving (Littlefinger, Vaerys) while playing behind the scenes. Plus this will also give Dorne a proper seat at the table.] Master of Ships - Asha Greyjoy [This position was also thrown up between Stannismannis or Manderly, but Asha is an interesting choice, considering she actually, in both versions, wants to make the Ironborn play nice with the mainlanders. Plus, this will help cement some capitulation from the Ironsworn, so not everyone is going to set to reaving the second Euron shows up.] Lord Commander - Barristan Selmy [Needs no explanation.] Grand Maester - Samwell Tarly [A bloody genius and loyal man to a fault, Samwell would have to be taken from the Watch, but that's acceptable to have someone who both knows of the White Walkers and can help Ned prepare for them...plus in the show he CURES JORAH OF GREYSCALE.]

Thematically, at least, Bran becoming King makes sense. After the prologue, the first thing that happens is Ned teaching Bran about the responsibilities of leadership. "The man who passes sentence should swing the sword.", while shown literally in the book is more about how a leader should take responsibility for every decision he makes. Bran was the recipient of that lesson.

5:50 Hell the show version of Edmure could even see how killing Rickard Karstark was a bad idea so even the show version wasn't a total idiot.

As a Northerner, i would hope for an Hour of the Wolf, where Ned stood as regent before returning north with his host as Cregan did in the dance of the dragons

you should make a vid about who they’re small councils would be!!!

I think his greatest weakness would be underestimating the depths his enemies will sink to. His sense of honor doesn’t allow him to think like people like Littlefinger, Varys or Cersei

Ned managed to keep the surly lunatics in the North in line. That says a lot. Also, Ned himself wasn't feared, but his bannermen were. If you insulted Ned in the right way, Greatjon Umber would crush your head like a grape. That's what love can do.

