The Toldinstone Podcast
2 – The Lord of the Rings and Ancient Rome
Sep 9, 2022
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.
01:02:25
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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.
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