What really sets “Game of Thrones", or "Song of Ice and Fire”(The actual title of the book series) from other fantasy books, so this is clear historical realism. Despite the presence of magical elements in the novel, it seems as if they are part of our past.
As Mark Twain once said - “The truth of any invention is weirder”. This is why George R.R. Martin draws his inspiration from history, an endless source of material. Also take a look at article 15 Incredible Facts About George R.R. Martine.
In other words, certain historical events inspired him to create many of the characters, places and phenomena described in the book, because before even magic seemed to be a reality for people - they without a shadow of a doubt believed in the existence of giants, zombies and dragons. But in this article we will only talk about confirmed historical facts. Spoiler alert possible. You might be interested in article 10 of the most explicit scenes from "Game of Thrones".
10. Map and Ancient History of Westeros
If you take a map of the British Isles, move Ireland under England, then flip and enlarge it and place it next to the map of Westeros (the fictional continent on which most of the plot unfolds), then you can see striking similarities between them.
In addition, if we turn to the history of Westeros itself and figure out how people appeared on this continent, then it will be possible to draw a parallel with the same England:
the first to set foot on the British Isles were the people of the Stone Age - they crossed there long before the islands, after the Ice Age, separated from Europe. V "Game of Thrones“These people are personified by the Children of the Forest (a mysterious non-human race, indigenous to Westeros).
Now let's go back to about 1200 BC when the Celts began to migrate to the British Isles. These people brought with them weapons and tools that were not available in England before. In Westeros, the Celts are represented by the First Men who arrived from Essos (the real Eurasian continent) 12,000 years ago.
Six thousand years later, a group of Andals (the people ruling in the state of the Seven Kingdoms), having seized Westeros and overthrew the First Men, began to peacefully coexist with them. In our history around 400 A.D. the Angles and Saxons invaded England and took over most of the island. The area that the Anglo-Saxons conquered was divided into 7 small kingdoms and called Heptarchy.
The Vikings, who over the centuries made frequent forays into the British Isles, and even ruled many of them for a time, in “Game of thrones”Are represented by the Ironborn. And finally, the Targaryens, who arrived in Westeros with their dragons and conquered all seven kingdoms, after which the entire continent lived in peace and harmony. The real counterparts of the Targaryens are the Normans, who conquered England, and under the leadership of William the Conqueror (the prototype of which is Aegon the Conqueror) united the islands in 1066 AD.
9. Seven Kingdoms and their European Prototypes
The life of Westeros is somewhat reminiscent of the European Middle Ages. But the history of the Seven Kingdoms is more similar to the history of various peoples living in Europe than to the history of the seven kingdoms of England that existed during the Heptarchy. So, for example, Dorn, the southernmost kingdom of Westeros, is similar to Spain during the Reconquista, when most of the land was occupied by the Moorish Emirates. The climate in Dorn, like in Spain, is hot, the landscape is drier and rockier, but Dorn is the culture that distinguishes it most from other kingdoms.
The expanse is located just north of Dorn, the border between them is formed by the Red Mountains. These mountains are a kind of Pyrenees, then the Expanse can be called France. As in France, the Prostor region has a much milder climate than the rest of Westeros, with extensive fertile soil. The oldest and most culturally developed city on a fictional continent - like Paris during the Middle Ages - is Old Town. Small, rainy and evergreen, Stormlands are reminiscent of Wales. The Western Lands can be compared to England itself, because both of them achieved power thanks to their economic situation. Moreover, the rivalry between the Western Lands and the Reach can be likened to the rivalry between the British and the French; Lions are also depicted on both the English coat of arms and the Lannister coat of arms.
Due to conflicts with the Western Lands (England) and Celtic / Pictish ancestry (First Men), as well as due to its geographical location, it becomes obvious that the North is acting as Scotland. The Iron Islands is Scandinavia, a land inhabited by marauding pirates with their own religion. The valley, due to its mountainous terrain and relative neutrality during the Battle of the Five Kings, can be mistaken for Switzerland, and the Riverlands for medieval Germany, because both regions are famous for numerous conflicts taking place in their native lands. Moreover, Germany acquired its own national identity only after its unification under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck in the 19th century. Likewise, the Riverlands did not become part of the Seven Kingdoms until after the Targaryen victory.
8. The Battle of the Five Kings and the Wars of the Roses
As far as is known, there were no dragons or white walkers in medieval England. But some of the events featured in Game of Thrones actually happened. The main plot of the book revolves around the Battle of the Five Kings and the chaos that this battle has left behind in Westeros. Conspiracies, betrayal, personal interests and constant intrigue are what makes people watch season after season. Titties, blood and dragons are doing their thing too, though.
It is curious that a similar struggle for power (by the way, no less exciting) took place in medieval England. The series of dynastic conflicts were called the War of the Scarlet and White Roses, and they lasted for 30 years (1455-1485).