Might I suggest a vidoe on the following topic: The show kind of made the Starks more rustic than they where in the books. House Stark in the novels where not as wealthy as the Lannister's but they where a lot wealthier than the show. First lets look at what they wear in the books which is nothing like there costumes in the show. Side note Lord Rickard owned Steel armour and gold spurs. When Arya is packing to go to Kings Landing she files where chest with silk and Sansa is fond of blue silk. In Kings Landing Eddard looked nothing like what he did in the show, he always wore what he called his council silk. Ned also commissions a new uniform for his guards. Long cloaks of heavy grey wool decorated with white satin borders. Their cloaks are pinned with hands of beaten silver representing there Lords office as hand of the King. When he was on the Iron Throne Ned wore a white double embosomed with a grey dire wolf. In Winterfell at the feast welcoming the King and Royal Family they all dressed grandly, including Benjen Stark. There are high born brothers in the Nights Witch from the north and south and I have never seen one dressed as well as Benjen at that feast, not even Lord Commander Mormont himself. He wears rich black velvet high black leather boots. His wide belt has a silver buckle and very heavy silver chain. When Bran is attacked by Wildlings he is attacked for what he is wearing and he is second legitimate son and he is wearing a wolfs head broch of silver and jet. Jet is a gemstone and this is not a formal event this is just outriding in the woods. Jon wears fine blacks and mole skin gloves which would not be cheap. At Winterfell harvest feast Bran is dressed quote, as befits a Prince and Robb wears a bronze crown and Catelyn describes her sons royal Kingly attire as quote magnificent. Also Theon Greyjoy dressed very well when he was living with Stark in silk and Gold and Balon fears the Starks have made him soft. I doubt Greyjoy money was funding Theon's extravagant lifestyle. When he takes Winterfell he crowns himself Prince of Winterfell and orders and orders a new crown forged with black diamonds and chunks of gold. Where did he get the gold and diamonds if not from Winterfell's plundered treasury. And before Winterfell Bran and Luwin gave the Manderley's gold and build a royal fleet and mint coins. At the Winterfell harvest feast Now lets look at Winterfell it is much bigger and much grander than in the show this is a Castle built of granite which is an opulent martial. Winterfell is a huge castle complex spanning several acres and encircled by two massive granite walls. Remember the Castle is built over natural hot springs and as the wiki explains. The water is piped through walls and chambers to heat them, making Winterfell more comfortable than other castles during the harsh northern winters. Also from the wiki Inside the walls, the complex is composed of dozens of courtyards and small open spaces. Weapons training and practice take place in those yards. The inner ward is a second, much older open space in the castle where archery practice takes place. It is located next to the broken tower. Inside Winterfell stands the inner castle, which contains the Great Keep and the Great Hall. Winterfell's towers and halls have diamond-shaped window panes.[6] Inner Castle The Great Keep is the innermost castle and stronghold of the castle complex. It was built over natural hot springs to keep it warm.[5] The Great Keep contains bedchambers for House Stark[5] as well as the solar of Lord Eddard Stark.[7] The building is connected to the armory by a covered bridge.[8] From a window on the covered bridge, one can see the entire yard.[9] Beneath the Great Keep are cellars with narrow windows.[10] The Great Hall is used for receiving guests and the place where the household dines together, including the Lord of Winterfell. It is made of grey stone[11] and has wide doors made of oak and iron,[12] which opens to the castle yard, and a rear exit leads to a dimly-lit gallery.[12] Inside it can hold eight long rows of trestle tables, four to each side of the central aisle,[12] and the hall can seat five hundred people.[13] There is a raised platform for noble guests, and the walls are covered with banners.[11] The hall contains the high seat of the old Kings in the North. The seat's cold stone has been polished by the many lords who have sat upon it, and its massive arms are decorated with the carved heads of snarling direwolves.[14][15] The small sept was built for Lady Catelyn Tully, a southron, by her husband, Lord Eddard.[16] Courtyard and Other Buildings The First Keep, a squat and round drum tower, is the oldest surviving part of the castle but is no longer in use. Around it lies a lichyard where the Kings of Winter would bury their loyal servants. The keep has gargoyles atop it.[17][6] Maester Kennet determined it was built after the Andals arrived.[18] The broken tower, also known as the Burned Tower, was once the tallest watchtower in Winterfell. Over 140 years ago a lightning strike set it afire and the top third collapsed inward, but no one rebuilt it.[19][20] It stands behind the old inner ward. Crows nest atop the broken tower.[19] The ancient godswood of Winterfell has stood untouched for ten thousand years, with three acres of old packed earth and close-together trees creating a dense canopy, which the castle was built around. At the center of the grove stands an ancient weirwood with a face carved into it, standing over a pool of black water.[16] Across the godswood from the heart tree, beneath the windows of the Guest House, an underground hot spring feeds three small pools, with a moss-covered wall looming above them. The godswood is enclosed by walls, and is accessed by a main iron gate, or smaller wooden ones. The Glass Gardens[21] is a greenhouse heated by the hot springs, which turn it into a place of moist warmth.[5] It is used to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers.[9][22] The garden has green and yellow glass panes[10] locked in frames.[8] The crypt of Winterfell, located near the First Keep, is where members of House Stark are buried. The underground crypts are long and narrow, with pillars moving two by two along its length. Between pillars stand the sepulchers of the Starks of Winterfell, the likenesses of the dead seated on thrones, with iron swords set before them to keep the restless spirits from wandering, and snarling direwolves at their feet. The crypts are deep under the earth, cavernous and bigger than the complex above ground. They are accessed by a twisting stone stair and a huge ironwood door that lies at a slant to the floor. The stair continues below to older levels where the most ancient Kings in the North are entombed.[23][17][10] The Bell Tower is connected to the rookery by a bridge. The bridge is covered and runs from the fourth floor of the tower to the second floor of the rookery.[6][8] The maester's turret is below the rookery.[24] The Library Tower houses the library at Winterfell. A stonework staircase winds about its exterior.[8] The Guards Hall is in line with the Bell Tower, and further back, the First Keep.[6] Winterfell has undercrofts and cellars.[25] The castle also has dungeons,[25] including tower cells.[26] Walls Winterfell is a huge castle complex spanning several acres, defended by two massive walls of grey granite with a wide moat between them.[4] The outer wall is eighty feet high, while the inner is one hundred feet high.[4] There are guard turrets on the outer wall and more than thirty watch turrets on the crenelated inner walls. The great main gates[7] have a gatehouse made of two huge crenelated bulwarks which flank the arched gate[8] and a drawbridge that opens into the market square of the winter town.[27][28] There is a narrow tunnel inside of the inner wall stretching halfway around the castle, allowing travel from the south gate all the way to the north gate without interruption.[19] The Hunter's Gate is close to the kennels and the kitchens. It opens directly onto open fields and the wolfswood, so people can come and go without having to cross through the winter town. It is favored by hunting parties.[4] The East Gate[10] or east gate[29] leads to the kingsroad.[10] The Kingsroad Gate[7] may be another name for the same gate. The Battlements Gate is a small arched postern in the inner wall. It crosses the moat between the walls but does not have a passageway through the outer wall.[7]# When Jon Snow becomes Lord Commander of the Nights Watch he considers building a glass building but thinks it will be costly and for such fine glass he would need to look Myr and by the freedom of a few glass makers. We know Sansa loves lemon cakes and lemon trees do not grow naturally in the north importing lemon seeds to Winterfell from the reach or Doren would not be cheap. My guess would be the seeds came form Doren as one need only sail up the narrow sea than the up the White Knife. Finally Maester Luwin has his own turret and mentions having servents of his own. The Starks top servants have servants Not as wealthy as the Lannister but it clear Ned and Robb after him where unlike in the show 2 of the wealthiest man in the world.

