SB on Episodes 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, & 2.10

SB on Game of Thrones: Blog Entry Number Six

Mythological World

            This week’s set of episodes (2.7, 2.8, 2.9, and 2.10) not only demonstrated the importance of storytelling within the Game of Thrones universe, but also communicated that it is important for viewers to understand the Game of Thrones universe as a mythological world.  For example, consider the scene in episode 2.9 when Cersei attempted to poison Tommen while telling a story about “a bear and her cub.”  Even though this interaction was interrupted (with the news of the outcome of the invasion) before Tommen could drink the poison, this was a crucial scene in the second season of Game of Thrones that made a clear reference to folk legends.

I believe that this scene communicated that storytelling is of high value in the Game of Thrones universe (for purposes of escapism, deception, and more).  Further, the fact that this crucial scene was actually its own version of the “bear and her cub” folk legend added an additional layer of presentation, and served as a reminder to viewers that it is important to understand the Game of Thrones universe as a world of mythology.

            As mentioned in my previous blogs and comments, rather than trying to place Game of Thrones within a specific geographical or historical context, I have a better understanding of the Game of Thrones universe when I accept its ambiguity and perceive it as an entirely fictional world.  Like how Peter Berresford Ellis described the world of Celtic mythology, I understand the setting of Game of Thrones as a universe on a plane of existence that transcends time and space. 

Yes, I believe there is great value in identifying the actual historical/political events and geographical places that inspired George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones universe because this can increase the public’s interest in world history, political science, science, art, and other fields.  I am happy to learn that this show has led many viewers to new interests in subjects like this.  I am only claiming that the specific content of the show (like specific characters, events, and places) is best understood as mythology (rather than history) because many characters (and places) in the show tend to embody a wide variety of ideas (from history, philosophy, mythology, and more), rather than specific singular figures (and locations).

Even though Game of Thrones is quite progressive, this show is keeping the traditions of mythology alive and can be understood as the modern mythology of our time.  Just like how W. B. Yeats described the function of Irish fairy and folk tales, Game of Thrones utilizes fantasy elements to communicate lessons about life and to encourage philosophical contemplation.  Further, like T. A. Leederman’s description of the commonalities between warging, greenseeing, and reading, Game of Thrones allows viewers to transcend time and space not for the purposes of changing events, but for the purposes of learning, understanding new perspectives, and building character.

Luck

Even though the article “The Moral Luck of Tyrion Lannister” by Christopher Robichaud was read with last week’s set of episodes (2.4, 2.5, and 2.6), this article contained analyses of a few scenes that were in this week’s set of episodes.  For example, recall the scene in the ninth episode of the second season where the invading ships were set on fire.  In sum, Robichaud held that these scenes were demonstrations of the idea that the outcomes of human actions may rely on luck, and claimed that if morality depends on luck, then people aren’t completely responsible for their actions.

Like Kant, I’d like to believe that some morally praiseworthy and blameworthy actions might be within our control (Robichaud).  For instance, in the tenth episode of the second season, Tyrion had the opportunity to leave with Shae and live a peaceful life.  However, Tyrion chose to stay, in order to deal with the problems.  It might have been in Tyrion’s self-interest to go and live a peaceful life.  I probably would have decided to leave, if I were in Tyrion’s shoes.  However, Tyrion decided to stay and this was a morally praiseworthy action.  Also, I am glad Tyrion did not leave because Tyrion is still a favorite character and I want him to remain in the show for as long as possible.

Works Cited

Ellis, Peter Berresford. Celtic Myths and Legends. Philadelphia, PA:  Running Press Book             Publishers, 2002. Print.

Leederman, T. A. “A Thousand Westerosi Plateaus:  Wargs, Wolves, and Ways of Being.”            Mastering the Game of Thrones: Essays on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and             Fire. Eds. Jes Battis and Susan Johnston. Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2015. 189-203.            Print.

Robichaud, Christopher. “The Moral Luck of Tyrion Lannister.” Game of Thrones                            and Philosophy: Logic Cuts Deeper Than Swords. Eds. William Irwin and Henry                     Jacoby. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2012. 183-193. Print.

Yeats, W. B. Irish Fairy and Folk Tales. New York, NY: Barnes & Noble, Inc., 1993. Print.