Finally seeing the Stark banners up in Winterfell again sent chills down the spines of many Game of Thrones [1] fans. With Ramsay dead [2], the Boltons are officially defeated and the castle is returned to the Starks. But who gets to rule? Lines of succession and characters' whereabouts have made the answer a bit complicated, so here are a few possibilities of who could become the new lord or lady of Winterfell.
Sansa Stark
Sansa proves herself to be a capable leader by calling for an army when resources are low and striking just in time to save everybody's butts [3]. Since the general belief is that she's currently the eldest surviving Stark around, the seat to rule should be hers. However, the odds may be against her due to her gender. With Daenerys and Yara forming an alliance of lady rulers [4], Ellaria Sand staging a coup in Dorne, and Lyanna Mormont showing everyone how it's done at Bear Island [5], has Sansa's time to proudly own the title of lady of Winterfell come?
Jon Snow
At the moment, Jon isn't allowed to rule Winterfell unless he becomes a legitimized bastard, an offer that he's previously denied. He's also shown disinterest in taking on the position of lord of Winterfell at all, namely due to his status position in the Night's Watch. But because his "watch has ended" and he plays a big role in taking his home back, could he change his mind?
Bran Stark
Technically, with eldest Stark son Robb dead, Jon's status as a bastard, and Sansa being a girl, Bran is next in line to rule Winterfell. However, as far as Winterfell knows, he's currently dead or MIA. He's also busy dealing with White Walkers [6] and maybe becoming the next Three-Eyed Raven [7]. But if he does end up back home, perhaps there's a chance he'll decide to take on kingly duties.
Littlefinger
In season five, Littlefinger and Cersei make a deal — in exchange for leading a Vale army to take the North for the Lannisters, Cersei will make Littlefinger the Warden of the North when Stannis Baratheon and the Boltons are defeated. However, now that Stannis and the Boltons are out of the picture, Cersei no longer has any power and their deal may no longer be valid. The finale preview [8] shows Littlefinger and Sansa having a heated discussion, and it could very well be about who'll be in charge of Winterfell.