Showing posts with label Westeros. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Westeros. Show all posts

Speculation??

Author: GrrmGirl / Labels: , , , ,

So, the teaser trailer offered us a small glimpse into what could potentially happen in Westeros.

Does Jon truly want to sit on a throne?

Will Dany reclaim what is rightfully hers, even though she has not lived in Westeros for many, many years?

And what is up with Cersei? Taking that throne because all of her children are dead? Setting fire to the Sept and blowing everyone and everything in it to the high heavens? Well, that's one way of getting rid of your competition. Not the best way, but for Cersei, the most dastardly and effective.

Lots of fan threads going crazy with regards to the characters' clothing, the thrones they respectively sit on and what this all means for the Seven Kingdoms.

Anyone, but Cersei, should sit on the Iron Throne.

She'll be worse than the Mad King.

HBO - Possibility of a Prequel to Game of Thrones?!

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Okay. How freaking AMAZING would it be if Game of Thrones were to continue.....yes, I know. Fans are only getting eight seasons. I will be crying when that day sadly arrives (2018, wah wah wah).

However, I've read several articles that have given me....dare I say? A little trickle of hope? There's been some talk at HBO and apparently the producers and folks at HBO are open and interested, along with GRRM, in the possibility of doing a prequel story line.

You know, A Tale of Dunk and Egg? For those of you who don't know, Google it or order the graphic novels. It's an amazing collection of prehistory before all of the junk about Robert's Rebellion going down.

I would be pretty damned happy with seeing this come to fruition. Yes, it wouldn't be Game of Thrones, but it would be the history of certain events and it would give us a lot better insight to the way the Seven Kingdoms ran politically, economically and socially.

I'm okay with this!!

Hardhome

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , , , ,

OMG.

That episode, tho!

First half was very informative.

The second, action packed.

I can truly say that I was literally on the edge of my seat watching the panic and chaos that surrounded the Wildlings and the Brothers of the Night's Watch.

Being a book reader, I more of less can predict what's going to happen next. Mind you, I got to thinking about where Hardhome is located, geographically. Watching the episode, I got that very eerie feeling that something awful was going to turn up. Yes, of course, so many people run off the mouth and make these kinds of claims and statements.

I can honestly say that I felt like this for two strong reasons: where they were situated, in terms of the geography of Westeros and the fact that conditions were prime. Those Wildlings were so stuck in their mentality about not joining forces with the "Crows" that they just couldn't see the forest for the trees. Here, you had Tormund and Jon speaking very bluntly about what is going to take place. Who cares about that stupid Iron Throne, especially when an army that is more horrific and more powerful than anyone could ever imagine, was coming to claim everyone's lives.

The Army of the Dead doesn't care if you are a man, woman or child. They don't care if you're poor or rich. They don't care what House you belong to. They don't care if you actually have any kind of claim to that stupid throne.

They don't care. Period. End of story.

And if you're armed with Dragon glass or Valyrian steel, than maybe you have a slim chance of survival.

If not, may the Seven have mercy on your wretched soul.

A Complete History of A Song of Ice and Fire

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , , , ,

JUST YES!!!!

What arrived at my door today? After days of anxiously awaiting the package, it finally came!

I ordered 3 copies of the new book, "The World of Ice and Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones."

Two of them came today and one is on its' way as a gift for someone special: my mother.

I got her into A Song of Ice and Fire books about two years ago. I guess after hearing me rant and rave about the books and the HBO series at how many family gatherings and get togethers, curiosity got the better of her.

I haven't opened my books yet but boy, oh boy is it a beauty! It's a large book, with an appealing burnt orange slash brown colour to it and they are individually sealed.

I can't wait to open it up and start reading the contents. But with Halloween around the corner and my full time occupation of teaching wee little ones, this week is just way too busy to crack the book open.

Friday night, however, is another story!

#RoastJoffrey

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , ,

Call this a fantastic promotional strategy....or a way for fans of the realm to take their frustrations out on King Joffrey Baratheon, through the use of social media!