Beyond the Small Council, what about the Kingsguard? I don't know about the rest of Rheagar's council, but he would arguably have the best King/Kingsguard combination.

11:05 I need these to types you know 😂😂😂

Ser Pounce is the rightful heir and one true king

Sorry, but it doesn't matter whether Rhaegar and Lyanna were in love. He still showed EXTREME bad judgement and caused a war that got his family killed. Just giving her a prize at tournament caused a huge stink. Did he think the Starks and Baratheons WEREN'T going to be upset. Did he not know his dad was mind bogglingly insane. Sure going incommunicado while on his secret honeymoon was just a great showing of political savvy.

@3:18 Hey now, Jaehaerys II, the first king Barristan served, was a good king, just not a great one. "Jaehaerys's reign only lasted three years, but he reigned well in those short years. He proved a capable king, restoring order to the kingdom, ending the Blackfyre threat and reconciling many of the Great Houses who had grown unhappy with his father's reign." So given that Ser Barristan is of the opinion that Rhaegar would have been a better king than Robert, Aerys, AND Jaehaerys, that's a pretty glowing assessment

does anyone know where i can find the art of Aurthur Dayne @ 3:50 ?

Fantastic video. However, i cant help but think that Renley wouldve been a cracking King of the Seven Kingdoms. Aside from the military aspect, pretty much an upgrade in all other respects from Edmure. Experience on the small council, loved and respected, hard enough to make the tough calls and smart.

Council of Eddard: Hand of the King: Jon Arryn (Obviously, smart man, his mentor, trusted person in all of 7 kindoms) Master of War: Robert Baratheon (No finer warrior) Master of Ships: Stannis Baratheon/lord of Arbor (both had large amounts of ships, and would be more trustworthy than Greyjoys. Manderly would be good too, but...) Master of Coin: Tywin Lannister (Rich, smart, and would be good to keep up good relations with him) Master of Whispers: Wyman Manderly (Perfection.) Maester: Maester Luwin (Pycelle is too much of a lackey for Lannisters, and Luwin seems to be a good person) Lord Commander of the Kingsguard: Obviously, Ser Barristan Selmy

It's about damn time somebody put some respect on Lord Eddard's name! You guys called this one spot on. 😉 Thanks Fandome!

Make a full video of ned as king, please like a full series redraw(sorry for my broken english 😅)

Ned would have had Jon Arryn as Hand, Robert as War/an advisor, Tywin as Coin, Pycelle as Grand Maester because he’s already in that position, Renly as Laws, Stannis as Ships, Varys as Whispers because he was already there.

If I had to give Ned one flaw, it'd be the fact that he didn't want it. He'd be stressed out all the time and wouldn't let himself enjoy any of the finer things a king gets to do. That's not even really a flaw but it would probably mean he would die from like a heart attack or sonething lol. He was fair and just while also compassionate and forgiving. He loved his people and the people loved him

Ned did what was needed time and time again, he fought wars, married his brother's bride and swong the sword after passing the sentance. But of all he did, in some capacity, his dignity stayed intact according to his and his society moral standards for the most part, being his acceptance of Jon his biggest public shame. But as a king, he would never be able to do the really bad and impactful stuff he needed to do to assure the peace. We saw before how he reacted regarding the assassination of Daenerys and the royal family. He couldn't even let Cersei die without telling her to flee with her children. Imagine if he was in a complete open war with Tywin and had to extinguised house Lannister? He wouldn't be able to, and the kingdoms would suffer. Simply put, he was too much of a good person to be a good king

Why are you even bothering with these long, enjoyable, well crafted and frankly amazing videos with tons of detail. Just put Stannis at nr. 2 and Marybert Sueratheon at nr. 1 and make up the other 3 spots. It would be so much easier than actually analysing the text and giving fair and just opinions. Looking forward to the next video.