The story is so complex and confusing that it will be difficult to tell it in a nutshell. It all started after the death of King Edward III in 1377. He had 5 sons, whose descendants have fought for the throne for generations, culminating in the War of the Roses. The two main dynasties, Lancaster and York, were represented by the Red and White Roses, who fought each other for a long time until almost complete destruction. In the series, these dynasties are represented by the Lannister and the Starks. The death of the king led to wars, complex alliances, lies, intrigues, treacherous murders and defeats, worthy of the title of a real "game of thrones".
7. Wall
The Game of Thrones Wall is a huge structure erected by the First Men 8,000 years ago, using both magic and traditional means to build it. The Wall is designed to keep the Seven Kingdoms safe from the Free Folk (Wildlings) living behind it and other threats. The wall, which is almost 483 kilometers long and 213 meters high, is made entirely of solid ice. It is guarded by a military organization known as the Night's Watch, an honorary institution that struggled during the War of the Five Kings.
The remains of such a wall exist in England to this day. It is not as prominent in size compared to the Wall from Game of Thrones, but it is still called a miracle of engineering. The wall was built in 122 BC.the Romans, who managed to conquer most of England and Wales after only a few attempts, but they were never able to subdue modern Scotland. Hadrian's Ramp, named after Emperor Hadrian, stretches 117 kilometers from Sigidunum Fortress on the Tyne River in the east to Solway Firth in the west. Its height is only 3-6 meters, and it is made of stone. The purpose of the shaft is to ward off the barbarian Picts and Caledonians living in the far north.
The Roman military commanders had wives, but the lower ranks did not have the right to marry (similar to the vow of celibacy at the Night's Watch), none of them was tied to any particular place, since their help could be needed anywhere.
6. Quart, Free Cities, Dothraki and IT
Now let's move on to Essos (Eurasia) and consider the similarities between the fictional continent and real history.
Quart, “The greatest city that was or will ever be erected,” is located on the southern coast of Essos, between the Summer and Jade Seas. It is one of the most powerful and wealthy cities in the Game of Thrones universe, located between the Far East and the western shores of the continent, protected by high walls, and has never been conquered by anyone. In reality, Quart is equivalent to Constantinople.
The Free Cities are nine strong and independent city-states located on the shores of the Narrow Sea. All cities, with the exception of Braavos, were semi-independent colonies and parts of Valyria. After the fall of Valyria, these cities not only managed to withstand and become independent, but also flourish. The inhabitants of the Free Cities have more social mobility than the inhabitants of Westeros. Their historical counterpart are the Italian city-states, which were formed after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire.
The Dothraki people are associated with the Mongols, because when the feudal system ruled in both states, both of them led a nomadic lifestyle. These are horsemen who inhabited the endless plains in the central parts of Essos and Eurasia, respectively, who mainly lived off the robbery of other people.
I-Ti is an ancient civilization located in the eastern outskirts of Essos. Westeros knows practically nothing about her, except that she exists and is located somewhere in the Far East. So at one time, Western Europeans did not know anything about Ancient China.
5. Wild and Greek Fire
Wildfire is a bright green, extremely flammable volatile liquid created by mages from the Alchemists Guild, an ancient order of Westeros with arcane and magical knowledge. It is stored in large underground caches in King's Landing and is one of the most powerful weapons in the ruler's arsenal. The ministers (members of the Alchemist Guild) call this liquid “substance", And the lower ranks are"ministers urine”.
It was used several times by members of the Targaryen ruling family, worshipers of the Lord of Light, and Toros from the World, who doused the sword with liquid and set it on fire to frighten his enemies in battle. V "Game of Thrones " Wild Fire is considered a magical substance, which cannot be said about its real predecessor.
Greek Fire, the secret recipe of which was known only to a small circle of people, was under the strictest protection. The Greek Fire was invented by Kallinikos from the city of Heliopolis, which was in the Byzantine Empire, in 673. This medieval weapon, except for its color, is like a drop of water like the Wild Fire. It was extremely flammable, burned on water, and could only be extinguished with large amounts of sand. As in Westeros, in the Byzantine Empire, these weapons were used against their enemies, which led to truly devastating and terrifying consequences.
4. Titan of Braavos and Colossus of Rhodes
In ancient times, the small island of Rhodes was an important economic center in the Mediterranean. The city of Rhodes, erected in 408 BC, was created to form the natural harbor of the island, later becoming the leading trade center in the Aegean Sea. After surviving a siege under the leadership of Demetrius the Great in 305 BC, the inhabitants decided to build a huge monument that could capture their liberation from the Macedonians.
After Demetrius the Great left Rhodes, the inhabitants melted down most of the bronze fighting vehicles and began construction of a 30-meter statue of the patron saint of the city and the Sun God - Helios. At that time, the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes, located at the entrance to the harbor, became the tallest statue in the world. In 225 BC. the statue was partially destroyed after the earthquake, and in 653 what remained of it was sold to a Jewish merchant. However, the Colossus is considered One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
In the world of Game of Thrones, there is a similar statue that guards Braavos, one of the nine Free Cities. The Titan of Braavos, 122 meters high, is made of stone and bronze and acts as a defense for the city and its harbor. In addition, Titan is listed as One of the Nine Wonders Created by Man.
