Creating the Blog for "Possible" use during my EPQ

Having being told today that there is a way to submit a blog instead of the 5000 word essay, I thought it was about time to create a blogger account. Considering my EPQ is about Game of Thrones, I thought It would be necessary to use a blog where I can embed clips of the TV series from YouTube if need be, as well as Images and other digital content.

EPQ Topic

After having the initial discussion with my Supervisor, I have decided that I will either be looking at "how Women are portrayed throughout the Game of Thrones TV Series" or "If characters from the Game of Thrones TV Series reflect a part of British History". Some Characters that I could focus on include Cersei Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen.

Cersei Lannister (above image) 

Picture from: http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Cersei_Lannister

Decision of Topic

The Choice of Topic for my EPQ was quite difficult to decide. I wanted to have a topic that could explore the entire series of Game of Thrones - not just one Series/Area of the succesful Show. With discussions to still take place with my Supervisor, it looks like I might focus on the following topic: Do Characters within the TV Series reflect a part of British History.

I still believe that the portrayal of women is an important topic, so I have still done a little bit of research and review of how I believe women are portrayed in the TV Series:

Throughout the Game of Thrones TV Series, there are many different women that have a huge impact on the different factions throughout Westeros. These women have different backgrounds and circumstances that promotes their inner character and strong presence in this show. These women have been carefully constructed by George R.R Martin so people can suggest that the way women are portrayed in the Game of Thrones TV Series is acceptable and understandable. Obviously with the fact that not all women are portrayed as royal, polite and socially acceptable in the TV Series (such as Shae), other watchers may argue that the way that Women are Portrayed in Game of Thrones is unacceptable and can not be used to judge women.

Image from: http://www.paperdroids.com/2013/04/18/the-women-of-game-of-thrones-cersei-lannister/

A small list of women that I believe has a strong presence in the Game of Thrones TV Series include:

Cersei Lannister

Catelyn Stark

Sansa Stark

Arya Stark 

Osha

Brienne 

Daenerys Targaryen

Image from: http://www.comicvine.com/arya-stark/4005-81208/

Introduction (start here if you do not know what Game of Thrones is)

Game of Thrones is a televised Drama created by David Benioff and D.B Weiss based on the book series "A song of ice and fire" written by George R.R. Martin. The first book "Game of Thrones" was published on August 6th,  1996 (1).

The series of books are not finished yet, so there may be a point where the T.V series catches up with the Books.

The story of Game of Thrones mainly revolves around the 7 Kingdoms in the fictional continent of Westeros. These Kingdoms are run by different Houses, each of which are powerful in their own right.

These Houses are united under a single King, despite their different views and objectives. 

The Pilot episode aired on April 17th 2011 (2) and the series has continued up to now, and series four is currently in production (20/11/13) and is expected to be aired next year. Each episode runs for an average of 60 minutes. 

When I originally started watching Game of Thrones , I watched it using the DVD's in the Boxsets. As a personal opinion, I do believe it is the best TV series I have ever watched, closely followed by other American Series such as "Breaking Bad" and "24". 

The Game of Thrones  TV series has been the winner of over 40 awards, and the series has even won a Golden Globe.

For my Extended Project Qualification, I am going to discuss whether or not characters from Game of Thrones can be compared to famous Historical Figures from British History. I will be posting my research on this blog and will complete a presentation next year. 

For research, I will look at British Historical Figures such as Winston Churchill, and Guy Fawkes. I will try to compare these British Historical Figures to characters from the the TV series. I will also use the TV series for research. 

If you have not seen any form of video for Game of Thrones, watch this trailer here: 

http://youtu.be/BpJYNVhGf1s

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Song_of_Ice_and_Fire
(2) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944947/ 

Character 1 Comparison: Cersei Lannister and Elizabeth Woodville

 

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/ElizabethWoodville.JPG) - Image of Elizabeth Woodville

(http://images.wikia.com/gameofthrones/images/archive/f/ff/20120518000504!Cersei_2x01b.jpg) - Image of Cersei Lannister


Cersei Lannister is one of the most important characters in the Game of Thrones Series, she has many characteristics and personalities that make her a vital character to the story line. Cersei can be compared to many different historical figures throughout British History, due to her many characteristics that can be identified from the beginning of the TV series.

