“Game of Thrones,” the television adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, became a cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 2011. The show’s compelling storylines, complex characters, and unpredictable plot twists captivated millions of viewers worldwide. It is set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos and follows multiple noble families vying for control of the Iron Throne. With its rich world-building and intricate political intrigue, many viewers have wondered: is Game of Thrones based on a true story?
While Game of Thrones features characters, events, and locations that feel historically plausible, it is, in fact, entirely fictional. However, Martin drew inspiration from real historical events, figures, and periods, blending them into the fantastical world of Westeros. This article explores the historical influences behind Game of Thrones, shedding light on how real-world history informed the show’s plot, characters, and setting.
The Influence of Real History on “Game of Thrones”
Though Game of Thrones is set in a world of dragons, magic, and the undead, its foundation is heavily inspired by historical events. George R.R. Martin has frequently cited real historical events and people as inspiration for the storylines and characters in his novels. The show’s creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, carried these themes through to the television adaptation, creating a world that feels both familiar and fantastical.
The Wars of the Roses: A Key Inspiration
One of the most significant historical influences on Game of Thrones is the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars fought in England between two rival factions: the House of Lancaster and the House of York. These wars, which took place between 1455 and 1487, were driven by a fight for the English throne.
In Game of Thrones, the battle for the Iron Throne mirrors the Wars of the Roses in many ways. The conflict between the Starks of Winterfell and the Lannisters of Casterly Rock echoes the Lancaster and York factions, respectively. Just as the Lancasters and Yorks were embroiled in a bitter struggle for control of England, the Starks and Lannisters engage in a similar power struggle, with both sides seeking to establish dominance over the Seven Kingdoms.
Moreover, the character of Daenerys Targaryen, with her claim to the throne and her desire to reclaim her family’s lost dynasty, is reminiscent of the historical figure Henry Tudor, who led the Lancastrians to victory in 1485. Henry Tudor, later known as Henry VII, defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, ending the Wars of the Roses and founding the Tudor dynasty. Daenerys’ quest to restore the Targaryen dynasty follows a similar arc, though with a more fantastical element.
The Battle of The Blackwater: Inspired by Historical Sieges
One of the most memorable battles in Game of Thrones is the Battle of Blackwater, where Stannis Baratheon attempts to seize King’s Landing from the Lannisters. The battle is marked by the use of wildfire, a magical substance that causes massive destruction. While the wildfire itself is fictional, the siege of King’s Landing bears a strong resemblance to historical sieges, particularly those during medieval times.
In history, battles like the Siege of Constantinople (1453) and the Siege of Jerusalem (70 AD) involved similar tactics, with armies using fire and other devastating weapons to try to breach fortified cities. The use of fire as a weapon to destroy enemy forces has been a common theme in real-world warfare, and the Battle of Blackwater echoes these historical events, even if the supernatural elements are unique to the show.
The Ironborn And Viking Influence
The Ironborn, a seafaring people in Game of Thrones who live on the Iron Islands, are heavily influenced by Viking culture and history. Their raiding, pillaging, and ruthless pursuit of power mirror the activities of the Vikings, who were known for their naval expeditions and invasions of the British Isles and other parts of Europe during the 8th to 11th centuries.
In particular, the Ironborn’s culture of “reaving” — raiding and looting coastal settlements — is similar to the Viking practice of “viking” (the Old Norse term for piracy). The Ironborn’s religion, which worships the Drowned God, is also influenced by Norse mythology, particularly the belief in gods connected to the sea.
The Wall And Hadrian’s Wall
The Wall, a massive structure built to defend the Seven Kingdoms from the dangers beyond, is another example of real-world historical inspiration in Game of Thrones. The Wall, with its towering height and remote location, bears similarities to Hadrian’s Wall, a defensive fortification built by the Romans in the 2nd century AD to keep out marauding tribes from what is now Scotland.
Hadrian’s Wall was a symbol of Roman power and an attempt to control the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Similarly, the Wall in Game of Thrones represents a barrier that separates the known world from the unknown and is a crucial element in the fight against the terrifying creatures lurking beyond. The concept of fortifications built to keep out dangerous forces is a common theme in both history and fantasy.
The Targaryens And The Fall of Empires
The Targaryen dynasty, which ruled Westeros for nearly 300 years before being overthrown in Robert’s Rebellion, shares similarities with several historical dynasties that experienced both rise and fall. One notable example is the fall of the Romanov dynasty in Russia. Like the Targaryens, the Romanovs were once a powerful family that ruled for centuries but ultimately saw their reign end in revolution and bloodshed.
In the case of the Targaryens, their downfall came after a period of internal strife, with rulers becoming more paranoid, tyrannical, and disconnected from the people. This mirrors the decline of many empires and dynasties throughout history, where internal corruption and external pressure led to the collapse of once-great powers.
Conclusion
While Game of Thrones is not directly based on a true story, it draws deeply from real historical events, figures, and themes. From the Wars of the Roses to the Viking Age, George R.R. Martin skillfully weaves history into the fictional world of Westeros, creating a narrative that feels both familiar and extraordinary. The political intrigue, battles for power, and the rise and fall of dynasties in Game of Thrones are all inspired by the complexities of human history.
The show’s appeal lies not only in its fantasy elements but also in its grounding in historical reality. Fans of the show can appreciate the way Martin and the show’s creators use history to shape the characters and events, giving Game of Thrones a sense of depth and authenticity. Though the world of Westeros may be fictional, the struggles for power, the impact of war, and the consequences of betrayal are themes that have shaped real-world history for centuries.
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