Our deep dive into the war known as Robert’s Rebellion or The War of the Usurper, depending on where you sit. Following on from our analysis of the YOTFS we look at all the events that instigated the conflict, its … Continue reading →
Hidden identities in Westeros aren’t just an overused fandom trope – they’re an important part of the story George is telling. We explore how and why the theme is used throughout the saga and perhaps more importantly – we dive … Continue reading →
We begin our coverage of the Blackfyre Rebellions with a look at the state of the realm in the decades before Daemon Blackfyre rebelled against his half brother Daeron, his backstory, Daeron’s reign, who was involved in the rebellion and … Continue reading →
For our one hundredth episode, it’s an epic journey into the chosen one prophecies of ASOIAF. Join us as we break down all the details of the prince that was promised and Azor Ahai Reborn, including a close look at … Continue reading →
We present our look at the Year of the False Spring — the Tourney at Harrenhal, the Mad King, the Knight of the Laughing Tree, the moment when all the smiles died and MORE! Join us for an extensive and … Continue reading →
Our look at Quentyn Martell includes sections on his and his family’s histories, and a deep dive into his arc in ADwD, as well as an analysis of what his tragic death will mean for his family and for Daenerys … Continue reading →
In the third and final installment of our series on Bran Stark, we cover Bran’s arc in ASOS and ADWD, as he and his companions journey north to the Wall and its Black Gate, and then continue further north with … Continue reading →
Join us as we dig into the Dothraki— their origins, history and culture, and their place in the main story and beyond. Who is the Stallion Who Mounts the World and why does it matter? What will Khal Jhaqo do … Continue reading →
In the second installment of our three part series on Bran Stark, we cover Bran in ACOK including the growing importance of dreams in his arc, the arrival of a number of new faces at Winterfell, and the unexpected arrival … Continue reading →
Join us for our deep dive into the Battle at the Wall – the set piece battle of a Storm of Swords! We recap all of the characters involved and explore the setup – from Jon Snow’s time with the … Continue reading →
The conquest of Dorne was not accomplished in Aegon the Conqueror’s lifetime, nor even his children’s and grandchildren’s lifetimes. But it would not be for want of trying, nor for personal sacrifice, by the blood of the dragon. Join us … Continue reading →
Our deep dive on the Free Folk includes a look at their origins and culture, a recounting of the history of Kings Beyond the Wall, getting to know their people including Mance Rayder, Tormund Giantsbane, Craster and more, and a … Continue reading →
In our first in depth look at Bran Stark, we cover Bran’s arc in A Game of Thrones, from the discovery of a pack of abandoned wolf pups in the summer snow, to the arrival of terrible news from King’s … Continue reading →
In the 7th and final installment of our long running series with History of Westeros on the Dance of the Dragons, we cover the beginning of the reign of Aegon III, including the long awaited arrival of Cregan Stark and … Continue reading →
Come with us to the furthest points of the compass! From Sothoryos to the Sunset Sea to Asshai and, finally, the Lands of Always Winter in the extreme north. What do we know about these far-away and mysterious places? A … Continue reading →
In this episode we cover the Conquest of Westeros by the dragon lord Aegon Targaryen– the battles fought and the kings who burned and died defiantly, as well as those who knelt or flew; and how the resistance of a … Continue reading →
We’re back with an episode all about the Night’s Watch in the post-Conquest era — covering all the notable characters and events, the reasons for the slow decline of the organization, its role in the main storyline, and where it … Continue reading →
We explore the history of the Valyrian Freehold from their defeat of the Rhoynar up to the Doom, the Century of Blood, and the opening salvo of the surviving Valyrian conquest of Westeros. Listen Download
We explore the history of the Night’s Watch, from its foundation in the Age Heroes up to the Conquest. Along the way we look at the Wall and its castles, notable past members, the culture of the organization and its … Continue reading →
The odyssey of Nymeria and the Rhoynar is one of the great Westerosi legends and we begin our exploration of the third great migration from Essos with a look at Rhoynish history and culture, as well as their inevitable bloody … Continue reading →
In the sixth installment of our series with History of Westeros on the Dance of the Dragons, House Targaryen reaches its lowest point yet and the action ends up back where we started – at the Red Keep. Also the … Continue reading →
We continue our loose series on the various ethnic groups of Westeros with a deep dive on the Andals and the Andal invasion, the second mass human migration from Essos into Westeros, and arguably the most impactful. We look at … Continue reading →
Covering Arya’s arc from her final post-Red Wedding chapters in ASOS, through her five chapters set in Braavos, we explore the development of Arya’s unique skill set — skinchanging, face-changing and other disciplines taught at the House of Black and … Continue reading →
