**Attention: This text contains spoilers about Game of Thrones**
Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy novel series written by American author George R. R. Martin. It was adapted into a highly popular worldwide TV series that has been running for 7 seasons. The series has gained immense popularity due to its visual effects, intricate plotlines, and epic battle scenes. Now, let's take a look at what inspired the cultures and characters of Game of Thrones in this blog post.
George R. R. Martin, the author of the books, is a great history enthusiast and has confessed to drawing inspiration from real history to shape certain events and characters. However, the world depicted in the Game of Thrones books and series is a fictional realm with its own mythology, a separate history, and imaginary kingdoms. Let's delve into the general overview of the Game of Thrones kingdoms and their symbols. Here are the names of the 7 Kingdoms in Game of Thrones and a brief history of Game of Thrones.
**Game of Thrones and the Races it Represents**
**The Lannisters - England Lannister House**
As we know, the Lannisters are a cunning, manipulative family driven by the instinct to conquer and rule the world. This closely aligns with England, one of the most well-known countries. It's a consensus among most Game of Thrones fans and critics that the Lannister family represents England.
**Daenerys Targaryen and the Targaryen House - China**
Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons and the most popular character in Game of Thrones, can be associated with China. Her revolutionary spirit and quest to liberate slaves align with China's history. Additionally, like Daenerys, dragons are a symbol of China.
While Daenerys, much like Chinese communism, initially promised to liberate the masses, she later enslaved them all and made them fight for her throne. (There might be objections, but this is the truth.) Daenerys Targaryen became a rising power and a threat from the East for Westeros.
**Stark House - Turks or Scots**
Doesn't the symbol look familiar? The Stark Family, immortalized with Ned Stark and their legendary struggle through the eyes of his children, is the protector of the North. There can be various interpretations regarding which race the Stark Family represents. Given their location and behavior, the Stark House can be associated with Scotland. This could be due to their location in the north of England and their freedom-loving nature, which aligns with the Scots. Additionally, in Scottish mythology, the wolf holds significant symbolism.
But if you were to ask who the Turks are in Game of Thrones, considering the courage of the Stark House, their excessive trust in people, their heroism, their love for goodness, and the combination with the wolf symbol, they can also be associated with the Turks. Throughout history, the Stark House faced similar challenges as the Turks. This is why we can say that the Turkish race represents the Stark family in Game of Thrones. Doesn't Young Wolf, or Robb Stark, remind you of Mete Khan?
**Martell House and Dorne - Umayyad Caliphate or Egyptian Civilization**
Dorne, ruled by the Martell family in the south, is another kingdom of Westeros. It can be thought to draw inspiration from the Umayyad Caliphate or the Egyptian civilization, based on their clothing, weapons, lifestyle, and architecture. Additionally, the sun, which is the symbol of Dorne, evokes images of the Egyptian civilization.
**Stannis Baratheon and the Baratheon House - Germans**
If we take a look at Stannis Baratheon and his house, they can be strongly linked to the Germans. This is because they embarked on expeditions to conquer the world twice (i.e., King's Landing) and both times, they suffered defeat due to their own ambitions, leading to disaster for their house.
**Greyjoy House - Vikings**
Although the Greyjoy House has been associated with the Greeks, it is actually inspired entirely by the Vikings. Engaging in raiding, plundering, rape, and invasion policies while being characterized by their stubborn and free-spirited nature, the Greyjoy House can be said to draw inspiration from the Vikings due to these similarities.
**Tyrell House - France**
When it comes to the Tyrell House, there isn't a specific country or race with distinctive characteristics that immediately come to mind. However, based on their high gardens, wealth, and symbols, one might think of the Persians and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as a hint.
However, considering their European appearances in the series, their aspirations to rule in Westeros, and their efforts to form alliances with the Lannisters through marriage, it's also possible to associate them with France, especially considering their enmity towards the Lannisters.
**Arryn House - Rome**
The Arryn House, known as the Knights of the Vale, doesn't have distinct, typical characteristics. However, based on their appearance, accent, and extravagance, they can be associated with Roman Centurions.
**Dothraki and Khal Drogo - Genghis Khan and the Mongols**
My favorite character in Game of Thrones, Khal Drogo (this is my personal opinion; I can't say which character you might like), is easily linked to the Mongols. Recognized in history as a race of conquerors who rode on horseback, plundered, ravaged, and conquered, the ruthless and free-spirited Dothraki find their place in Game of Thrones. The horse, the woman, the weapon...
With their well-built bodies, fearless and confident demeanor, as well as the fear they instill in Western societies, the Dothraki can also be associated with the Turks. Considering the Dothraki as a warrior tribe on horseback, it's likely to link them with the Turks and the Mongols. So, if you ask who Genghis Khan might be in Game of Thrones, we can say it's Khal Drogo.
We all remember the scene where Khal Drogo, who wanted Westeros, was gifted a crown of gold by Viserys Targaryen (Daenerys's brother). In other words, he killed him by pouring molten gold on Viserys Targaryen's head. In history, a similar event can be compared to the Otrar Valley massacre after the siege of Otrar by Genghis Khan. In the incident known as the Otrar Massacre, Genghis Khan captured the governor of Otrar, Inalchik, as a result of the battle and, seeking revenge, had him killed by having molten silver poured into his mouth. Therefore, it's possible to say that Khal Drogo is Genghis Khan.
**Similarities between the Sack of Otrar and Game of Thrones**
According to one account, Marcus Licinius Crassus, the commander who became known for defeating Spartacus, when he became the governor of Syria in 55 BC, launched an attack on the Parthian Empire to impress and influence Rome with new military victories. In 53 BC, he underestimated his enemy, and as a result of crossing the Euphrates, he suffered a defeat at the Battle of Carrhae.
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