In episode 1 of the first series, she can be seen as quite shy, and paranoid (of which she has plenty of reason to be cautious; with her affair with Jaime, her brother) compared to Cersei later on in the series. 

Throughout the episode (1), you can see the rage building up within Cersei from such acts from Robert (Cersei's husband) involving prostitutes (often known as "whores" in the series). This rage building up can be a major cause for Cersei's attitude and personality later on in the series.

There are many different historical figures of British history that Cersei can be Compared to, including Elizabeth Woodville and Margaret of Anjou.

For this Comparison, I will be Comparing Cersei Lannister to Elizabeth Woodville.

Elizabeth Woodville was born in Northamptonshire in the early 15th Century (2). Elizabeth - like Cersei was born in to a wealthy family (like the Lannisters). Her father was a highly regarded knight (like Tywin Lannister) and her mother was well known in the crown. Elizabeth's mother would often be first lady in the country as the King's wife had died. This can be compared to Cersei's mother, who would of been well known in the crown, due to the fact that the King would be in debt to the Lannisters.

Elizabeth, like Cersei, was well known around the lands, for her Beauty, which is the reason why Edward IV married her - a Commoner. In Game of Thrones, Cersei was never classed as a Commoner, but she does worry and care like a commoner would do, about her children, and protecting the world against her dark secrets.

As the Series carries on, Cersei's attitude and personality changes, in Episode 2, Cersei seems less shy around the Starks.

There is obvious tension between Robert (The King) and Cersei as seen throughout the series. This can be compared to the fact that Edward IV married Elizabeth Woodville, only for her looks, and they married in secret, as she was the widow of a Lancastrian Nobleman. The Comparison can continue, as Robert only married Cersei for political stability - both Kings married their wives for their own gain.

As Elizabeth was involved with the War of the Roses, a comparison can be made to the houses of Westeros.  Elizabeth was involved with the House of York - obviously similar to how Cersei is involved with the House of Lannister. The fact that as the series goes on, the tensions between the Lannisters and the Starks eventually lead to a civil war, can definitely be compared to the War of the Roses - Both wars contained different Houses fighting for the throne.

In the War of the Roses, the House of Lancaster (which could be compared to the House of Stark) won. The Last major battle at Bosworth Field ended with the Lancastrians Victorious. (3)

 Although I have not read all the books from George R.R. Martin, this could show who the winner between the Lannisters and the Starks would be. Although there is evidence that George R.R Martin based Game of Thrones of the History of the War of the Roses ( "Martin has admitted he was inspired by the Wars of the Roses from 1455 to 1485" (4)) as far as I am up to date with the story of Game of Thrones, there is no indication that the  Starks will win - but there is definitely hope for them, after the unfortunate events of the "Red Wedding" (click link to see the Red Wedding)

To Conclude, Cersei and Elizabeth were both fortunate to be born into wealthy families, which would result with them both marrying Kings. They were both powerful women, Cersei more so, being the Queen Reagent, and both fought for what they believed.

(1) Episode 1, Series 1 of "Game of Thrones"
(2) http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/woodville.htm
(3) http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/War_of_Roses.html
(4) http://io9.com/10-sources-that-george-r-r-martin-borrowed-from-for-ic-511679817

Character 2 Comparison - Robb Stark and Richard 1st

Robb Stark, one of the most popular characters from the series, can be described as many things; brave, strong, forgiving and many other positive adjectives. Robb Stark, like Cersei seems to change throughout the Game of Thrones TV Series, although in my opinion, he seems to change not as much as Cersei.

At the beggining of Series One, Robb appears to be a bright man, who cares much for his family - the starks. He cares dearly for his younger brother Bran especially after *Bran's fall. Robb loves his family, and this is clearly shown, when Bran runs into trouble and is held with a knife to his throat in episode 6 of the first series. Robb is very much like his father, Ned, and shares many of Ned's characteristics, such as his honor. Robb cares for John, knowing full well he is Ned's bastard. It is this great personality of Robb that makes him a popular character in the Game of Thrones fan community. 

