The Rest Is History

53. Game of Thrones

May 17, 2021
Dive into the rich connections between medieval history and the fantasy world of Game of Thrones. Explore how the series impacts our understanding of power, morality, and colonialism, all while juxtaposing themes of violence with real historical contexts. The hosts share personal anecdotes about the books and critically analyze the portrayal of characters, including the morally complex Daenerys Targaryen. Plus, enjoy a light-hearted take on the differing narrative styles of George R.R. Martin and Tolkien!
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ANECDOTE

Early Adopter

  • Tom Holland read the early Game of Thrones books before the TV series.
  • He enjoyed the TV show, but loved the books.
INSIGHT

Cultural Impact

  • Game of Thrones has significantly shaped popular perception of the medieval period.
  • Nothing in the 21st century has influenced broader views of the past more.
INSIGHT

Dragons in Medieval Imagination

  • Dragons, while fantastical, reflect a medieval worldview where such creatures were considered real.
  • Medieval chronicles feature accounts of dragons and other supernatural phenomena.
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