Game of Thrones quickly captured viewers like it did the frozen continent of Westeros: with violence, betrayal, controversy and awards. The show follows several…
Game of Thrones quickly captured viewers like it did the frozen continent of Westeros: with violence, betrayal, controversy and awards. The show follows several royal houses as they vie for control of the Iron Throne; such as noble Starks from Northern Westeros; rich Lannisters from King’s Landing; and exiled House Targaryen with dragons as its members.
It also features the Night’s Watch, an armed force responsible for guarding Westeros’ Wall dividing the North from Westeros; Daenerys Targaryen as the last member of her family to gain power; each house having their own army as well as allies and enemies that each must contend with in Essos.
Game of Thrones emphasizes themes of power, honor and loyalty – so although their actions might seem morally questionable at times, Game of Thrones frames them as fitting within that framework. Here are some prominent examples:
1. Jon Snow
One of the first scenes in season one shows Catelyn Stark brutally cutting her newborn son, Ned’s rebel offspring, Jon Snow. Though this scene may appear shocking at first, it is meant to portray it realistically; making Catelyn an all-too-real figure even though she so passionately hates him. This portrayal renders Catelyn intolerable even though she wants his death so badly.
2. Tyrion Lannister
Although he may be small in stature, Tyrion Lannister stands out as an honorable and decent character on Game of Thrones. Though often seen as being dishonorable and sneaky at times, his actions are seen more as character traits which would otherwise make him good-natured and respectable if not for this trait. While Cynical by nature, Tyrion often acts as an in-universe avatar for the show with plenty of witty comments proving he always stands up against wrong no matter who.
3. Stannis Baratheon Stannis, King Robert’s younger brother and Joffrey’s offspring from incest, uses this knowledge of Joffrey to gain back the throne from Lannisters. Melisandre a fire priestess with magical powers is his main advisor in order to convince Stannis of this claim, eventually leading him into war against Lannisters with fatal consequences and Stannis’ death at its conclusion.
There are many more examples, but these three stand out. Each demonstrates how Game of Thrones uses its moral code as a vehicle for telling an incredible tale. Game of Thrones’ moral ambiguity makes the show compelling and relatable to viewers and ensures its popularity; viewers can root for underdogs while watching an exciting series not solely about battles between good and evil, but instead celebrating moral complexity that encourages its viewers.