Top Bastards of 2025

  1. Jon Snow

    Jon Snow

    Category: Heroic Bastard

    Why: Raised as the illegitimate son of Eddard Stark, Jon rises to become Lord Commander of the Night's Watch and plays a crucial role in the battle against the White Walkers.

  2. Ramsay Bolton

    Ramsay Bolton

    Category: Sadistic Bastard

    Why: The illegitimate son of Roose Bolton, Ramsay is known for his cruelty and ambition, eventually legitimized and becoming the Lord of Winterfell.

  3. Gendry

    Gendry

    Category: Resilient Bastard

    Why: An unacknowledged illegitimate son of King Robert Baratheon, Gendry survives numerous challenges and is eventually legitimized as Lord of Storm's End.

  4. Mordred

    Mordred

    Category: Tragic Bastard

    Why: In Arthurian legend, Mordred is the illegitimate son of King Arthur and his half-sister Morgause, ultimately leading to Arthur's downfall.

  5. Edmund

    Edmund

    Category: Ambitious Bastard

    Why: In Shakespeare's "King Lear," Edmund is the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, who schemes to usurp his legitimate brother's inheritance.

  6. FitzChivalry Farseer

    FitzChivalry Farseer

    Category: Loyal Bastard

    Why: Protagonist of Robin Hobb's "Farseer Trilogy," Fitz is the illegitimate son of Prince Chivalry, trained as an assassin to serve the kingdom.

  7. Philip the Bastard

    Philip the Bastard

    Category: Witty Bastard

    Why: In Shakespeare's "King John," Philip is the illegitimate son of Richard the Lionheart, known for his sharp wit and loyalty.

  8. Damian Wayne

    Damian Wayne

    Category: Heir Bastard

    Why: The son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, Damian is raised by the League of Assassins before becoming Robin in the Batman series.