A few days ago, HBO launched the first ever "Roast Joffrey" event - where fans could take to Twitter and say a few, ahem, 'nice' things about the spoiled, delusional and egotistical King. I know I put in a few Twitter roast posts about him!

With the thousands of fans giving their two cents' worth, I have a feeling that future 'roasts' may be launched and I can think of a few other Game of Thrones characters I'd love to see that for...

Cersei.

Theon.

Petyr Baelish.

Walder Frey.

Roose Bolton.

Ramsay Snow.

Not bad, eh?!

Walter White and Tywin Lannister

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , ,

So....

Apparently GRRM loves AMC's "Breaking Bad." My husband and I have checked it out from time to time, although I confess, I have been WAY too obsessed with HBO's Game of Thrones, with the second runner up, Boardwalk Empire, to actually start following "Breaking Bad" on a regular basis.

I will admit that I am a little bit obsessed with "The Walking Dead," too.

GRRM blogged about how he felt that "Water White was a bigger monster than anyone in Westeros."

Yikes! Really?! I don't know if I agree with that, GRRM. One poster, on the "109 We Come From the Future" website, wrote his points on an excellent article about GRRM and Breaking Bad, that Walter White was like Tywin Lannister.

I thoroughly agree with his points, as they were well thought out and eloquently written.

I'll be posting links to those amazing articles on the right hand side, where the Game of Thrones links are.

Sweet.

Elio and Linda at Westeros

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , ,

I've been subscribing to Elio and Linda's http://www.westeros.org/ website.

These two people are amazing! I love this website - so comprehensive and full of links, forums, pictures, articles, fanfare and episode reviews.

Elio and Linda upload a weekly review of each episode. There are fan forums that people can post discussions on the books, the television series, theories, fan works, etc. I love it because it is everything a A Song of Ice Fire Fan could ever want for (with the exception of GRRM's website).

I follow Elio and Linda on Twitter. I totally recommend this website for people who need to get immersed in the GRRM culture.

Keep up the good work, Elio and Linda!

14...

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , , ,

Two weeks left.

I have been watching all of the extras from the Season II Blu-ray DVDs. I must say, they are quite entertaining and educational. When you listen to all the characters speak of their respective Houses, past events and transgressions and point of view details, you are left to decide for yourself who is telling the truth, who is stretching it and who is outright lying.

It's a nice way to learn about the history and lore of Westeros.

My favourite extras are the House Lannister, House Stark and House Tyrell shorts.

14 days. Can't wait!

Musical Selections

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

So, I was on a brief road trip with my husband to Niagara County, Ontario and we were listening to the Classic Vinyl and Classic Rewind stations on my Sirius XM radio when a wave of inspiration hit me: there are so many amazing songs out there, that perhaps I could blog about many of them, but that they should be classified according to their appropriate House.

There are, of course, many songs in different musical genres, so this provides me with an outstanding variety of songs to choose from.

Are there any songs out there, that you, my blog visitors, can think of for any of the Houses in Westeros? Feel free to comment and let me know what you think.

I'm going to go through all of my MP3 files and Cd's to see what songs would be appropriate.

Now that I think about it, Florence and the Machine's "Seven Devils" was such an appropriate choice for one of the Season II trailers....that I often wonder what they'll do for the Season III trailers that will be out for spring 2013?

HBO Watch - Check It Out!

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , , , , ,

Ladies and Gentlemen of Westeros and Pentos: I'd like to just send a HUGE shout out to the good folks at HBO Watch.

This is a small website that grew out of love for the many high quality HBO series on television. There are several members and they all contribute to the website by means of HBO character profiles for their favourite series, editorials, updates or "this just in" news flashes. It's all entertaining to read and I HIGHLY recommend visitors to click on the HBO Watch link on the sidebar to the right.