*Bran's fall - http://youtu.be/f9I_eCCEl8k?t=1m27s 

Robb Stark. Source: http://protagonist.wikia.com/wiki/Robb_Stark 

For this comparison, I will compare Robb Stark to Richard I (Lion Heart)

Like Robb, Richard the First was born into a well known and powerful family (2)  although unlike Robb, Richard was born the son of Henry the second (King of England 1154-1189) (1). Both were trained young and both had considerable military training (sword skills etc). 

Robb Stark like Richard I, fought with his family, for similar but different reasons; Robb Stark fought with his family and their soldiers against the Lannisters. On the other hand, Richard I joined his family in a rebelion against his father. 

The Starks rebelion was caused by the death of Robb's father, where as Richard the 1st's rebellion was against his father - similar but different. 

Both fought for a cause that many people believed in, and hence had many followers, but both champions died very similarly. (If you have not seen Series 3, continue only if you want) Richard 1 was killed by a crossbow. In comparison, during the events of the red wedding in Series 3, Robb was shot (but not killed) by a crossbow. Robb found his end via a different method. 

Throughout the series, it is implied that religion is as important to the people in the Game of Thrones universe as it was to the people of the medieval ages.

Both Richard I and Robb Stark were what you could consider as religious. Robb Stark believed in the Old Gods, where as Richard I was a strong Roman Catholic. 

You could compare Richard I's involvement in the Third Crusade and the rebellion against his father (Henry II) with Robb Stark's in the rebellion against the Lannisters. 

Robb Stark was the main man in the rebellion against the Lannisters, and from the following clip, you can see how strong this character is!: 

YouTube Clip of Robb Stark discussing terms with the Lannisters!

Richard the first was the central Christian Commander during the Third Crusade. He fought with other European Leaders to reconquer the "Holy Land" from Saladin. Richard I and the other European Leaders successfully took back Acre and Jaffa, and reversed many of Saladin's conquests. But, they were unsuccessful in taking back Jerusalem.  This can be compared with the story of Game of Thrones, of which Robb and the Starks were excellent on the Battlefield, and defeated many of the Lannister's Soldiers, but was not able to finally defeat the Lannisters. The Lannisters were successful in taking out Robb, and many of the Starks Soldiers. This put an end to the Stark's Rebellion and Tywin Lannister won another war! 

I do believe that George R.R. Martin did use Richard I as an inspiration for the character of Robb Stark and I think that Richard I was a good historical figure to base a character off. 

(1) Information on Richard 1st from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_I_of_England
(2) Information on Robb Stark from "Game of Thrones" TV Series by HBO

Just a little information on the actors!

In this bit, I am going to talk a little about the actual actors who play character from Game of Thrones. I believe the choice in actors is important for the show, and especially where they come from. As I am comparing Characters from Game of Thrones to British Historical Figures, I do believe it is important that the Character I am to compare are portrayed by British Actors. But this is not always the case....

    (1)

From my research of 16 major characters of the series, I have found that the majority of these actors are British. I do believe this is important, as although George R.R. Martin is American, it is shown that a lot of the story can be compared to British History (especially the Medieval Period).  Don't get me wrong, I think Peter Dinklage is one of the better actors of the series. He is absolutely brilliant, especially his speech at his trial (see below) and he is American, I just believe to keep it as medieval as possible, choosing British or European actors is best! (Just my opinion though!) 

Peter Dinklage and his fantastic acting at Tyrion's Trial!

(1) Information on actors nationalities from http://www.imdb.com/

Character 3 Comparison - Tywin Lannister and Edward Longshanks

 

Tywin Lannister is one of my favourite characters in the Game of Thrones T.V Series. I just love the way he is portrayed by Charles Dance in the series and how strong of a character he actually is! 

He is considered as the most powerful man in all of Westeros by Cersei in Series 4 and with the other kingdoms united in fear of him, it is no surprise why he is powerful.

