For those who are not Game of Thrones scholars, ignore this geek-out: So, Ive been reading Clash of Kings, and while I know Martins narrative was inspired by the War of the Roses, with the Starks representing the Yorks and the Lannisters representing the Lancasters, (Kingmaker=Kingslayer, etc.) I have also found it quite interesting how the realms and cultures of Westeros and Essos parallel true world geography... some may be a shot in the bucket, but interesting nonetheless. Anyway, my observations are as follows, starting from Northern Westeros southbound then outward. The North (House Stark) =Scotland: The Northerners are the only people left who can claim direct ancestry of the First Men (Celts), and who follow their druidic, animistic rituals. They are North of the Lannisters (England) and have a bitter rivalry with them, often with a notable disadvantage. The Stark weapon of choice is a Greatsword, Ice, reminiscent of the famed Claymores of Scotland. Rob Stark the Young Wolf attempts to achieve independence from the Lannister crown (England) and wins a series of compelling victories against the far better equipped Lannisters, and becomes a mythical figure, recalling the victories and lionization of William Wallace in his fight to reclaim Scotland from the insane and cruel king Edward Longshanks (Joffrey). Not to mention the presence of the Wall, which is an obvious allusion to Hadrians Wall, protecting civilized lands from the barbarians (Wildings=Picts) Children of the Forest=Injuns: Noble savages in touch with nature and creators of totems, displaced and slaughtered by the overseas conquering white man. Typical. The Iron Islands (House Greyjoy)= Danes/Vikings: Everything about The Iron Islands screams Viking, from their propensity to raid, rape, and pillage to their constant devotion to seafaring. The Greyjoy symbol is the Kraken, Regency is filtered through meritocracy and brutality, they ride in longboats, they believe in a Drowned God (acknowledging that Gods are mortal, as the Norse did in relation to Ragnarok)... this one is too easy. The Riverlands (House Tully)=Northern France: Peaceful, pastoral, full of farmers and fishermen, the realm of the Riverlands is akin to Northern France. The most telling piece of evidence for this is the existence of Harrenhal, a relic of Iron Islander (Viking) conquest in the Riverlands (aka Normandy). The Vale (House Aryn)= Switzerland: An overly cautious, mountain dwelling people who remain notoriously neutral during war, yet maintain an impressive military and fortifications, as per our friends the Swiss. The West (House Lannister)=England: Both the Lannisters and England have a golden lion on a red field as their sigil... I mean come on. One must also take into account their passion for empire building, royal intrigue, and relations with other houses in terms of this allegory. The Stormlands (House Baratheon)=Germany: I find this one particularly interesting. I find this similarity for two reasons: Firstly, Robert Baratheon is akin to Charlemagne in the sense that he creates a new empire in the footsteps of the old fallen one (Valyria=Rome), (Baratheon rule: Holy Roman Empire), and also and more telling, the complex relationship between the Baratheons and the Tyrells (aka France). Throughout history there has been much war between The Southlands and the Stormlands, as there has been between France and Germany. Also however, there have been marital alliances, and this time, Renly plays the role of Charlemagne by marrying the Houses of Tyrell and Baratheon together (Not entirely accurate historically, but there has often been a blur geographically between France and Germany due to familial ties, dating back to Charlemagne). Additionally, Stannis especially represents the stereotypical German: no nonsense, humorless, efficient, and one could even argue that the fanaticism he promotes via the worship of the Red God is akin the the rise of the 3rd Reich and Nazism. The Southlands (House Tyrell)=Southern France: Rich and bountiful, fine wine producing, with an eye for elegance, a seat of chivalry and high art, yet with a mighty military, The Tyrells exemplify medieval France... this is most obvious by their shared sigils, a flower (fleur de lis). Dorne (House Martel)= Spain: A Westerosi (European) culture, yet markedly different from its neighbors in terms of ethnicity and custom. Dorne is also a mighty military force, and its people are known for their bronze (Mediterranean) skin, and the blazing sun which is the signature of their climate. Some of the finest wines come from Dorne, a reputation shared by Spain. The Free Cities= Italy: A motley collection of independent merchant states, which live in the shadow of their once great empire (Valyria=Rome), The Free cities are a clear reflection of medieval Italy. Not to mention the waterdancing (fencing) found in Braavos, the Harlequin-like couture worn by many in this realm (reminiscent of Venice), and the reputation as a hotbed of assassins (Florence). The Dothraki=Mongols: Perhaps the most obvious of all... Rolling steppes, vast hordes, obsession with horses, khalasar=khanate... theres no point even really talking about it. Qarth=Babylon: Qarth is a middle eastern city beyond decadence, ravishing in exoticism, yet teeming with corruption... a snug fit for biblical Babylon. The signature reliefs on the walls of Qarth are also a shared trait with the cities of the Babylonians and Assyrians. Slavers Bay=Persia/Egypt: A realm where the soldiers are slaves, the rich are disgustingly rich, and because theyre rich, expect to be treated like Gods. Also like the ancient Persians and Egyptians, very fond of chariots. Asshai=India: A land of dark mysticism, it is shrouded in enigma from most of the world... geographically at least, it makes sense. The Land beyond the Jade Sea=China: Jade is an obvious oriental reference. The Summer Isles=Subsaharan Africa: Seeing as how this realm is the only source of black people in the novels, and is described as rich in resource and jungle-like, it is clear that this is JRRMs take on an Ivory Coast or Congo type region. Valyria=Rome: As aformentioned, an ancient and great empire upon which the entire Western world is built on... clearly referencing the Roman Empire. There is also the whole Daenerys=Aeneas thing, which I touched on in a status a few months ago. Rant over.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 01:54:50 +0000
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