I am both pleased and humbled that Jacob and crew have published six of my character profiles! Jacob also published one of my humorous articles about the most attractive men in Westeros (now ladies, remember, I'm entitled to my opinion, as you are yours!) and it garnered a lot of feedback on the HBOWatch website and on Facebook.

I knew that somehow, someday, my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Medieval History and Medieval & Fantasy English Literature would pay off!

Thank you Jacob, for taking a chance on this Canuck gal from north of Toronto, Ontario! I am stoked to know that there are many new characters that will be introduced for Season III's A Storm of Swords. This means more character pieces! Yay!

I love to write about the multi-faceted characters of Westeros. When it comes to Game of Thrones, I have plenty to say!

"S" is for Stark!

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Let's hear it for the Starks of Winterfell!

They're loyal, hearty, disciplined and respected. They are an ancient House in Westeros and they live in the northern part of the continent.

Eddard and Catelyn Stark have five children: Robb, Sansa, Arya, Bran and Rickon. Jon Snow is the alleged illegitimate son of Eddard and some woman from a long time ago, but I doubt that theory. However, that is another blog post altogether.

Maester Luwin was their chief tutor, scholar, advisor and counsellor. Ser Rodrik Cassel was their chief defence advisor and weapons trainer.

We all grew to love Ned, as he was steadfast and loyal to all and a friend and good example of what a Warden and Lord should be. Unfortunately, we know he was falsely executed for treason at the end of Season I. His legacy and memory live on. Catelyn does her best to advise and raise her children but it is not an easy time, nor an easy thing to be a woman in Westeros. Robb is now stationed as King of the North, with a few military successes to his credit. The Young Wolf seems to be following in his late father's footsteps.

Sansa was the dutiful daughter. However, look where duty has gotten her: stranded in King's Landing with nothing but enemies around her. We all hope that her situation changes. Arya had the gumption to pose as a boy, was stationed at Harrenhal and became Tywin Lannister's cup bearer. Talk about getting the best access to war plans and military sieges. She also begins to show a prowess and cunning skill, when it comes to getting rid of her enemies. I like her!

Bran and Rickon are the two youngest Stark children and have not fared so well. Bran became paralyzed after being thrown from a tower window. Upon waking, many modifications had to be put into place, in order to allow him to move about. Rickon is the youngest and has had a difficult time processing all the events going on. The lack of parental involvement has taken its' toll on both the boys. Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik Cassel were the last two paternal figures they had, and unfortunately, we all know what fates those two men meet.

The dire wolves are a huge part of House Stark. After all, the sigil is the dire wolf and the motto for House Stark is "Winter is coming."

So far, Grey Wind is with King Robb. Lady was put down, by Ned himself, that way she did not suffer an even crueler fate by being butchered by some Lannister halfwit. Nymeria is somewhere out there....in the wilderness, grazing, search and travelling with a pack. Summer and Shaggywolf are constantly by Bran and Rickon's side, protecting the little Lords.

It pains me to see such a noble house suffer such injustice. I know that George R R Martin writes with purpose and intellect, but it just gets my blood boiling whenever a good character is torn asunder, betrayed or abandoned. Hence, the success of the books and series!

Damn you, George! (joking....well, sort of)

"Q" is for Queen!

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Just because you are a Queen doesn't necessarily give you absolute power.

Just look at Cersei Lannister. She yearns to sit on the Iron Throne and rule over Westeros with a vicious grip. Not bloody likely. Not while she is Queen Regent. Which, for all of her scheming and calculations, it more or less backfired in her face. Placing Joffrey on the thrones was like unleashing a swarm of angry bees after someone has knocked over their hive. Not pleasant for anyone involved.

Not that she fared any better as Robert Baratheon's Queen. She did her duty: she married him, united two powerful Houses in the Seven Kingdoms and produced three children (whom we all know are not legitimate children borne of that union, but products of incest).

