googleGame of Thrones vs Real History: A Detailed Comparison
From the moment it first aired, “Game of Thrones” has captivated audiences with its intricate plot, complex characters, and richly detailed world. But how does this fictional universe stack up against real historical events and figures? Let’s delve into a multi-dimensional comparison of “Game of Thrones” and real history.
Geography and Setting
“Game of Thrones” is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, with Westeros being the primary setting. The geography of Westeros is a mix of mountains, forests, deserts, and coastlines, which provides a diverse landscape for the story to unfold. In real history, there are no exact equivalents to these locations, but we can draw parallels with various regions and cultures.
| Westeros | Real World Equivalent |
|---|---|
| The Iron Islands | Scandinavia |
| The North | Scotland and Northern England |
| The Vale | The English Midlands |
| King’s Landing | London |
Essos, on the other hand, is a vast continent with diverse cultures and civilizations, including the Dothraki, the Lannisters, and the Targaryens. In real history, this could be compared to the vast and diverse regions of the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Political Systems
The political systems in “Game of Thrones” are complex and varied, ranging from absolute monarchies to elective assemblies. The Seven Kingdoms are ruled by a king or queen, with various lords and ladies holding power over their respective regions. In real history, we can find parallels in various forms of governance, such as feudalism, absolute monarchy, and constitutional monarchy.
One of the most notable political systems in “Game of Thrones” is the Iron Throne, which is passed down through the Targaryen family. This resembles the hereditary monarchies found in real history, such as the British monarchy and the Habsburg dynasty.
Religion
Religion plays a significant role in “Game of Thrones,” with various faiths and beliefs influencing the characters and their actions. The most prominent religion is the Faith of the Seven, which is a monotheistic faith with a pantheon of seven gods. In real history, we can find parallels in various religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism.
The Faith of the Seven is similar to Christianity in many ways, with its sevenfold pantheon of gods and the concept of a savior figure. However, the show also incorporates elements of other religions, such as the Drowned God, which is reminiscent of the Norse god of the sea, and the Lord of Light, which has similarities to Zoroastrianism.
Warfare and Tactics
Warfare in “Game of Thrones” is a central theme, with various battles and sieges taking place throughout the series. The tactics used in these battles are a mix of historical and fictional elements. For example, the use of dragons in the Battle of King’s Landing is a purely fictional concept, while the use of longswords and lances is based on historical weaponry.
One of the most notable aspects of the show’s warfare is the use of archers, which is a common tactic in real history. The use of archers in “Game of Thrones” is reminiscent of the English longbow in the Battle of Agincourt and the use of crossbowmen in various medieval battles.
Characters and Relationships
The characters in “Game of Thrones” are diverse and complex, with their relationships and loyalties constantly shifting. Many of these characters are based on real historical figures, while others are purely fictional. For example, Daenerys Targaryen is inspired by the historical figure of Cleopatra, while Cersei Lannister has similarities to the historical figure of Catherine the Great.
The relationships between characters in the show often reflect real-life political alliances and rivalries. The power struggles between the Stark, Lannister, and Targaryen families are reminiscent of the Wars of the Roses in England and the power struggles between various dynasties in the Middle East.