Clip

Ever since he was first seen in the first series of Game of Thrones, Tywin showed his strength and power, and has continued to show it throughout the four series. He is extremely intimidating, to nearly everyone. His children, colleagues of the Small Council, Joffrey (the King!) are examples of people that are just terrified of him, and these examples are some of the most powerful people in Westeros! I especially love how Tywin puts Joffrey in his place:

Clip

For this comparison, I will be comparing Tywin Lannister to Edward Longshanks (Edward I of England). 

Edward I was born into a rich background, as his father (Henry III) was the King at the time (1). Tywin was also born into a rich background - being a Lannister, meant being a part of one of the richest and most powerful houses in Westeros. 

According to Britannia Website, Edward I "possessed the strength his father lacked and reasserted royal prerogative." (2) Henry III did not have the most succesful reign - facing a revolt in his later reign. This can be compared to the fact that Tywin's father, Tytos, was considered a laughing stock (3) during his time as the Lord of Casterly Rock (Head of the Lannister Family), and that Tywin had to fix the bad investments that his father made, to show the other Houses of Westeros that the Lannisters are not a family to mess with. Tywin successfully managed to remind the other Houses of the Lannister's strength by defeating the rebellion of House Reyne in a ruthless, destructive manner. In comparison, Edward I set out to fix the mess his father left, by re-establishing royal authority and restoring order. 

Now, although Tywin was never the King, being Hand of the King gave him the power equivalent to being the King - especially when Joffrey was in power; being young meant that Tywin could easily wrap his finger around him. Edward I did become the king - in 1274. Longshanks, like Tywin, was considered intimidating, and had a fierce temper which is extremely comparable to Tywin's "angry moments" seen throughout the TV Series.  

Tywin Lannister is rich, very rich and throughout the series is considered the richest man in all of Westeros, but in Series 4, it is found that the Lannisters actually owe a "tremendous amount" of money to the Iron Bank of Braavos. This would mean that when Tywin Lannister died, he would not only be leaving the Lannister Legacy with his children, but also a large amount debt. 

This could be compared to the fact that when Edward I died, he left his son, Edward II, financial and political problems.

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_I_of_England

(2) http://www.britannia.com/history/monarchs/mon30.html

(3) http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Tywin_Lannister

Information on Tywin is also based from "Game of Thrones" TV Series by HBO.

Character 4 Comparison - Tyrion Lannister and King George VI

For this comparison, I will be comparing Tyrion Lannister, son of Tywin Lannister, to King George VI of the United Kingdom.

Tyrion Lannister is again one of my favourite characters from the TV Series, and has proven quite popular with the majority of watchers of the show. The actor who portrays Tyrion is called Peter Dinklage, an American Actor who has been awarded an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award for Supporting Actor with his work on the Game of Thrones TV Series. (1)

During the story of "A Song of Ice and Fire", Tyrion is shown to be very Intelligent, like his father. He might not be a strong soldier like his father, or his brother (Jaime Lannister), but he knew strategy and proved himself when he acted as Hand of the King in his fathers absence, and defended the capital from Stannis Baratheon and his army.

Tyrion proves his intelligence countless times during the series of which I admire him for. I especially admire when during his early days of being the Hand of the King, he produces a plan to find out who to trust and not to trust in the small council by telling three of the councillors (Petyr Baelish, Varys and Pycelle) different plans to wed Queen Reagent Cersei's daughter, Princess Myrcella, to different people. From this plan, he figures out Pycelle is one of his sister's (Cersei's) spies. Even Varys, the Master of Whispers greatly admires his plan.

Tyrion and his father did not get on well at all.... there are very few scenes in the series where you see Tywin treat Tyrion like a son, this is not one of them:

Tyrion's relationship with his father was pretty poor in comparison to George VI's relationship with his father, George V. George VI's early life was made hard by his father's "harsh and critical"(2) attitude towards him. Just like Tyrion, George VI lacked affection from his father.