Sansa Stark was betrothed to Prince Joffrey Baratheon in Season I. She would've been his Queen, once the late King passed on and perhaps things may have had a nicer turn out, had Eddard Stark not been accused of treason and Joffrey didn't turn out to be the vile sociopath that he really was. In Season II, Sansa should thank her lucky stars that she did not wed Joffrey. Her physical and mental abuse at his hands (or his henchmen's hands) was a real nice preview of what a 'blissful' married life they would've had together. (note my sarcasm)

Next candidate for Queen: there are two potential women who vie for the title and all it's privileges: Lady Talisa Migear and Lady Margaery Tyrell. (in the book we know that Robb Stark ends up marrying a character named Jeyne Westerling, from an impoverished House)

Lady Talisa is a field nurse, tending to wounds, cuts, amputations and dead bodies, no matter what House they serve. Lady Margaery has been trained by birth in the finer arts of women's studies, castellan management and court politics and etiquette by her grandmother, Lady Olenna Redwyne. Who is more worthy of the title? Who will be able to play the game better, outwit and outlast people longer and live to see another year in the Seven Kingdoms?

The tides have now turned and people's fortunes rise and fall just like the sun and the moon in the Seven Kingdoms. By the end of Season II, we see that Lady Margaery Tyrell has now been betrothed to King Joffrey Baratheon. Where Sansa cowered and put on a mask to conceal her true feelings, Margaery looks like she's able to use her looks and her sexuality to manipulate Joffrey. She doesn't look like she's afraid of Cersei, either. And you wonder why I like Margaery Tyrell.

Season III is going to place the women of Westeros on a whole different playing field!





"M" is for Margaery Tyrell

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here is one of my favourite female characters: Margaery Tyrell. The lovely Natalie Dormer portrays her in HBO's Game of Thrones.

Margaery is the only daughter from House Tyrell. She has three older brothers - Willas, Lord Garlan and Ser Loras. As a female, she is destined to marry into a great house and unite two families, securing wealth, political ties and forging new alliances.

In A Clash of Kings, we see that Margaery Tyrell has married Renly Baratheon and by rights, has become his Queen. We all know that Loras and Renly are having a secret relationship. This does not bother Margaery, as she has married her King, knowing what she was getting into and what was expected of her in this political arrangement.

For a female in Westeros, she is very well educated and pretty shrewd. I like to think that she gets that blunt and shrewd streak from her grandmother, Lady Olenna Redwyne. Margaery possesses looks and wit and understands the necessity of deception, especially to those in the court. What would've been a strategic marriage soon comes undone, as Renly is murdered by his brother and the red priestess from Asshai.

Margaery understands that being in the right position at the right time means that unrivalled power could be in her grasp. We see her pleading her case to King Joffrey, that she has become enamored of him and all his feats. Just watching Natalie Dormer state her intentions to Joffrey with that seductive twinkle in her eye and her regal wardrobe, well Joffrey pretty much likes what he sees and discards Sansa Stark in favour of Lady Margaery Tyrell.

Season III looks pretty exciting and I cannot wait to see how Margaery's character begins to show some real teeth and some edge. Margaery is savvy enough to know that she wants to be aligned with the most powerful man in Westeros, because it means prestige for her family and a secure position for her in court and for any future heirs. I don't think she will buckle under Joffrey the way Sansa did.

Perhaps she will use her sultry wiles on Joffrey to get what she wants. I say whatever she needs to do to get ahead, do it. The men of Westeros never flinch at having to wage weapons, threats and seize opportunities, when presented.

So if a woman chooses to make love instead of war to obtain power, it doesn't make her weaker. Pen is mightier than the sword. No man alive can withstand the alluring, tantalizing siren call from a woman. Especially Natalie Dormer's Margaery Tyrell. Watch her in the Tudors. Then you'll know exactly what I mean.

"K" is for King's Landing

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , ,

Ah, yes. King's Landing. A city that could easily be compared to medieval European cities, such as London, Paris or Rome. This jewel is the residence for the ruling King and his family and the royal court. King's Landing is the capital of Westeros and also the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. In that respect, I could compare it to Ottawa, which is the capital of Canada.

