This article includes only some very minor spoilers that shouldnt detract from your enjoyment of Game of Thrones (GoT), so feel free to read even if youre not familiar with the universe and are planning to watch the show or read the books in the future. Which you definitely should do, if you havent yet (I suggest starting with the books.) What this article is concerned with, rather, are the reasons that the GoT universe is so compelling; whether or not youre a fantasy fan. Being a GoT fan can be uplifting, depressing, emotional and frustrating often all at the same time but its definitely worth the problems it brings. George R.R Martin has crafted, in my opinion, the most interesting fantasy series to date. Here's five reasons why;
5. Multiple Plots
If you look at the majority of fantasy storylines, the structure is quite linear. A large malevolent force threatens the status of the world the characters live in, an individual or group sets out to destroy it, along the way they often learn a considerable amount about themselves, and ultimately suceed in their quest. This may or may not be the case with GoT by its conclusion, but it certainly keeps you guessing along the way. Initially, it seems to be the story of a struggle for power between three or four families, but as it continues new threats and storylines emerge. This might at first irritate the reader GoT has on occasion been accused of being a Medieval soap opera. But this would imply theres no definite end in sight, which is unlikely. Once you accept that some of the plot lines that grab your attention at first wont be resolved until the later seasons (and the sooner you accept that, the better,) you can really start to enjoy the experience. Not only are there several storylines on-the-go at any one time, but the world also has a rich backstory which is gradually developed throughout. These are not characters who suddenly came into existence at the start of the tale, and one suspects that the world will not be neatly wrapped up in a tidy bow at its end. As one character remarks, We are puppets dancing on the strings of those who came before us, and one day our own children will take up our strings and dance in our steads. Sometimes, the glimpses we have of the past of the kingdom of Westeros are as enticing as the events unfolding in the present. A minor character who is casually mentioned at the start may become a major player much later on, and its clear from a rereading that their purpose and character was always known to Martin. Its a satisfying, richly built universe with a plot thats not easy to summarise or predict. As much as I respect and admire Lord of the Rings, its hard to imagine fans waiting for the final book in the trilogy and arguing about how it will end. The victory of the forces of good was more or less assured its only the nature and extent of that victory which would be up for debate. Good and evil is not so clearly defined in GoT, which brings us to...
Laurence Gardner was born in Canterbury, England. After moving around various cities during his childhood, and spending some time travelling in Europe and America, he studied English Literature at Oxford University. Since then, he’s been living abroad, teaching English, learning a range of languages, and writing in his free time. He can currently be found in Heidelberg, working as an English Tutor and Translator and studying at the University. If you liked this article, follow him on Twitter to get automatic updates on his work.
This article includes only some very minor spoilers that shouldnt detract from your enjoyment of Game of Thrones (GoT), so feel free to read even if youre not familiar with the universe and are planning to watch the show or read the books in the future. Which you definitely should do, if you havent yet (I suggest starting with the books.) What this article is concerned with, rather, are the reasons that the GoT universe is so compelling; whether or not youre a fantasy fan. Being a GoT fan can be uplifting, depressing, emotional and frustrating often all at the same time but its definitely worth the problems it brings. George R.R Martin has crafted, in my opinion, the most interesting fantasy series to date. Here's five reasons why; 