Dr. Brett Devereaux, a historian, analyzes the Siege of Gondor in The Lord of the Rings, debunking unrealistic portrayals. He discusses the mechanics and logistics of the siege, comparing it to real historical sieges. The podcast also explores the effectiveness of cavalry charges in warfare and the inspiration that J.R.R. Tolkien drew from late Roman and Byzantine history. The importance of conveying historical periods with accuracy and the clash between ancient beliefs and modern people are also discussed. Finally, the podcast explores the admiration of martial values in ancient civilizations like Sparta and Rome.
Religion played a major role in shaping beliefs and behaviors in historical societies, unlike in Game of Thrones.
Women in medieval Europe had more agency and participation in society compared to other periods, contrary to the depiction in Game of Thrones.
The warfare depicted in Game of Thrones exaggerates the destructiveness of medieval warfare, distorting the understanding of warfare in the Middle Ages.
Deep dives
Religion in Westeros lacks belief and adherence
In Game of Thrones, the characters do not truly believe in or adhere to their own religion, which is a significant departure from historical societies where religion played a major role in shaping beliefs and behaviors.
Misrepresentation of Middle Ages and gender roles
Game of Thrones perpetuates the misconception that the Middle Ages had uniquely backward gender roles, ignoring the fact that women in medieval Europe had more agency and participation in society compared to other periods.
Inaccurate portrayal of medieval warfare
The warfare in Westeros exaggerates the destructiveness of medieval warfare, resembling more of the early modern period. This misrepresentation distorts the understanding of warfare in the Middle Ages.
Westeros lacks belief in the institutions of the church
Game of Thrones neglects the moral force and influence of the church, which was a crucial institution in medieval Europe. The lack of concern for religious principles and institutions in Westeros is historically inaccurate.
Importance of accurate representation in historical fiction
Works like Game of Thrones shape popular perceptions and understanding of history. Authors have a responsibility to accurately represent historical periods, especially when claiming to be grounded in history.
In this episode, Bret Devereaux (the blogger behind "A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry") discusses the relationships between fantasy and ancient history - and why historical accuracy matters.
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