If you're a fan of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, or the series of books it's based on, A Song of Ice and Fire, you'll know that the world of Westeros is a sprawling, complex, and fascinating place. But have you ever wondered where the inspiration for Westeros came from? Specifically, is Westeros based on Europe?
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Background
If you're a fan of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, or the series of books it's based on, A Song of Ice and Fire, you'll know that the world of Westeros is a sprawling, complex, and fascinating place. But have you ever wondered where the inspiration for Westeros came from? Specifically, is Westeros based on Europe?
The Short Answer
The short answer is yes, Westeros is based on Europe. But, as with many things in the world of Game of Thrones and A Song of Ice and Fire, the answer is not quite as simple as that.
The Long Answer
It's clear that George R. R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, drew inspiration from a wide range of sources when creating the world of Westeros. These sources include real-life historical events and cultures, as well as works of fiction and mythology.
Europe, in particular, has a huge influence on Westeros. The continent's medieval history, with its knights, castles, and political intrigue, is clearly reflected in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. The geography of Westeros, too, has parallels with Europe, with regions resembling areas such as Scotland, Scandinavia, and Spain.
However, it's worth noting that Westeros is not a direct copy of Europe. Martin has taken elements from a range of different cultures and time periods, and blended them together to create something new and unique. For example, the Dothraki, a nomadic warrior culture in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, are based on real-life cultures such as the Mongols and the Huns, as well as fictional cultures such as the Fremen from Frank Herbert's Dune series.
Question and Answer
Q: Does the fact that Westeros is based on Europe make it less interesting or original?
A: Not at all! While it's true that Martin drew inspiration from real-life events and cultures, he has used these influences to create something entirely new. The world of A Song of Ice and Fire is full of unique characters, cultures, and storylines that set it apart from anything else in fantasy literature.
Q: What other influences can be seen in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire?
A: Martin has drawn inspiration from a huge range of sources, including real-life historical events such as the War of the Roses, as well as works of fiction such as J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. He has also incorporated elements from mythology, such as the legend of Ragnarok.
The Bottom Line
So, is Westeros based on Europe? Yes, it is. But it's also much more than that. Martin has taken inspiration from a huge range of sources, and used them to create a world that is both familiar and unique. Whether you're a fan of the books, the TV series, or both, it's clear that Westeros has captured the imaginations of millions of people around the world.
