Game of Thrones: Why did Jon Snow kill Daenerys?

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Daenerys Targaryen (played by Emilia Clarke) dominated the drama in the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones. From turning full Mad Queen on King’s Landing to losing one of her surviving dragons, the last known Targaryen had an action-packed series. However, it was her death in the finale at the hands of boyfriend and nephew Jon Snow (Kit Harington) which really raised eyebrows.

Why did Jon Snow kill Daenerys? Daenerys’ death in the final ever episode of Game of Thrones was one of a number of major talking points from the series. After defeating Queen Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey) and decimating King’s Landing to ashes, all looked set for her to take her place on the Iron Throne. However, Jon Snow had other ideas after seeing the villainous and brutality she inflicted on the innocents of the city. Jon tracked Daenerys down to the throne room after the battle and shared one last moment of passion. READ MORE: Arya Stark spin-off series: Will there be a Game of Thrones spin-off?

Game of Thrones: Daenerys after defeating Cersei

Game of Thrones: Jon Snow stabs Daenerys

Mid-kiss, Jon plunged his dagger into Daenerys’ torso and she slowly died while in his arms. Daenerys’ body was then carried away by her only surviving dragon, Drogon, never to be seen again. Jon found himself a prisoner to the Unsullied and summoned to beyond the wall as punishment for killing Daenerys. A man of honour and pride, Harington has revealed this is exactly why Jon had to do what he did. “Jon essentially sees it as Daenerys or Sansa and Arya, and that makes his mind up for him,” he told the Hollywood Reporter. READ MORE: Game of Thrones prequel release date: When will the GOT pilot air?

Game of Thrones: Drogon finds Daenerys

Game of Thrones: Daenerys' body lays lifeless

Harington added: ”He choose blood over, well, his other blood. “But he chooses the people he has grown up with, the people his roots are with, the North. “That's where his loyalties lie in the end. That's when he puts the knife in. “At the end of it, it's beyond honour for Jon. It's his family.” Upon reading the ending for Jon and Daenerys, Harington was clearly taken aback. In Game Of Thrones: The Last Watch, his reaction at the final read is captured as Daenerys’ final scene is read aloud. READ MORE: Game of Thrones leak: What the Game of Thrones prequel leaks reveal

Game of Thrones: Jon Snow and Daenerys' final scene