He was the de facto king while he was serving as the hand. He didn't have the stomach to do what needed to be done. We don't have to theorycraft to determine if he would have been a good king, we saw "first hand" that he wasn't.

If you follow the books you are overlooking the BIGGEST problem with Stannis is that he abandoned his brother and just waited for the Lannisters to kill Robert before pressing a claim. Ned's letter revealing Joffrey, Myrcella, and Tommen's parentage was intercepted and Stannis never received it yet he still acted like he had which meant he knew long beforehand and saw it as an opportunity to sit the Iron Throne instead of kneeling to any children Robert may have should he remarry. He left King's Landing almost immediately after Jon Arryn's death and just quietly prepared for war without a fucking word to either of his brothers. Readers don't tend to notice it because few POV characters have all the pieces to figure it out themselves and those that do are too blindly loyal to Stannis to care meaning he got away with it and will likely never face any fallout for it.

In a different setting he would be an AMAZING king, but in Song of Ice and Fire I think he'd do something honorable and just which would cause a rebellion or get him murdered or something.

he was honourable and he didn't shirk from dealing justice. i think Ned would have been a GREAT king, as Rob said "you'll hate it worse than i did, but you'll do it well."

A lot of people overlook how easily manipulated he was in the books & show. Yeah he would've been a kind & honourable king but anyone that knows their way around court intrigue would have a field day with him.

What if rhaegar targaryen was fostered at the vale with Ned and Robert

Edmure Tully is a good lord and a good dad and he deserve our repect.

Master of Coins: Wyman Manderly Master of Whispers: Bran Stark Master of Ships: Yara Greyjoy Master of Laws: Stannis Baratheon Grand maister: Archmaester Ebrose or Samwel Tarly Hand: Tywin Lannister (pragmatic)

If the Ned were king right after Robert's Rebellion, it depends on whether or not he would pardon everyone. Littlefinger wouldn't be master of coin since he would be too young, Ned would probably keep Pycelle, and I'm not sure about Varys. The biggest threat would be Tywin but seeing as how he joined Robert's side and feared going to swords with Ned's vanguard I don't think Tywin would fight back. Since it was right after the rebellion he would probably have a good council and lots of his own men at King's Landing. Since his army was there he could keep plenty of his own men there

For Ned as king and this is all assuming the rebellion plays out the exact same way with the difference being Ned ascends the throne instead of Bobby B: 1. Hand- Jon Arryn(if alive at the time Ned is crowned), and I would suggest Howland Reed, due to the connections they had from youth and Howlands help at the tower of joy,if Jon Arryn for whatever reason can't/won't take the position 2. Grand Maester- Pycelle, because Ned at least from what I know of the show and books truly trusted Pycelle due to his many years of service. If he was to replace Pycelle then I expect he would accept almost any grand maester from the Citadel that offers their service. 3. Master of Coin- Petr Baelish. Due to Ned mostly keeping his attention in the North I don't truly know how deep his knowledge of wealth and merchants is. And he did actually trust Littlefinger with the crowns finances as far as I'm aware, so I imagine he would stay in his position but with some oversight by Ned to avoid any dishonorable practices. He could potentially ask Tywin to take the position as a way to maintain a connection without having to marry Cersei. However the mess in Kings Landing after Ned returned from the Battle of the Trident would need one hell of an explanation from Tywin. 4. Master of Laws- Stannis Baratheon. Is there any other person who you want writing the laws for your lands. High born or low born the law is applied evenly to everyone with no exceptions. And as king Ned can temper Stannis when making laws to allow for some leeway in certain situations (I.e. stealing food to feed your family). 5. Master of Ships- Baelon Greyjoy. Now hear me out, I think this would be a wise decision because the Iron Fleet is touted as the strongest naval power in Westeros, and having them on your side is better than having to fight against them. This could also serve as a potential truce agreement between Ned and Baelon with the promise of regular trade of foods and wears, so long as the Ironborn agree to stop raiding the mainland because no way does Ned allow that to continue. While also keeping Baelon close by in case he starts planning treason against the Crown. 6. Master of Whisperers- Varys. I'm honestly not sure if this position would even exist on a small council for Eddard Stark, but if it does still exist it's possible Lord Varys could be allowed to continue in that capacity if he explains his intentions to Ned about serving the everyday people of Westeros or as Varys says "the realm". I don't know anyone else who could have this position since Ned clearly despises the practice of spying seeing it as unhonourable. 7. Lord Commander of the Kings Guard- Barristan Selmy. Ned holds honour as one of his highest virtues and Barristan the Bold is the embodiment of honour in many eyes of Westeros including Ned. I believe this is the second most obvious choice for a position on the small council period. 8. Master of War- Robert Baratheon. Obviously. Who else would it be? That's my list let me know if you liked it or not, and don't forget to leave your suggestions in the replies down below.

