Is Italy Mentioned in Game of Thrones? If Not, Why Not?

Game of Thrones (GoT) is a world of its own, filled with mythical kingdom names, distinct cultures, and complex political rivalries. However, one intriguing question arises: Is Italy mentioned in Game of Thrones? If not, why not? This article delves into the similarities and differences between the fictional world and real-world Italy, analyzing the show's depiction of regions and places, all the way down to the subtle hints of accents and cultural influences.

Fictional Versus Real World

The short answer is no, Italy is not mentioned in Game of Thrones. The series, based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire books, is a uniquely crafted fictional world with no direct references to real countries. GoT constructs a sprawling medieval landscape with kingdoms such as Westeros, Essos, and Meereen, all of which have fictional names and destinies completely separate from the real world.

The absence of Italy, or any other real country, in GoT is intentional and a fundamental aspect of its creators' vision. The show's creators, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, have repeatedly stated that GoT exists within a make-believe universe, allowing for creative freedom in storytelling and world-building. However, this fictional world draws inspiration from various real-world geographical and cultural elements to create moments of realism and relatability for viewers.

Depiction of Mediterranean-Like Regions

Unlike some other countries, Italy's influence is tangibly present in certain aspects of Game of Thrones. Many regions depicted in the show exhibit characteristics akin to Mediterranean locales, which hints at the show's deliberate geographical and cultural allusions. For instance, coastal scenes and scenes set within cliffs and rugged terrain give off a distinct Mediterranean ambiance. These settings are reminiscent of the stunning landscapes of real-world places in Italy, such as the Amalfi Coast or the littoral regions of southern Italy.

Importantly, these Mediterranean-like features are not mere coincidences but a result of the show's filming locations. The creators of GoT chose certain international locations known for their rich, varied landscapes to capture the essence of a diverse and beautiful land. For example, many scenes in Season 1 were filmed on the lush and picturesque Dragonstone section of Newfoundland, Canada, which bears a striking resemblance to the rocky cliffs and beaches of the Mediterranean. Additionally, scenes set in Dorne were filmed in the rugged valleys and canyons of North Palmas, Costa del Sol in Spain, which is renowned for its Mediterranean climate and terrain.

Cultural Influences and Accents

Though the series does not explicitly mention Italy, it provides subtle hints of its influence through the accents and cultural references employed by characters.

For instance, Westeros's nobles and commoners often speak in a way that evokes the diverse, historical cultures of the Mediterranean. The show's writers carefully select accents, some of which reflect the regional and cultural diversity of real-world Mediterranean regions. Although these accents are not explicitly from Italy, they draw on the rich tapestry of Mediterranean dialects and speech patterns. This linguistic approach enhances the realism of the show, making the fictional world more immersive and compelling for the audience.

Furthermore, several characters' mannerisms and customs reflect the cultural richness of the Mediterranean. For instance, the interactions and customs of the characters can be seen as mirroring the social norms of the Mediterranean region. In particular, the behavior of characters like Gendry and Davos Seaworth show clear influences from the Mediterranean's vibrant and layered social fabric.

The Role of Filming Locations in World-Building

The strategic choice of filming locations is another important aspect of how Game of Thrones builds its fictional world. The show's creators have carefully selected diverse locations that visually and culturally resonate with specific aspects of the storyworld. For example, Iceland's rugged landscapes create the ideal backdrop for the harsh and unforgiving terrain of The Night's Watch and the frozen North of Westeros. Meanwhile, parts of Croatia and Montenegro contribute to the epic grandeur of Essos, a region with vividly depicted cities and vast open spaces.

The extensive use of international locations also allows for creative world-building beyond the typical medieval fantasy settings. The diverse landscapes and cultures help create a rich, multi-faceted world that feels both familiar and magical to the audience. This approach of using real-world references to build a fictional world is a hallmark of GoT's world-building technique.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Italy is not explicitly mentioned in Game of Thrones, the show's depiction of Mediterranean-like regions, the use of distinct cultural and linguistic references, and the deliberate choice of filming locations all contribute to an immersive and convincing medieval world. These elements, although not direct references to Italy, nonetheless highlight the show's influencial Mediterranean roots and enhance the realism of its fictional setting.