Game of Thrones and Historical Accuracy: A Fantasy or a Reflection of the Medieval World?

The television series Game of Thrones has captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate narrative and fantastical elements. However, the question of how historically accurate it is in portraying medieval times remains a topic of debate. While some aspects of the show are quite detailed and authentic, many others are purely fictional, reflecting the show's aim to blend historical accuracy with its own magical world.

Blending Reality and Fantasy

Game of Thrones is not a documentary, but a work of fiction. The creators chose to take elements of historical accuracy and blend them with their own magical universe. This approach allows the show to capture the essence of the medieval period while adding its unique flair. For instance, the series' depiction of violence and the use of medieval weaponry is heavily inspired by historical practices but is often exaggerated or given a fantastical twist.

Historical Credibility in Game of Thrones

While Game of Thrones features many fantastical elements, it does get some details right. The show's portrayal of the social hierarchy, the daily life of the lower classes, and the brutal realities of that era are quite accurate. However, the character's cleanliness and dental hygiene are often romanticized. In reality, people were seldom able to bathe and dental care was limited, making the show's depiction of ‘polished’ teeth an anachronism.

Comparisons with Other Works

There have been comparisons between Game of Thrones and other historical works. One notable example is Monty Python and the Holy Grail, which is widely regarded as a masterpiece in its own right. While Game of Thrones may not reach the same level of humor and absurdist approach, it still manages to capture the essence of the medieval period in a unique way. Nevertheless, Game of Thrones falls short in maintaining the historical accuracy of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Obsession with Violence

The series' depiction of violence is perhaps one of the most debated aspects. While the show does portray brutal and violent scenes, these are often taken from historical practices but given a fantastical twist. For example, jousting battles and beheadings are both inspired by historical events but are accentuated with a fantasy atmosphere. Characters are often killed for political, rather than criminal, reasons, and their deaths are used to advance the plot and reinforce the power dynamics of the fictional world.

Transforming Reality into Fiction

The key to understanding Game of Thrones's portrayal of the medieval period is to recognize how it transforms reality into something both extraordinary and familiar. The show does not aim to be didactically accurate, but rather to provide an engaging and entertaining story. The weapons and infrastructure depicted in the show are recognizably medieval but serve to fight and support the fictional elements of the narrative. The towns, the culture, and the infrastructure all mimic the medieval world, but they are also subverted and turned into something unique and unfamiliar.

Conclusion: A Magical Medieval World

While Game of Thrones takes liberties with historical accuracy, it also offers a unique and compelling vision of the medieval world. The show’s creators have taken historical elements and wove them into a fantastic narrative, creating a world that is both familiar and strange. For those who enjoy the blend of history and fantasy, Game of Thrones stands as a testament to how modern storytelling can draw on the past to create something new and engaging. Just as the Westworld might be a reflection of the medieval world, Game of Thrones is a creative reimagining of a bygone era, making it a fascinating exploration of what our modern understanding of medieval times should (or should not) look like.

References

For a more in-depth dive into the historical accuracy of Game of Thrones, consider checking out the following articles and sources:

Castillo, A. (2022). The Historical Accuracy of Game of Thrones. History Journal. Harris, S. (2021). Anachronisms and Historical Accuracies in Game of Thrones. Medieval Studies Today. Morgan, L. (2020). Game of Thrones: Historical Fiction or Fantasy?. Historical Fiction Review.