I'm not sure that I'd want to reside there. You see an awful lot of the rest of the city and how its' inhabitants fare. The poor live in cramped quarters at the bottom of the city, which is known as the "Flea Bottom" district. The peasants live in farms on property that surrounds King's Landing. It is built on a series of three hills and is walled, the way many European citadels were. The Red Keep is home to the infamous "Iron Throne." There is also the Great Sept of Baelor, where the most religious and fervent of Maesters come to worship.

I would not willingly want to visit or move to King's Landing anytime soon. In Season I, Arya Stark couldn't wait to leave and go back home to Winterfell. Call it a sixth sense or common sense, but from what us fans saw of King's Landing, there were too many evil things underfoot, too many people with ulterior motives in that nasty place. Sansa Stark was the total opposite - she thought the place was courtly and perfect, like something right out of a fairytale. And you wonder why I adore Arya - she has the keen ability to see things for what they are, instead of daydreaming of what the place could be like.

King's Landing seems to be the place for power hungry people to congregate to. That and all the liars, suck ups, back stabbers, spies, prostitutes, orphans, vying houses, tradespeople, soldiers and common folk flock to. I can see why George R R Martin compared King's Landing to medieval London or Paris. Those cities had various classes of people and all sorts of activity going on inside it.

The late Robert Baratheon sat on the Iron Throne. Now, his 'son' Joffrey sits on it and the Lannister family is the chief ruling family in King's Landing and in all of Westeros. King's Landing is no place to go for a vacation, or raise a family, let alone have one as power hungry and depraved as the Lannisters, rule from it.

I'm sure George R R Martin has a few surprises in store for us, especially in March 2013, when Season III debuts!

Winds of Westeros from 'A to Z'

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , ,

Something caught my eye, while wandering around, reading other blogs. A read about an A to Z challenge that some blogger had done this year. They challenged themselves to blog on their own blog spot, but it had to be done in alphabetical order and done for 26 days straight, with the exception of Sundays.

Now, I'm not even going to pretend to do that. I will produce a gentle version of doing the A to Z blogging. I'll post all things wonderful about Game of Thrones from A to Z, but I won't do it for 26 days in a row. I don't want to bore anyone reading my blog and I don't want to be brain dead, either.

I prefer to take my time and spread out the ideas over a few months. I look at it like this: I will have July and August to post alphabetical blog entries. I will be working in the month of July, teaching Italian to Kindergarten students and I am still participating in a French as a Second Language professional development course as a teacher. So, I have those two factors to consider. But I am happy that I came across that geeky science fiction blog that inspired me to do this.

Here's hoping I can think of something to post for every single letter in the alphabet (I think X, Y and Z are going to be a bit tricky)!

Trivial Pursuit A No Go

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , ,

Meh. I e-mailed the good folks at Hasbro, regarding an idea for a Game of Thrones Trivial Pursuit edition of their board game.

While they appreciated my zeal and enthusiasm with the idea, right now there are no plans to produce a Game of Thrones edition. Well, that's okay. I'm not totally crushed with their decision but admit it, you like the idea of a Westeros Ice and Fire limited edition Trivial Pursuit board game! I didn't come up with the suggestion so I could profit off of it. No, that wouldn't be fair to George R R Martin. I just liked the idea of what it would be like!

If they ever plan on releasing one, you know yours truly will be purchasing two board games! :)

Westeros Map in Coloured Detail

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , ,

I just found this freaking AMAZING map of Westeros with all the character's travels included on it. It is in colour, in detail and absolutely incredible!

Thank you to the fan that put this together. I love the fact that this fan read the books and said that he wanted to have a visual of locations where characters had been and didn't want to forget the places on the map. A fan by the name of Ser Mountain Goat created the colour map but another fan, Private Major, stepped up his game by adding in where the characters had been, via colour coding.

