10 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Game Of Thrones

5. The Kingsguard And Gold Cloaks Are The Same

This one has become a common misunderstanding, due to the very similar uniforms worn by the two organisations. In the books, the Kingsguard are dressed entirely in white and silver, down to their armour and belt buckles. In Game of Thrones though, only their cloaks and armour patterns are used to visually differentiate them from the Gold Cloaks. Particularly during fight scenes, it can be tricky to discern which is which. Despite their similar garments in the show, the Kingsguard and Gold Cloaks are on two entirely opposite ends of the spectrum. The Kingsguard is historically made up of the seven greatest knights in all of Westeros, sworn to protect whichever king is currently in power and their royal family. Each member is in it for life, and may not own land, father children or take a wife. Joining the Kingsguard is considered the highest of honours, and many legendary knights have been sworn in through history. 'Gold Cloaks' is actually just a nickname for the City Watch of King's Landing. Although gold and red are the Lannister colours, the Gold Cloaks are not under the allegiance of any house (corruption and bribery is rife though). Instead, the Gold Cloaks are just meant to be enforcers of the law, their only fealty to the Crown. While the Kingsguard contains only the greatest of warriors, the Gold Cloaks are generally undisciplined, unskilled fighters, with minimal training. If a Westerosi were to mistake any member of the Kingsguard for a Gold Cloak, it would be a grave insult to their honour.