Both fathers expected so much from their sons, even with their "Incapacities"; Tyrion was expected to do what his brother could do. Tywin sent Tyrion into a battle in the vanguard, expecting him to fight like a soldier, not a dwarf.

In comparison, although nowhere near as dangerous as being sent into a battle, George VI's tutors forced him to write with his right hand even though he was left handed naturally. He later developed a stammer around the age of 8, that caused many problems in his future life as the King.

Both Tyrion Lannister and George VI were born into wealthy and important families. Tyrion was born into the Lannister Family, the wealthiest family in Westeros, and George VI was born in the Windsor Family (A.K.A the Royal Family). Although Tyrion was not born into the Royal Family, the fact that his family was extremely wealthy meant that they were also quite powerful, just like the Royal Family in the time of George VI's birth.

Tyrion was born as the second son to Tywin Lannister, after Jaime Lannister (and Cersei, as Jaime and Cersei are twins). This made Tyrion the youngest of the Lannister Children.

In relation, George VI was also the second son, being born after Edward (Duke of Windsor). George IV came into power after his older brother was made king. His older brother, Edward wished to marry a divorced women called Wallis Simpson. This wish to marry Wallis meant that Edward would have to give up the throne, and so Edward did.

When George VI was coronated as the King, he was considered to be quite reluctant. He struggled with his early speeches due to his stutter, and had to employ a speech therapist, Lionel Logue, to help him overcome his problem.

On the other hand, when Tyrion was given his power as Hand of the King, Tyrion was straight into it. Although he was seen not to enjoy the fact at first he was to be the Hand of the King, he accepted his duty set to him by Tywin Lannister and went to Kings Landing. Tyrion was not reluctant, as soon as he arrived in Kings Landing, he was already giving orders, questioning the Queen's decisions (3) and actions as well as plotting a plan to find out who was trustworthy, and who was not (as discussed earlier). He also stopped King Joffrey from ordering one of his guards to beat his wife-to-be (at the time), Sansa Stark, as shown in this clip:

*

Sources:

 (1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Dinklage

 (2) http://www.biography.com/people/george-vi-9308937#synopsis

 (3) http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Small_Council

Character 5 Comparison - Petyr Baelish and Guy Fawkes

 

Petyr Baelish is definitely an interesting character..... you just don't know who's side he is on!

Also known as "Littlefinger", Petyr is portrayed by Aidan Gillen in the TV Series (1). His character is interesting for me, as George R.R. Martin writes him to be someone who you both like and hate. For me, personally, I did not like him when he betrays Ned Stark's trust, when he convinces Ned that he is on his side, and then uses the Gold Cloaks to take out Ned's soldiers in the throne room, the same Gold Cloaks who Petyr told Ned that they were on his side. But later on in the TV Series, it is found out that Petyr is a key player in the murder of King Joffrey Baratheon, a very unpopular character.

For this comparison, I will be comparing Littlefinger with Guy Fawkes.

Guy Fawkes made his name by trying to assinate King James I in the gunpowder plot on November the 5th 1605 (2). He was born into a family that was not particularly wealthy, but was wealthy enough to send him to a school. 

In comparison, Petyr Baelish was also born into a 'not-so-wealthy' family, and became The Lord of his family's minor holding - that is considered too small to even have a name, located in an area known as  "The Fingers". This is how he came to his nickname, of Littlefinger. Petyr came to like the name, as it was a constant reminder of how far he has risen.... From a Lord of a Minor Holding, to the Master of Coin on the Small Council.  

On the other hand, Guy Fawkes's plan to remove the current King, and replace him with a Catholic Monarch was not as successful as Petyr's rise to power and wealth. The Gunpowder plot failed, and Guy Fawkes was found guarding the explosives in Parliament when an anonymous letter was sent in, causing the Parliament Buildings to be searched. 

A strong point of comparison between Petyr Baelish and Guy Fawkes is the fact that both were involved in plots to kill their Kings, although Petyr Baelish's ended up a success, unlike the failed Gunpowder Plot that Guy Fawkes was involved with. 