Thank you both! This is amazing, especially for people who require a visual map or graphic organizer! You guys rock!!


Peter Dinklage On His Own Terms

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , ,

I just finished reading the full length article in Rolling Stone magazine that features Peter Dinklage, also known as Tyrion Lannister, and it was amazing. His sense of humour - more to the point - his deadpan lines are hilarious. I am happy that Peter Dinklage won both the Emmy and the Golden Globe for his portrayal of the Imp.

I bought two copies - one that everyone can read and one that I have tucked away, underneath my bed for safe keeping.  As an added bonus, RS magazine also has an interview with George R R Martin, based on how he came to create the character of Tyrion Lannister and why he was happy that Peter Dinklage accepted the role.

That Emmy and Golden Globe were bestowed on the right actor! Long live Peter!

A New Generation of GoT Fans

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

It just occurred to me: George R. R. Martin wrote the first three books of "A Song of Fire and Ice" in the late 1990's and early 2000s. Which means that when book number four and five came out, people began to flock to those ones just as quick! Of course, with HBO creating and producing the hit series "Game of Thrones" in April 2011 and 2012, the audience for his literary works has now doubled, or perhaps tripled. I am a fan, no doubt.

Soon, there will be a new member in my family, a nephew (who is due anyday now) and you know what that means, don't you? I'm going to have to purchase his first Game of Thrones t-shirt, lunchbox, bottle, etc. When I was little, both my older brothers and I were major "Star Wars" fans. We had the bedsheets, the toys, the lego and the lunchboxes. Three cheers for "Star Wars" & "Game of Thrones!" May the fans carry on all the funny and silly traditions that go along with popular films and book series!

The Houses of Westeros

Author: Anonymous / Labels: , ,

First off, there are so many Houses in the Seven Kingdoms, that I'm going to dedicate many a blog post to them. I can't do it in one single swoop. Besides, for me, who likes detail, it wouldn't be much fun. I'll begin by stating that there are Seven Kingdoms in Westeros. Winterfell, King's Landing, Casterly Rock, The Eyrie, Inn at the Crossroads, Storm's End and Highgarden. All the major Houses - Stark, Baratheon, Tully, Lannister, Greyjoy, Frey, Targaryen, Tyrell - to name a few, have all been vying for power and control. Some of the Houses are relatively peaceful. Others have been downright power hungry, smashing and destroying all enemies who they come across unless fealty is sworn to them. Make no mistake, Game of Thrones takes place in a medieval world, where allegiances are forged and betrayals take place on a daily basis.

The Starks hail from Winterfell. Their House motto is "Winter is Coming." Their sigil is the Direwolf. The Baratheons hail from Storm's End. Their House motto is "Ours is the Fury." Their sigil is the Stag.

The Lannisters hail from Casterly Rock. Their House motto is "Hear me Roar." Their sigil is the Lion.

The Tullys hail from Riverrun, located at the Inn at the Crossroads. Their House motto is "Family. Duty. Honour." Their sigil is the Fish.

The Targaryens used to hail from Storm's End and Dragonstone, until they were usurped and forced to flee. Their House motto is "Fire and Blood." Their sigil is a Three Headed Dragon.

The Tyrells hail from Highgarden. Their House motto is "Growing Strong." Their sigil is a Tudor shaped rose, growing.

The Grejoys hail from the Islands of Pyke. Their House motto is "We Do Not Sow." Their sigil is a Kraken.

The Freys hail from Riverlands. Their House motto is not known. Their sigil is Twin Grey Towers with a Bridge. The Martells hail from the lower region of Highgarden. Their House motto is "Unbowed. Unbent. Unbroken." Their sigil is Sun pierced with a Spear.

When you begin reading the books, you can clearly see who's in power and who is vying for it. The books are so character rich, that you need to remember who is who, or better yet, turn to some graphic organizers, so that you can see where the characters are grouped together. I will try to find some images that help group the Houses together, for those that like the visual aid.