Ned is competent and compassionate, which would make him a fair ruler but possibly not a good one - he'd need a more ruthless/devious Hand to offset that. Tywin would be good in that regard, but since Ned's first act would probably be to execute Jaime (or at least, force him to take the Black), I can't see Tywin accepting the role, so he'd probably make the same choice as Robert and appoint Jon Arryn. Set against that, he probably wouldn't keep on Varys and he'd never appoint Littlefinger, so at a stroke he'd eliminate two of the men doing the most to destabilise the Realm. I guess his best choice of Master of Whispers would then be Doran, as he has the most extensive spy network (or Oberyn if Doran doesn't want to leave Dorne) who might accept if he'd rescued Elia from her marriage to Aerys. Maybe Stannis as Master of Coin? He certainly wouldn't bankrupt the Kingdoms, even if everyone else would complain about him keeping a tight grip on expenses.

I thought of all the questionable later season dialogues that Jamie and Edmuire was one of the best. I scoffed when you suggested Ed, but I do believe he would be a pretty good king.

Ned's biggest flaw is obvious as soon as he goes south. It isn't honour, duty, or mercy; it's naivite. Ned is thrust into a world he doesn't understand and makes alliances with people he should not trust, but does because he doesn't know any better. He has lived in one place all his life, fought for just causes, and led the place he knows best. He has little experience outside of those areas and because he is naive about the rest of the kingdoms, he can be taken advantage of as Littlefinger and Cersei show and Varys warns him against. Duty makes him stay when he shouldn't, yet his lack of understanding the game he's in is what gets him killed.

stannis is a harder case as we know some of his picks his hand will be davos seaworth, i can stannis nameing ether ned stark or samwell tarly as master of laws , gran maester is going to be Maester Jurne solely as he is the only maester i see the manis trusting , master of ship will most likely go to Gilbert Farring for loyalty, i can see stannis nameing renly or lomas estermont if renlys dead as master of coin it could also go to wyman manderly if he helps the manis win , lord commander is sir barristan the badass. master of war might go to jon snow , master of whispers is clearlly going to the red women as she is already doing this in both books and show.

I cannot remember how it was in the books but in the show Ned had stated that his older brother was trained for political stuff while he was trained for war tactics and stuff. Ned was too used to the North where everybody basically did as he ordered/said. Being thrown into being being king would be a different beast for him. Now, is this with not getting the crown into 6 million into debt or getting the crown out of 6 million in debt. When Ned was named as the Hand of the King and reached King's Landing, he learned that the crown was 6 million coin in debt

I may have another candidate for the kingship, Samwell Tarly, he is compasionate and have almost every good quality, if you ignore he can't fight by himself, but he is quite competent and is smart enough to plot and somewhat play the game (him telling Jon ruinned Dany and somewhat avenged his father and brother, but idk, S7&8 were horrible, so, keep kt to the books, he is a good and intelligent man, also, the first to kill a White Walker

Ned would have no master of whisperers on his council. John Arryn would be his hand and probably would use littlefinger as his master of whispers. Because he is a Northerner he'd offer either coin or ships to Manderley. He'd keep tywin onside by pardoning jaimie after hearing his testimony and finding the wildfire. The kicker for tywin is Ned would strip him of his white cloak as an oathbreaker.

