Aurora Starchild
George R.R. Martin, creator and author of Game of Thrones, was recently asked an uncomfortable question. He made an appearance as part of the House of the Dragon panel at the San Diego Comic-Con this past weekend. There, he was confronted with questions about the pervasive misogyny in the land of Westeros.
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House of the Dragon is the forthcoming prequel to Game of Thrones. It tells the story of Daenerys Targaryen’s ancestors. One of the primary plotlines is a question of who will inherit the Iron Throne. It’s a big issue because the King’s only bloodline descendant is a female, and the people of Westeros don’t want to honor her title.
When asked why Martin’s Westeros won’t allow females to rule, he replied that it’s because he follows real-life history.
Game of Thrones Is Partly Based On Actual History
“My books are fantasies obviously, but I do follow history a lot. I take elements from history and turn it up to 11,” he said. “Game of Thrones, as many people observed, was based very loosely on the War of the Roses. This show was based on a moment in history called The Anarchy.”
He went on to talk about Henry I, whose son drowned. Henry I then chose his daughter as his successor, but her rule and memory were fleeting.
Emma D’Arcy, who plays Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in her later years in the new series, backed up the author. She pointed out that even today, nations tend to choose male rulers.
“I think the question of the story is if you’re a woman, how do you convince subjects that you’re not other?” D’Arcy said.
It’s a valid point that she makes and one that fits right into the story of Daenerys.
House of the Dragon is set 200 years prior to where Game of Thrones starts off. It’s based on George R.R. Martin’s book, “Fire & Blood.”
The epic new series is set to release on HBO August 21. Check out the trailer below.
