Game of Thrones Season One Ultimate Unofficial Guide: The Game of Thrones Season 1

expected of all females in this world, and is all the more happy for it. Like Tyrion, she accepts who she is and bravely contradicts stale gender roles. Arya boldly proclaims the truth no matter the consequence and does not cower in the face of danger. We can all take notes from her strong will and fierce character.
    When Daenerys embraces the new culture she is thrust into, a whole new world and way of thinking is opened to her. Her inner strength blossoms on a journey of self-discovery that never would have been possible under her brother’s control. Her choices show us that a change of scenery will often benefit our lives. It is better to accept and learn from the differences in various cultures instead of insisting on the superiority of one’s way of life over another. Daenerys makes the best of a tough situation and thrives because of that.
    Knowledge is power. This recurring theme in Game of Thrones is exemplified through Tyrion, Daenerys, and particular members of the King’s Council. Tyrion is intelligent and has gained much knowledge from books and in observing human interactions, which enables him to successfully operate in a society that would otherwise shun him. While Daenerys learns about the Dothraki culture, she discovers aspects of her personality that would have otherwise remained hidden. King’s Council members Baelish and Varys both use the knowledge they obtain through various sources to secure their positions in relation to the throne. Grand Maester Pycelle uses his knowledge of medicines and experience serving four different kings to fool everybody as to his ulterior motives. In addition, Robb Stark uses false knowledge when he allows the Lannister spy to return to his camp and spread word about exaggerated Stark troop numbers. This works to Robb’s advantage and allows him to capture Jaime in a strategic war move.
    A disheartening aspect of the story is that the family with the money is the one that runs the show, a scenario reminiscent of government in our world. Too often every day citizens are at the mercy of those with money enough to ensure their personal agendas are fulfilled. Special interest groups pump funds into political schemes designed to benefit their agendas, not the people. Meanwhile, the people forced to live with the consequences of these actions feel helpless in stopping them. Deceit and behind the scenes decision making are as rampant in our society as they are in this mythical one, adding to the show’s genius of being able to create relatable experiences in a foreign world.
    Although none of the families are distinctly good or evil, we do see a difference in the relationships of those families whose code favors honor more than personal gain. The Starks and The Night’s Watch both hold true to a code of honor that dictates their actions. As a result, there is a bond present among the members of each group that is not seen with other families. Deep trust, respect, and love are developed gradually as each person inculcates the honorable qualities making such a relationship possible. The families which operate under a code of family gain no matter the cost, such as the Targaryens and the Lannisters, do not share the same bond. Members of these families cannot trust one another completely because there is no guideline of acceptable behavior except that which advances the family name. They must always be on guard against even those closest to them because loyalties in these families change constantly. A false sense of love and respect are earned for playing a part in advancing a family member’s personal agenda. There is no room for individuality in these families, only behavior that works to secure family control.
    The common phrase “history repeats itself” rings true in this epic. For example, after thousands of years of silence, the terrors that shook the kingdoms in The Age of Heroes have awakened with the same blood-thirsty intentions as before. The memories of the ancient horrors have not faded in every inhabitant’s mind. Wildlings from the far reaches of The North take perilous risks and flee for southern lands in fear of what these evils will bring. In another instance, Westeros was once a land of separate kingdoms forged into one by a man wielding three dragons as his sword. Over three hundred years later, a descendant of this king has hatched three dragons and wants nothing more than to return home. As the united kingdoms recover lost independence and