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

Stark, and the prostitute Shae. While being held captive by Cat, he saved her life when they were attacked on the road. He also bravely accepted his father’s command to fight at the front of the battle line with his Wildling troops despite his lack of battle experience. Smart and cunning enough to manipulate his way through life, Tyrion has instead chosen a path of truth in his own dealings with others. He understands human nature and prefers to watch events unfold around him as opposed to coordinating them.
    The Baratheons are another family whose members operate under individual codes. Robert and Stannis are the warriors of the family. Younger brother Renly is a mild character whom most everyone likes. He is not a fighter. Robert became king not through inheritance, but through victory. With authority as king, he gave his brothers territories to lord over, but each one still wants the throne for himself. Baratheon House words are “ours is the fury,” aptly describing their selfish motives and ferocious attitudes. Stannis is a feared soldier and although the rightful heir after Robert, is not wanted on the throne by many with powerful positions at stake. Renly is plotting against Robert and Stannis with the family of his lover, Ser Loras Tyrell. Each of the Baratheon brothers is concerned with their own agenda and has no interest in family loyalties. Robert has never been able to recover from the loss of his beloved, Lyanna, and continually disrespects Cersei by having bastard children with prostitutes. Since taking the throne, his main concern has been enjoying the spoils of his victory. He has let rule slip into the hands of the Lannisters because he hates the responsibilities of being king. Lack of family loyalty, Robert’s fathering bastards, and Renly preferring men, are all reasons why it is highly unlikely that the Baratheon bloodline will endure.
    An additional family with a reputation to uphold is the Greyjoys. These independent rulers of the Iron Islands have a history of trying to take control, but have never succeeded. Although part of Westeros and sworn to recognize the king, they have always separated themselves from the kingdom. They carry on their own business dealings and have their own religion. The Greyjoys are called Ironmen and have a reputation of being romantics and excellent archers. They have a power hungry society and do not like being subdued. Their words are “we do not sow,” representing their tendency to take what they can from others. There are a few instances when Theon Greyjoy was reminded by others that he is a glorified servant to the Starks, not part of the family, which visibly disturbed him. He showed his desire to be in control when he argued with Robb about his decisions, killed the Wildlings attacking Bran, and intimidated the vulnerable Wildling girl when he was alone with her. He has pledged his loyalty to Robb, but still fosters an identity revolving heavily around his family name and home.
    The final family in the mix is the Arryn family. They established themselves by crossing the Narrow Sea during the Age of Heroes, taking control of The Vale to serve as their new home. They built a formidable fortress high in the mountains where they ruled until Aegon’s conquest. True to the laws and traditions of their land, Jon Arryn arranged his marriage to Lysa Tully to ensure her father’s support during Robert’s rebellion of Targaryen rule. The Arryn’s would rather be subject to someone they respect as opposed to being oppressed by a tyrant. After Robert’s victory, Jon served as his Hand, an honorable, trusted position, for seventeen years. Being the first to uncover Cersei’s secret led to his untimely death, likely from poison. Their House words are “as high as honor,” meaning the Arryns take their responsibilities seriously and are willing to fight for the truth. The only remaining Arryn heir, Robin, is being raised by a paranoid, spiteful mother without the guidance of his father’s values. He is spoiled, bratty, and cruel. It is very possible that the Arryn reputation will change once Robin becomes head of the House.
Traveling the Realm
    The show producers understood that this story demanded authenticity. They stayed as true to the book as possible and spared no detail important in making Martin’s fantastical world real for viewers. Each kingdom of the realm has distinct characteristics and a unique culture associated with the landscape. Set