In the early episodes of Series 4 of Game of Thrones, we are shown King Joffreys horrible and gruesome death at the hand of what appeared to be Poison. Later on in the Series, we as the watchers find out that it was Poison that ended up killing King Joffrey at his wedding, now dubbed as "The Purple Wedding". We also find out that Lord Petyr Baelish, along with his "new friends", The Tyrells, especially Lady Orenna, are responsible for the assassination of Joffrey.  

Petyr seems like the sort of character that will always be on the side of the winning side, hence why as a watcher, you just don't know what side he is on. He can be considered as quite a selfish character, always looking at what he can do for his personal and financial gain, but on the other hand, he put himself at risk with the assassination of King Joffrey, and by helping Sansa Stark flee the Capital. But some people can argue that although he helped Sansa escape the constant abuse from Joffrey, he wasn't doing it because he cared, it was because he would look like he wasn't involved in the eyes of the Kingdom and the Lannisters, as the blame would and did fall to Sansa Stark as well as her husband, Tyrion for the murder of King Joffrey. 

On the contrary, Guy Fawkes didn't hide behind his crimes. He was tortured (3) and eventually he did give up the names of other Co-Conspiritors. But he was caught, and therefore did not have the opportunity to hide from his crimes. During Trial, he didn't confess as guilty, but was still found guilty and as a result, was hung for his crimes against the King. 

To Conclude, there is actually quite a few comparisons that have been made between Petyr Baelish and Guy Fawkes, a lot more than I originally expected there to be. They both are involved in a plot to kill their King, one succeeds and one fails. Also, they both come from "poorer" backgrounds compared to the other characters that I have compared with Historical Figures.

They are both interesting characters to research, and watching Game of Thrones again has helped me understan Petyr Baelish's character in more depth. 

(1) http://gameofthrones.wikia.com/wiki/Petyr_Baelish

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Fawkes

(3) http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/Guy-Fawkes.htm

Conclusion

From completing my Extended Project Qualification, I can now say that I believe that, to an extent, some of the characters in Game of Thrones do represent characters from history, particularly British history.

There are those who we can easily say reflect historical figures and there are those that the similarities found between the two characters, are weak. Therefore, it was important from the beginning to have a method of which could be used fairly across all the characters that I intended to compare.

From my initial planning and discussions with my supervisor, we agreed a list of characters and historical figures that could be used. As the EPQ developed it could be clearly seen that George R.R. Martin may have used historical figures, as inspiration for his characters. This is shown in the comparison between Tyrion Lannister and George VI, where many comparisons were made, such as the fact that they both had a handicap that helped to make their life pretty difficult. Some people could argue that this is merely a coincidence, but I do believe that this was intentional, and that George R.R. Martin may have in fact used George VI as an inspiration for his character, Tyrion. 

On the other hand, some of the characters clearly do not have any likeness to British historical figures.  I am not as convinced that George R.R. Martin used Guy Fawkes as an inspiration for his

character, Petyr Baelish (also known as Littlefinger). I found there to be few comparisons between the two, compared to the amount of differences. The comparison that can be made between the two is their involvement in a plot to kill the ruling King but, that is the main and only comparison I can make between the two.

British history, as with many other nations, has been full of battles for land and plots to overthrow ruling families. It is this whole idea that the author has, I believe, based his books and TV Shows on, which have proven to be a world wide success. It is the rich nature of our history which continues to provide us with such fascinating material for authors, such as Martin, to provide novels and high quality television for our enjoyment.

To conclude, from my comparison of five characters from Game of Thrones, and five figures from British history, I do strongly believe that George R.R. Martin may have used figures from British history. The comparisons weigh heavier than the argument against. I also believe that the producers and creators of Game of Thrones, as well as George R.R Martin, have done an excellent job, especially in maintaining the accuracy of Game of Thrones' characters. Obviously, with the exception of magic, dragons, White Walkers etc. I believe that Game of Thrones could have been a successful medieval drama. The creators of the series have clearly done a great job in producing Game

of Thrones, and I, along with millions of other people, cannot wait for more series of the show to be produced!