3. Hightower and Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt
As you continue to reflect on the Wonders of the World, you will notice a striking similarity between the Hightower of Old Town and the Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egypt. Not only do they look the same, but both, among the tallest buildings in the world, act as lighthouses.
The height of Hightower is 244 meters (30 meters higher than the Wall), and the height of its Egyptian counterpart is 134 meters (at that time only the Great Pyramid of Giza was higher than it). The Alexandria lighthouse was built by Ptolemy Soter at the beginning of the 3rd century. BC, but the history of the construction of Hightower is still a mystery. It is believed that the legendary Brandon the Builder was its architect.
Another similarity between Hightower and Lighthouse of Alexandria lies in their world famous libraries. In the series, a huge library is located right in the tower, and in the book, the Citadel is described as a complex of university-type buildings that are located throughout the Old Town. In any case, the Library in Alexandria and the Citadel act as custodians of knowledge in both the real and the fictional world of Game of Thrones.
2. Characters and their historical "counterparts"
Not surprisingly, George R.R. Martin relied on a real story to create his characters. In this article, it has already been said about Aegon the Conqueror and his real-life prototype, William the Conqueror, but other characters are also copies of real figures in England, mainly during the War of the Roses. First, let's talk about King Robert Baratheon.
His character is based on several historical figures such as King Edward III, whose death led to the War of the Red and White Rose. There are also similarities with Henry IV, the ruler who married Margaret of Anjou and was friends with Richard of York. Margarita of Anjou was a beautiful woman and one of the main figures in the Wars of the Roses. She trusted her husband's friend, Richard of York, and had a son, Edward of Westminster, who was rumored to be not from Henry. Margarita is very similar to Cersei Lannister, and her son, Edward, to Joffrey Baratheon.
Richard of York was a close adviser and loyal general to Edward III, but was soon relegated to the background by the Queen, Margaret of Anjou. Later, when Edward began to suffer from a mental disorder, Richard was appointed to the role of Lord Protector or "Hand of the King", but after his defeat in 1460 he was beheaded. Richard's son, Edward IV (Robb Stark), became king of England after the death of his father, and often defeated Lancaster. He even turned down a planned wedding with a French princess in order to secretly marry Talisa Meigir.
Richard III, Edward's younger brother, became regent after the death of the king.He immediately declared the illegality of the birth of his nephews due to the secret marriage of their parents, and claimed the throne for himself. He could easily be mistaken for Stannis Baratheon. Less than two years later, Henry Tudor (Daenerys Targaryen), a descendant of the first Duke of Lancaster, overthrew him. Henry Tudor, after the death of his father in a previous rebellion, grew up in exile.
Theon Greyjoy plays the role of the real George Plantagenet, the younger brother of Edward IV and Richard III, who betrayed Edward during the war and went over to the Lancaster side. After Edward's victory, George was drowned in a barrel of wine for his betrayal: if you remember what happened to Theon, then we can say that the traitor got off easy. And finally, Tywin Lannister, the richest man in Westeros. Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, was also known for his wealth during the Wars of the Roses.
1. Red wedding
Those of you who have watched the series or read books know everything about the Red Wedding, and there is no point in discussing it again. But we would like to talk about similar events that took place around the same time as the Wars of the Roses, but this time in Scotland. Sir William Craiter, Chancellor of Scotland, on behalf of James II, the 10-year-old King of Scotland, invited the 16-year-old Earl of Douglas and his younger brother to dinner at Edinburgh Castle. After everyone had their fill and began to rest and have fun, the servants served a dish with a black bull's head on the table, which symbolized the death of the Douglas clan. The boys were taken out of the castle, accused of high treason and executed. Later this event was named “Black lunch”.
Another horrific incident occurred in February 1692, when 120 soldiers sought refuge in the Glencoe Valley, Scotland. The MacDonald clan showed hospitality and offered lodging, as was the practice in the Highlands. For the next 2 weeks, the soldiers lived in their homes. On the night of February 13, the soldiers were ordered to kill as many owners as possible. The attack killed 38 people, and another 40 women and children died while trying to hide from soldiers in a blizzard raging outside.
This massacre is considered especially brutal, it has the status of a murder committed “On trust”. These events are reminiscent of the episode when Walder Frey broke the sacred law of hospitality to protect everyone who shares bread and salt with the owners under the same roof. The MacDonald clan was killed for failing to secure the oath of allegiance to the new king of Scotland in time, and the Starks were chosen due to Robb's ongoing uprisings against the Lannister.
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The series "Game of Thrones" has absorbed the events of medieval England. Find out which historical figures became the prototypes of the heroes of the series, as well as about other features and events of the Middle Ages, which were reflected in the "Game of Thrones".
