Jamie Adair

Jamie Adair is the editor of History Behind Game of Thrones, a website about the history behind George RR Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels and the hit TV show, "Game of Thrones."

War of the Roses August 15, 2017

King Jon? Who Will Win the Game of Thrones

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Given Rhaegar Targaryen’s likely marriage to Lyanna Stark, Jon Snow might not be a bastard after all. Instead, Jon might be Westeros’ “rightful” king – whatever that means. But, not so fast: Gendry is Robert Baratheon’s only (known) surviving son on the Game of Thrones TV show – and depending on your perspective, his claim might be just as valid. But, then what about Daenerys? She’s last surviving child of the last non-usurping king. Wouldn’t her claim be stronger? And,…

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Season 7 recaps August 14, 2017

Eastwatch: Recap Episode 5, Season 7

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Wow. What a show! So much happened in the “Eastwatch” episode — not to mention that massive revelation at the Citadel. This episode reveals quite a bit about Jon’s heritage. House Lannister: Aftermath of the Booty Train Battle Last week, Bronn pushed Jaime out of the path of Drogon’s flames and it was unclear whether they would survive. Jaime appeared to be sinking in his heavy armor in the last frame. Jaime does not drown in the heavy suit of…

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Polls August 9, 2017

Is Using Dragon Fire Ethical?

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Is war ethical when one side has a massive “technological” (or magical) advantage over the other one? Is it ethical to attack the enemy by burning them alive — and sending them to a truly horrible death? I would argue that Daenerys’ decision to immolate Lannister soldiers was less than ethical. Jon Snow warned Daenerys before she left that “burning castles” would make her no better than the Lannisters and all the other cruel leaders who went before her. Burning…

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Game of Thrones August 8, 2017

Daenerys is No Hero

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If you think Daenerys is a hero, you haven’t been paying attention. She might be the biggest villain on Game of Thrones and we don’t even know it. (Well, we might after the Loot train battle.) Beautiful and highly sympathetic, Daenerys grew up hunted (not unlike Henry VII). Her silver-haired, narcissistic brother Viserys likely abused her (“Don’t awake the Dragon”) throughout her childhood. To further his own ambition, Viserys sold her at 13 years of age into a horse-trading-style diplomatic…

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Season 7 recaps August 6, 2017

The Booty Train: Recap of Episode 4, Season 7 Game of Thrones

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This episode finally revealed Daenerys for the true villain she is — or so I like to think. Theon and Jon finally see each other again — after Theon’s betrayal of  Robb Stark. Cersei may have made a promise that she won’t be able to keep. Arya finally makes it home to Winterfell. And, Littlefinger might have miscalculated. Can You Ever Really Go Home? Littlefinger gives Bran his Valyrian steel dagger, the one that the hired assassin (“catspaw”) used when he…

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Season 7 recaps July 31, 2017

Fire and Ice United: Recap of Queens Justice

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Jon and Daenerys finally meet. The war is not going well for Daenerys and her allies – and scores are dying in her bid to be queen of Westeros. Tyrion is outwitted by his twin brother and sister, who have taken the time to figure out how he thinks. Cersei swears she will pay her debt to the Iron Bank in two weeks. But, how on earth is she going to accomplish that? A lot happened in this episode, so…

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Polls July 25, 2017

Poll: Does Euron Silence Yara Permanently?

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Euron is Yara’s uncle, but he’s also one bad-ass dude who has already killed his brother Balon, Yara’s dad. In the books, he captains the Silence, a ship so-named because he cut the tongue out of each crew member  — and this is what makes Theon jump ship rather than trying to save Yara. In the dark-lit scene, at least on my tiny TV, I thought Euron’s men were ripping out teeth. But, as this Reddit user BrySighz reminded me: [S7E2]…

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Season 7 recaps July 24, 2017

Stormborn: Historic Recap Season 7, Episode 2

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Episode 2 of Season 7 not only sets up more action to come, but it offers a few thrills, gasps, and “aw” moments of its own. First of all, Arya’s long-awaited reunion with Nymeria finally happens. Wonderful. After some frustrating stagnation at the Citadel, Sam finally acts with a truly grotty scene that demonstrates his deep loyalty to Lord Commander Mormont, his now departed Night’s Watch commander. Cersei continues to chill us — Qyburn gives her a means to destroy…

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Polls July 18, 2017

Cheeze or Yes, Please: Poll on Ed Sheeran’s Appearance on GoT

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Ed Sheeran, one of the biggest singers in the world, did a cameo on the Season 7 opener of Game of Thrones — and not everyone’s down with it. Many fans found it jarring and critics cited it as a rare misstep. “Throughout the last six seasons,” Forbes commented. “Members of the bands Snow Patrol, Coldplay, Sigur Ros, Mastadon and Of Monsters and Men all showed up on Game of Thrones at one point, but if you didn’t know that, I wouldn’t blame you.”…

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Season 7 recaps July 17, 2017

Game of Thrones Recap “Dragonstone”: The Map Rooms Mean War

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Games of Thrones is back — and so is this blog, at least for now, despite a taxing year for yours truly with far too much illness and stress. Given that I still feel like I’m still recovering from 2016, blog output may be reduced this season. I’ll see how it goes. I may not write recaps or if I do, they will likely be significantly briefer (or less precise). Although I’m not good at recapping, I do like writing about…

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