In this episode all about the First Men of Westeros we look at their origins in Essos, their arrival in Westeros via the Arm of Dorne and their subsequent war with the indigenous peoples they found there, ending in the … Continue reading →
We’re back with part 3 of our series on Arya Stark! In this episode we cover much of her ASoS arc — from travels with the Brotherhood Without Banners, up to her journey to the Twins with Sandor Clegane. Themes … Continue reading →
In part three of our series on magical species of ASOIAF we explore Westeros’ indigenous people known as the children of the forest, their relationship with the Old Gods and the weirwood trees, and the magical abilities commonly associated with … Continue reading →
In part two of our series on Arya Stark we cover her months at Harrenhal, first under Lannister control and then under Roose Bolton; as well as her escape and trek into the Riverlands seeking her family, up to her … Continue reading →
Join us on a journey into the far north as we explore who the Others are, how they came to be, what they want, and when they might begin to play a more prominent role in ASoIaF. Lots of lore … Continue reading →
In the first installment of our new series on Arya Stark, we follow her journey from Winterfell to King’s Landing, and from King’s Landing to Harrenhal. Listen Download
The fifth installment of our collaboration with History of Westeros is here, and the Dying of the Dragons is the theme of the day. In this episode we revisit several locations where some of the decisive events of the war … Continue reading →
In this brand new episode we begin a series on the magical creatures of ASOIAF with an in depth look at dragons! Join us as we take you through the history of dragons, their background in the series, and how … Continue reading →
In this brand new episode we begin a series on the magical creatures of ASOIAF with an in depth look at dragons! Join us as we take you through the history of dragons, their background in the series, and how … Continue reading →
In this brand new episode we begin a series on the magical creatures of ASOIAF with an in depth look at dragons! Join us as we take you through the history of dragons, their background in the series, and how … Continue reading →
In this second part of our action-packed look at the Battle of Blackwater we follow Tyrion Lannister into battle, discuss the real-life historical influences behind the conflict, and consider the aftermath of the conflict, from the immediate cost to both … Continue reading →
We’re revisiting the epic Battle of the Blackwater, with a pair of immersive episodes designed to bring the action to your ears! In part one we cover what the battle will mean to our major characters, and run through all … Continue reading →
In this episode all about the epilogue of ASoS, we look at the story of Merrett Frey, how the chapter functions in ASoIaF, and the stunning introduction of a reanimated Catelyn Stark. Sections on the foreshadowing for Lady Stoneheart, the … Continue reading →
Oberyn Martell blazes across the pages of A Storm of Swords. The first Dornish character we meet in the flesh dies before he can achieve his goals… or does he? His impact on the story is lasting, and his backstory … Continue reading →
The final three Targaryen Kings — Aegon V, Jaehaerys II, and Aerys II — ruled collectively for more than 50 years, and their reigns were all influenced to some extent by dragon dreams, prophecies, and the Blackfyre issue. Join us … Continue reading →
In this episode we dive deep into the arc of Samwell Tarly — the closest thing to a self insert by GRRM in ASoIaF. We explore themes of growth, heroism, courage, family dysfunction and more as we follow Sam from … Continue reading →
In this episode we delve into Kevan Lannister– from his early life, including family backstory, to his role in the main series, and his impact on the story, in life and death. Includes a thorough analysis of his single point … Continue reading →
In the final installment of our TWoW Primer series we recap Daenerys Targaryen’s ADwD arc from Meereen to the Dothraki Sea, and discuss what might happen next for her, including when and how we think she’ll return to Meereen. We … Continue reading →
In this installment of our collaboration things really start to fall apart for House Targaryen. We cover the campaigns in the Riverlands, the events at Bitterbridge and Tumbleton, and the situation at King’s Landing, The green army crumbles, while the … Continue reading →
Part 9 of our TWoW Primer finds us inside the walls of Meereen. We recap everything that’s been going on since Dany flew away on Drogon’s back, including the conclusion of Quentyn Martell’s grand adventure, the conflicts and conundrums facing … Continue reading →
In this installment, we’re heading for Slaver’s Bay! Join us as we recap Victarion’s and Tyrion’s journeys into the east, what’s happening when they arrive there, and what might be happening next. Includes a special section untangling the ongoing siege … Continue reading →
We head to the Reach to catch up on what’s been going there — from ironborn raiding to Sam Tarly’s arrival in Oldtown. After taking a long look at the events described in the TWoW preview chapter The Forsaken, we … Continue reading →
In the sixth installment of our TWoW Primer we head to the Stormlands to catch up on what’s happening with Jon Connington and Aegon’s invasion, their search for friends in the Reach and their proposed alliance with Dorne, and speculate … Continue reading →