😢 poor Ned, he really didn’t deserved to die but the events needed him to die. But I think Ned would be a number 2 or even 3 because when someone rules, no matter how honorable or peaceful like the king is there is always court intrigues who would unscrupulously take advantage of Ned’s honor to make him fall. Also taken since this is the books version, one must also put into question if Ned’s honor and mercy really came out of because of Ned’s personality… or because he is overcompensated the fact that he was technically not suppose to be lord of winterfell and everything he had (his wife, his kids, and his position) wouldn’t happened had his brother not been killed by the mad king and that’s shown on his conversation with Catelyn when they are discussing the decision of Robert naming him hand of the king. Also Ned seemed to be merciful only when he deemed it because he was merciful (or tried to be) towards Cersei and her kids (influenced by the savage killing of the targeryn children) which was both treason AND idiotic from the Perspective from a grieving father who’s own son was made crippled by Jaime to keep that a secret but when it came to Johrah’s crime he wasn’t and carried some resentment towards him when he didn’t do it for avarice but for to conserve the love of a women who didn’t hurt anybody other than criminals who’s fate would have probably been the wall or death when caught doing their crimes 🤷🏻‍♂️

I can't remember who said it but my favorite quote about Ned is "hid hobor might have killed him, but it may yet save the realm" Neds real strength is the lesson he teaches to the younger generation, that being honorable is a difficult often dangerous endeavor, but a worthwhile one. As seen with Robb and Jon, Ned is a good father and his son would likely also be a good king.

Karl Tanner is the true king of the REAL north, he reigned longer then Daenerys anyway 😏

I’d argue his honour and mercy are definitely not his weakness. I think it’s unwillingness to play the game, he places his trust in the wrong people as he’s so bloody honourable it doesn’t cross his mind. He commands respect and has the love of the Northerners but they’re extremely loyal. Will he get that same love from Dorne or the Westerlands? (And it’s hard to be loved on a personal level by your people when you’ve got 7 times the people to rule). I think he’d be a good and loved king but would end up in a John Arryn situation of some kind.

Here's my pics for King Jon's small Council, under the assumption that Jon and the others mentioned here survive the War for the Dawn and any subsequent fighting for the Iron Throne. Hand: Tyrion (Jon has valued his friendship and council sense AGOT) MOLaws: Wyman Manderly (or his son Wylis) (a Stark loyalist who understands and values the traditions and laws of both Andals and First Men) (I honestly doubt Wyman will even survive the fight to retake winterfell from the Boltons, but he does have an heir (Wylis) with presumably similar qualifications who's safe and sound at White Harbor) MOShips: Theon (if he survives and manages to overturn Euron's kingsmoot as was foreshadowed in ADWD, he'll be a Stark loyalist and worshiper of the old gods with a huge fleet at his command) MOCoin: Tycho Nestoris (Jon & Tycho established a good rapport while negotiating a loan from the Iron Bank to the Night's Watch, Tycho wouldn't be the first MOC from the Free Cities, and after saving the world from the Others Jon should have the clout to entice Tycho away from the Iron Bank) MOWhispers: Bran (Blood Raven already proved nobody does this job better than a greenseer) LCOKingsguard: Brianne (one of the few things about D&D's ending that made sense, Brianne is a Stark loyalist and embodies the principles of knighthood) Grand Maester: Marwyn (as the one other maester confirmed to believe in the prophecies of the War for the Dawn, Marwyn is the natural successor to Maester Aemon, and therefore a natural Grand Maester to Jon)

Okay, here's my picks for King Ned's small Council, assuming that all three Baratheons died in the rebellion, which is the only way Ned would make a claim for the throne. Or maybe if Robert died and a great Council was held after the rebellion, and Ned was chosen over Stannis who was always unpopular, and Renly who would have been too young. Hand: Jon Arryn (Ned probably would've chosen him for the same reasons Robert did) MOLaws: Hoster Tully (another important ally and father figure who by all accounts was a honorable and just Lord) MOShips: Paxtor Redwyne (he's got a big fleet, and would stand as an example of Neds magnanimity towards former Targaryen loyalists) MOCoin: Wyman Manderly (years of experience running a wealthy port city which could translate perfectly to managing the crown's finances, and collecting dues on trade in Kingslanding) MOWhispers: Howland Reed (so good at keeping secrets no one even knows where his castle is, plus he's got the magic of the old gods just like Blood Raven, a legendary MOW) LCOKingsguard: Barristan (same reasons as Robert) Grandmaester: Maester Luwin (who else would Ned Choose)

Jon being number 2 in this list makes me really excited for a how House Targaryen (so Jon and Daenerys) could have won the game of thrones

2:47 I think the small folk bit is show only

Ned's biggest flaw would be that he's a northener and old gods believer. The VAST majority of Westerosi believe in the faith of the 7, some may not have an issue with his religion, b0ut A LOT would.