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."

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Tudors August 23, 2017

Tyrion Pushes Dany to Name a Successor & Elizabeth I’s Succession Troubles

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In a cozy fireside chat, Tyrion ponders, if not frets, about how dangerous it will be for Daenerys to negotiate with Cersei in King’s Landing. But, then he makes the mistake of bringing up her succession.  The Dragon Queen already has her scales ruffled; Tyrion just criticized her for incinerating the Tarlys. So, perhaps, this isn’t the best time for him to bring up Daenerys’ death. Daenerys responds as you might expect – annoyed that Tyrion is already contemplating her…

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Season 7 recaps August 21, 2017

Baby’s Got Blue Eyes: Recap “Beyond the Wall”

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Before tonight’s episode, journalists laid odds as to which member of Jon’s ranging party would die north of the Wall at Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. Tonight’s episode offered lots of thrills and was a game changer. There’s intrigue at Winterfell, but it’s far from clear (to me at least) who is playing whom. Intrigue at Winterfell The Stark sisters are not getting along – and, frankly, it reminds me of nothing so much as the Wars of the Roses. Littlefinger turned the already…

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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. 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 marriage. On her wedding night, somebody who didn’t…

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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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