Hello dear readers, I am back for another Top 5 Tuesday, which is hosted by Bionic Book Worm.
This week’s topic is the top five worst rulers in literature. I took the term “ruler” rather loosely, and sort of included anyone with a decent amount of power over other people.
What are terrible leaders from literature that you know of? Let me know in the comments, or send me a message on social media.
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Let’s check out the list!
Joffrey Baratheon – Game of Thrones
This provably seems like a pretty obvious choice. He was a terrible ruler that really only used his power for his own gain. He is a sadistic, cowardice monster that failed as a ruler time and time again.
Dumbledore – Harry Potter Series
Though he inspired many to follow him against Voldemort, I don’t think Dumbledore is a good ruler at all. He trusts none of his followers with important information, and because of that, almost makes it impossible for them to destroy Voldemort after his death.
Katniss – Hunger Games
The idea of Katniss = inspired an army. Katniss’ abilities = near useless and unordinary. She didn’t do much other than just inspire the army to overthrow the government. All she could really do was shoot a bow.
Noah – The Girl Who Found the Sun
Unwilling to analyze obvious information and was willing to let small children die because of poor leadership decisions. He was the leader of the arc, but he was willing to watch them all die without exploring every option of survival.
Emperor Palpatine – Star Wars
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. The most powerful Sith Lord we’ve ever seen should not lost to a young twenty year old brand new Jedi. Sure he manipulated the events of the clone wars, but he’s terrible his own execution apparently.
What are other terrible leaders from literature that I missed? Let me know in the comments, or send me a message on social media.
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Dumbledore is so problematic! I’m rereading the books and half time Dumbledore just does whatever he wants to 🤣
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They probably could have defeated Voldemort pretty quick if he told the order and had them looking for the Horcruxes
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I’ve never really considered Katniss a ruler, especially since she didn’t want to be a leader in the first place. It’s funny though I was just thinking I couldn’t think of any “heroes” that were bad rulers but now that you mention it, Dumbledore is a great answer!
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I think we often overlook their flaws when they are a “good” character
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Great list! I had not heard of The Girl Who Found the Sun, I am now adding it to my TBR list – thank you
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It’s a quick read and a lot of fun. Let me know how you like it!
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