Game Of Thrones

What’s it about?

Game Of Thrones is the epic, fantasy tale of warring dynasties as they struggle to acquire dominion over the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and the Iron Throne.

Starring

Sean Bean, Charles Dance, Michelle Fairley, Jonathan Pryce, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Mark Addy, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Harry Lloyd

An Introduction to Game Of Thrones

In an alternative history placing approximately during the late Dark Ages, Game Of Thrones is a tale of power struggles primarily in the continent of Westeros. The symbol of power over the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros is the iconic Iron Throne which resides in the royal capital, King’s Landing.

Season one introduces five long-standing houses, the feuding bloodlines that are vying for power in Westeros:

• House Stark: principal house of Winterfell; phrase: “Winter Is Coming”
• House Lannister: principal house of the Westerlands; phrase: “Hear Me Roar”
• House Baratheon: principal house of the Stormlands; phrase: “Ours Is The Fury”
• House Targaryen: originally from Valyria; phrase: “Fire And Blood”
• House Arryn: principal house in The Vale; phrase: “As High As Honor”

We are also introduced to some key locations right from the start:

• Winterfell: home to Lord Eddard Stark (Sean Bean) and his family.
• King’s Landing: the royal capital and home to King Robert Baratheon (Mark Addy).
• The Wall: a huge, man-made barrier of ice and guarded by the Night’s Watch, a politically neutral brotherhood.
• Pentos: a city in a neighboring continent; home to Prince Viserys Targaryen (Harry Lloyd) and his sister Daenerys (Emilia Clarke).

Outside of the battling houses, there are other elements worthy of consideration. There are cautionary stories of “White Walkers” – ghostly warriors that cannot be killed – and legendary tales of long-since extinct dragons. How useful a tame dragon would be in gaining an advantage! Enough of such talk – blood, sweat and politics are the order of the present day. Let the games begin…

Summary

Game Of Thrones is a massive show with a huge cast of characters. Since its inception in 2011 it has grown from an impressive, relatively modest cable show into an awesome, big-budget colossus with an enthusiastic international following.

The show is based on fantasy and sci-fi author George R. R. Martin’s series of novels, A Song of Ice and Fire, so readers of these tomes will have had some insights into certain key events in the TV show. While there are increasing differences between the books and the show, many significant and often shocking events loom large; avid readers have waited knowingly for the periodical and inevitable shrieks of “OMG!” from their unsuspecting friends and colleagues. With the advent of season six, the show embarked on its own course ahead of the novels.

For those unfamiliar with Game Of Thrones’ content, while it certainly is a fantasy show, some people have been surprised that it’s not what you’d call ‘family viewing’. Brutal violence, regular profanities and occasional nudity are all staples of this tale, so those of a more delicate disposition take note. While generally not gratuitous, these more visceral elements are integral to the uncompromising GOT world and form part of its unique signature and legend. If you prefer your fantasy TV with a slightly lighter touch, try Legend Of The Seeker or The Shannara Chronicles.

It’s not often that a show can be called ‘a classic’ while it is still being made, but Game Of Thrones is undoubtedly just that: its huge scope, coupled with detailed, interwoven character arcs and lush settings make for a satisfying show unlike any other – really, there’s nothing quite like it on the small screen, although many have tried to ride on its coat tails. You may not necessarily be a fan of medieval intrigue, but this is one to try anyway: Game Of Thrones is pure binge-watcher gold.

Check out the Season 1 Trailer here: