#qarth adventures part 2

[fandomsbyladymelodrama]

@salzrand - and a new update on S&E as well <3

[aegor-bamfsteel]

What do you think about the book 'A Caution for young girls' written by Lady Coryanne Wylde?

Nope, anon, I don’t like it.

I feel that some feminist critics talked to GRRM about the lack of known female authors in Westeros as compared to the real life European Middle Ages; women—often of the cloth—were writing since at least the 8th century about their relationships with G-d, medicine (particularly related to women), advice on rulership, plays, biographies/pilgrimages, rules for their monastery, philosophy, fantastical long poems, both plainchants and polyphonic music; it’s estimated that 10% of all troubadours may’ve been women. The first autobiography written in English is supposedly Margery Kempe’s, dictated to a scribe in about 1440. In Westeros, until the release of Fire and Blood, all known authors were male (with the exception of Daenys the Dreamer, who wrote the lost book Signs and Portents) and there were only a handful of professional female singers (it’s unknown if they wrote their own songs). However, as I’ve explained in another post about GRRM going out of his way to mock certain American feminist iconography in Fire and Blood, he introduces 2 alleged female authors with Coryanne Wylde and Rue, both allegedly septas…and they write about 1) her alleged “erotic adventures” including being sold into sex slavery or 2) a supposedly inaccurate and sexually-charged biography of a great man who was probably her lover. What variety, especially compared to real life female authors.

I’ll mention that the bulk of “A Caution for Young Girls”, while allegedly written by Coryanne, probably wasn’t. The first copy appeared in 90, about 40 years after she’d disappeared in the Disputed Lands. There are four versions of it around, and the first shorter one that says she was the handmaid to a queen (Alysanne) and paramour to a young knight (Howard Bullock) who fled to Essos at least match up with what we know of her life. The others are longer, since apparently mummers decided to add more erotic incidents to the story, probably those after she’s been abandoned in Myr and seemingly enslaved. “A Caution for Young Girls”, like the famous 1936 film “Tell Your Children” (better known as Reefer Madness), belongs to the genre of faux-morality exploitation; allegedly being a warning for young women to not engage in intercourse with married men or else facing terrible consequences; however, considering Baelor ordered copies burnt and it’s more popular with brothel people and mummers than the pious, it’s really a series of titillating (or, considering it’s known for depravity, possibly including disgusting or anatomically impossible sex scenes ala Marquis de Sade’s 120 Days of Sodom) “adventures” that allegedly (but probably not, if you think about it) happened to one woman. And just like Reefer Madness, which is laughably inaccurate about the effects of marijuana, “A Caution for Young Girls” seems to gloss over the real horrors of slavery in Volantis, Lys, Qarth, and the Basilisk Isles in favor of eroticism. Considering slavery is a huge part in the main series, and a lot of Book 5 is devoted to how cruel and unstable it is, with enslaved women treated as sexually expendable trash…having one of the few female writers mentioned in the series seemingly make light of it isn’t that amusing to me. Yes, cruel reality being made palatable into songs is a big part of the series, but Fire and Blood isn’t written in a way that makes us empathize with Coryanne’s pain or struggles the way it does the sympathetic characters of the main series.

That the first English autobiography by a woman involved visions from her faith, her struggle with postpartum depression, meeting with other great Holy Women (Julian of Norwich), getting tried for heresy due to her faith multiple times but managing to be acquitted each time…there’s no comparison between Kempe and GRRM’s alleged female autobiographer. Kempe is her own person; Coryanne is a vehicle for sexual adventures (most of which are probably made up by people unaware of the reality of slavery), just like Rue is the scribe writing about the sexual adventures of Alyn Stu Velaryon. GRRM could’ve taken more from history and had in-universe female authors write about their visions (not just Daenys), music, plays, woods witches writing down medical knowledge, rules for motherhouse living, advice on government, etc; it would’ve gone a long way to convincing me Alysanne actually made positive lasting change for women, had she patronized female authors or artists (why is Coryanne the only one of her companions who wrote anything when most of them were septas?)

I can’t help but feel that some feminist critic complained to GRRM about no in-universe female authors, and he wrote Coryanne and Rue—known for highly inaccurate sexually charged biographies—to piss them off. Between the Maiden’s Day Cattle Show, the watered down versions of famous historical women (Eleanor of Aquitaine got imprisoned for 16 years because she encouraged her sons to rebel against their father, contrast Alysanne Targaryen; Mathilde of Boulogne rescued Stephen I’s cause by raising an army to chase Empress Matilda out of the city, then exchanging Stephen for Matilda’s strongest supporter, contrast Helaena/Alicent; Joan of Arc led the French to victory within months and defended herself Heroically on trial for heresy, contrast Jeyne Poore/Jonquil Darke), then naming an incompetent easily fooled knight who got brutally killed after the creator of Wonder Woman (Professor William Moulton Marston)…GRRM just showed how little he cares for the historical tradition that have inspired Western women for generations. Coryanne’s “writing” is just one example of that mockery.

[oadara]

Game of Thrones - Jon and Daenerys Parallels v.2

ETA: I’ve added a few more parallels but Season 3 is sadly lacking. If you’ve noticed any, send them my way. 

Hey guys,

So I wanted to write a post about all the parallels and connections there are between Dany and Jon on Game of Thrones. I started a re-watched but it stalled. As you can see I was really good the first season and a half. I wrote a little summary of each of their scenes (if they appeared in the same episode) and what the connection was.

If any of you guys have noted these things for the episodes I don’t have anything for please send them my way. It would be nice to have a complete list.

Season 1

Episode 1 - “Winter is Coming”

- We see that both Dany and Jon feel disconnected from their family. Jon of course because he’s a bastard and Dany because she feels powerless against Viserys.

- In contrast, Jon is kept away from the celebration welcoming King Robert, this angers him because he is once again being ostracized for being a bastard. Dany on the other hand is forced to attend the celebration of her wedding even as she begged Viserys to not make her marry.

- Both receive/find their animal companion:Jon finds Ghost and Dany is given the dragon eggs.

Episode 2 - “The King’s Road”

- While Drogo is rapping Dany she is looking at her dragon eggs which are surrounded by candles, as she looks into their fire we transition to Jon looking at the campfire. This is a clear connection between these two characters and probably a hint of Jon’s Targaryen heritage.

- The parallel here is the both lament the situation they find themselves in. Dany suffering in her marriage and Jon realizing that the Night’s Watch is nothing like he had imagined.

Episode 3  - “Lord Snow”

-We see the scene transition from Dany to Jon. In Dany’s scene she is learning to assert herself as a khaleesi, earning the respect of her followers (Dothraki as well as Jorah). In Jon’s scene with Benjen, he tells him, “a man gets what he earns when he earns it.” Later in the episode we see Jon working with the other recruits teaching them what he knows, and beginning to earn their respect.

-Tyrion is meeting with the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and Maester Aemon, when the conversation is almost to an end Maester Aemon says: “When winter comes, gods help us all if we are not ready.” The scene then transitions to Dany’s dragon eggs. We then see Dany telling Drogo that they are having a boy, then we transition back to the Wall and Tyrion and Jon.

Episode 4 -  “Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things”

-We begin with The scene in which Jon meets Sam, the coward, this scene then transitions to Dany riding alongside Jorah into Vaes Dothrak. Jorah complains about Ned Stark driving him from his land, to which Dany reminds him that he sold slaves.

-Second transition: Ser Allister is talking to Jon and Sam about winter and says to them “When you are out there beyond the Wall do you want a man at your back or a sniveling boy?” This then transitions into Viserys dragging Doreah into Dany’s tent, he attacks Dany but she hits him back, showing him to be a sniveling boy.

-We then transition back to Jon and Sam, Jon tells Sam that he almost had sex with the red-headed Ros! Ser Allister then comes in and after throwing some more insults says to Jon “Mance Rayder’s men are hard men, harder than Jon will ever be. Not quite true Ser Allister. Finally, we transition back to Dany and Jorah, they are both taking about going home. Dany confesses to Jorah that she doesn’t believe Viserys will ever be able to take her home.

NOTE: In this episode we see both Dany and Jon stand up for some else and confront a bully. Jon stands up for Sam and confronts Ser Allister and Ralf while Dany on the other hand stands up to Viserys and defends Doreah.

Episode 7 “You win or You die” - The first transition goes from the assassination attempt against Dany to Jon being selected as Stewart to the Lord Commander. - Second transition from Jon to Dany. Jon takes his oath in front of the Heart-tree this transitions to Dany talking to Jorah about punishing the wine seller and Drogo makes his speech promising his son the Iron Throne. The symbolism going on in their scenes this episode was about being given a ‘gift’ that they don’t really understand the magnitude of yet. In both cases they are coming close to their future leadership roles but not in the way they expect. Jon is put out and sulky to be assigned a steward without realizing the leadership potential of being LC Mormont’s direct assistant. Daenerys on the other hand is given the gift of what she wants most from Drogo, to take back the Iron Throne. She expects fully expects this will happen and has no idea it will in fact be herself that follows through with Drogo’s promise much later. Episode 8 “The Pointy End” - Ser Alliser taunts Jon about being a traitor’s bastard, Jon responds by lunging on his with a knife and Ser Alliser tells him, you will hang for this. Not really, but you will Ser Alliser, for being a traitor. Oh the irony. Later on Ghost senses the Wight and Jon burns his hand with a lamp while burning the Wight. - We then transition to Dany who is in the Lhazareen village as the Dothraki are pillaging it. As Dany looks as the mayhem around her she asks Jorah to make the Dothraki stop raping and abusing the women. Jorah looks at her and tells her that she has a kind heart but this is how things have always been. Dany denies this but demands that Jorah make the men stop. I think this touches on an important theme in Dany’s story, which is that she doesn’t believe in maintaining the status quo. If something doesn’t seem right to her, she will do her best to improve it, no matter if it’s been done that way for hundreds or thousands of years. After Jorah stops the men he tells Dany “You can’t save them all” to which Dany answers “I can and I will.” This will later be manifested in her campaign against Slaver’s Bay. An interesting part of a parallel occurred in this episode or at least part of it. In this episode Theon asks Robb if he’s afraid (after he tells Maester Luwin to call his banners after Ned is arrested) to which Robb says “I must be” while he looks at his shacking hand. Theon says “good” and Robb asks “why’s that good?” to which Theon answers “ because it means you’re not stupid.” This conversation is eerily similar to the one Dany has with Tyrion at the end of season 6x10, where Tyrion asks her if she’s afraid of entering the “Great Game” and Dany nods yes, to which Tyrion answers “Good, only mad men like your father are not afraid.” Bringing this full circle Jon’s selection as King in the North in episode 6x10 is almost identical to Robb’s selection as KITN. So, in the season finally of season 6 the show tied in both Dany and Jon to Robb, another young leader and monarch. Let’s hope that they at least end their lives in a better way than poor Robb’s. Episode 9 “Baelor” - We only have one transition between the two this episode. We go from Jon and Aemon discussing choice to Dany in the Dothraki sea choosing to fight for her husband even though it’s clear he is dying. While Jon is being given the philosophical view of what it is to choose between love and duty, Dany is force to make that decision at that very moment. Episode 10: “Fire and Blood” - We transition from Dany to Jon. First Dany wakes from her miscarriage to find out her child is dead, that her husband is a shell without a spirit and that MMD has betrayed her. Then we transition to Jon who is running away to join Robb. Then we have Jon’s friends stop him and recite the oath he made. We then transition back to Dany who is washing khal Drogo before smothering him. I’m not sure if there are any connection between these scenes. -Finally the season ends with a transition between Dany and Jon. First Jon goes beyond the Wall with Lord Commander Mormont and the Night’s Watch. Then, we transition to Dany who is preparing the pyre for khal Drogo, gives her speech to her newly formed little khalsar, burns the pyre with MMD in it, enters pyre wakes up with dragons. The connection between the two being that they are about to embark in life-changing adventures. Neither of their lives will ever been the same after this. General Parallels: Both Dany and Jon deal with the grief of loosing someone they love, Dany with Drogo and Jon with Ned. Also, Dany’s first scene lead’s into Jon’s first scene. Jon’s second scene lead’s into Dany’s second scene. Jon’s final scene lead’s into Dany’s final scene.

Season 2

Episode 1: “The North Remembers”

-We find Dany in the Red Waste with the comet above her in the sky. Dany is talking to Doreah and says that no one will take her dragons. Yet, we will see that in Qarth they are taken from her by the warlock at the House of the Undying. Dany looks up at the sky and sees the comet and this transitions to Jon in the North at Crasters. Jon mouths off at Craster and Lord Commander pulls him aside. He asks Jon, “Do you want to lead one day?” to which Jon nods to which Lord Commander says “then you must learn how to follow.” It is important to note that Jon does want to be a leader, I think he wants that respect and acceptance, to earn it on his own right. We see him smile when he is elected Lord Commander, although, with a little trepidation. However, when we get into the King in the North scene he accepts but with a lot more trepidation. Now realizing how truly hard it is to be a leader.

- We have another scene with Dany in the Red Waste. Her people are starving and she doesn’t know what to do. She questions herself as a leader, because she cannot help her people, she cannot feed them or give them water. Jorah tells her that she must be their strength, and Dany asks Jorah to be her strength.

The scenes between Jon and Dany are both about learning to lead but in different ways. Jon needs to learn how to follow, being part of a military order before he can learn how to lead men. Dany having found herself leading already needs to learn how to take on the sorrows of her people, to be their strength, to give them hope when their is none.

Episode 2: “The Night Lands”

-There was a great Jon and Daenerys book-ended set of scenes - and a potential parallel between Jorah/Jon that I feel will later come full circle in both loving Daenerys also.

At the end of the scene with Sam and Gilly … We see Jon reflect on his feeling of helplessness in doing what’s right for people. His honor is warring with his sense of duty and keeping peace with Craster. The scene then transitions to Jorah sighing the same as Jon was … only now it’s he who feels helpless as Daenerys and the Dothraki are suffering (no water or shelter). I liked this parallel between the honorable men and the people they love. Jorah’s love for Dany and Jon’s love for Sam. Both are honorable men who will later do anything to save those they love.

Episode 3: “What is Dead May Never Die”

- No parallel this episode as Dany doesn’t appear in it. Episode 4: “Garden of Bones”

- No parallels as Jon doesn’t appear in this episode.

Episode 10 “Valar Morghulis”: -In Dany’s visions in the House of the Undying she goes through the red keep to the Wall.

Season 3

Episode 10 “Mhysa”

- Both Dany and Jon are carried. Dany by the newly freed slaves of Yunkai and Jon by his fellows brothers from the Nights Watch.  

- Dany being at the center of a group of people is mirrored in season 6 episode 9 when Jon is at the center of a group of people. The different is that Dany is surrounded by the living and Jon by the dying. 

Season 4

Episode 1 “Two Swords”

-Daario gives Dany the Bouquet of Symbolism (dusky rose (blue rose) = heals fevers). He also says to her that if he wants the people to follow her she needs to become part of their world.

Episode 3 “Breaker of Chains”

- A small parallel between Dany and Jon. Ser Alliser tells Jon that he is a “champion of the common people.” Then at the end of the episode we see Dany arriving in Meereen and speaking to the slaves about freedom, thus being a champion of the common people.

Episode 4 “Oathkeeper”

 -  Dany and Jon, they both coming up with plans to infiltrate/attack their enemies by surprise.

- They both speak of justice, Dany says “I will answer injustice with justice” and Jon says “ All we can give him [Mormont} is justice”. 

Episode 5 “First of His Name”

 - A small Dany and Jon parallel is Dany’s punishment of the Masters the episode before and Jon’s punishment of the mutineer’s in this episode. Their justice is a sentence of death. 

Episode 9 “The Watchers on the Wall” and Episode 10 “The Children”:

- Dany and Jon are left grieving and walking into an uncertain future. Dany chains away her dragons, afraid that they will harm another child. Jon buries Ygritte after the event at castle Black.\

- Jon holds a dying Ygritte in his arms the way Dany held a dying Drogo. 

Season 5

General - both are trying to incorporate a formerly persecuted group into the larger society. Facing opposition from the status quo, neither can seem to get both sides together.

Episode 1 “The Wars to Come”:

- Jon expresses a similar sentimate this episode that Dany expressed back in Season 1, Episode 4 when Dany says to Viserys regarding the Dothraki: “They are my people now. You shouldn’t call them savages”. In this episodes Jon says about the Wildlings: “They were born on the wrong side of the Wall. That doesn’t make them monsters.”

Episode 2 “The House of Black and White” and Episode 3 “High Sparrow”:

-Dany and Jon execute members of their “organizations”. Dany beheads Mossador for defying her orders and Jon beheads Slynt for defying his orders. 

Episode 5 “Kill the Boy”:

- Jon seeks out Maester Aemon’s advice regarding what he should do about a difficult situation, this is paralleled but Dany seeking out Missandei’s advice about what she should do about a difficult situation. Both of their advices advice the, to follow their instincts.   Additionally, both Dany and Jon release their prisoners in order to use them as allies. Also, there is the parallel of Sam and Missandei. Both  of them are the “right-hand man” of each character and they are both in the mist of unorthodox romantic relationships.

Season 6

Episode 9 & 10 - “The Batlle of the Bastards” & “The Winds of Winter”:

- In episode 9 while Dany is speaking with the slave masters she tells the “My reign has jus began” . In episode 10 Jon is selected as King in the North, effectively the beginning of his reign.  

[rhetorical-ink]

Rhetorical Ink Re-Watches Game of Thrones: Season Two!

**A SECOND SEASON FULL OF SPOILERS BELOW**

My father and I literally watched the entire second season over a course of three nights...that said, I realized that Season Two is probably my second to least favorite season of Game of Thrones. Season Five is my least favorite. Not that it’s terrible; it’s good. It’s just that it set up a lot of characters and things to come...but there’s not any huge payoff yet. It’s just a “set up” season, much like Season Five is. Plus, Theon and Jaime are still pricks, Robb makes stupid decisions, Jon Snow still knows nothing (though we do get the introduction to that line)! 

Halfway through the season, my father stated, “I just want that blonde girl to get on her dragons and roast all these people!” In good time, dad. In good time. 

I did want to break down the season, but unlike Season One, I won’t be doing it episode-by-episode. So!

My Top Ten Thoughts on Game of Thrones, Season Two: 

10. I love Gendry; he’s the definition of chivalrous, and I love that Arya clearly has feelings for Gendry, but doesn’t quite understand or want to admit them. And clearly Gendry sees that, but knows she’s a kid...their interaction this season was a breath of fresh air, plus some nice foreshadowing for the future with them at the Dragon-charred towers. My dad was totally on board with the “Faceless Man,” and I have to admit it worked well this season. 

9. Speaking of Arya, I loved her and Tywin’s interaction. It’s so strange, seeing a character that is clearly an antagonist, fleshed out so well. We see Tywin’s motivations, we see how good of a father he could be (though we also can clearly see how he could be exactly the opposite), we see a “warmer” side of this cold-hearted villain...and it’s toward Arya, someone he states “reminds him of his own daughter.” To me, that’s the ultimate sting, seeing how similar Cersei and Arya are, or at least were at that age, and how they ultimately turned out. It really shows you how someone can grow up and become a different person...speaking of which...

8. This season marks the beginning of Jaime’s character transformation. He’s still a total asshat, but he’s slowly starting to show more depth and pairing him with Brienne marks the start of our Game of Thrones’s “Buddy Cop” esque adventures, which would later be carried on by The Hound and Arya. I loved their interactions this season, I just wish we’d had more of them...I guess we’ll have to wait until Season Three. But as much as I still dislike Jaime...

7. ... I friggin’ LOVE Brienne. She’s so noble, smart, fierce, and fantastic. I guess my main squabble with her this season is that she’s a little “one note” and melodramatic up until the last of the season with Jaime. I understood why she cried over Renly’s death, as he had recognized her as a knight, but she seemed so worked up over someone she’d just met. The good news about Brienne is that Season Three starts her real journey as a character, and this season teases just enough to get me excited. 

6. This season we meet Stannis, and at first, he seems like a great guy...then we slowly realize how he’s just as terrible as everyone else. I DO love Davros the Onion Knight to an unreasonable degree...he’s like Wilfred from Doctor Who; how can you NOT like Davros? But Melisandre and her witch ways...I honestly forgot how terrifying and weird her “shadow demon birth” is in the season...and it’s right at the start! My parents were very weirded out by it, and honestly, we don’t see anything quite like that in the rest of the show, so I feel it’s SO out of place looking back. And with what we know now about Melisandre and her magic, the scenes with Stannis making love to her? Gross.

5. Poor Renly; I don’t agree that he should have been King, nor that he was the smartest...but getting stabbed by a Demon “nephew?” Nope. It was one of the biggest surprises the first time I watched the show, and still unnerves me re-watching it. Poor Loras too...who is clearly sad about his death; though, we can’t say the same for Margery. We meet her character and immediately get the vibe that she’s out for just one thing: Power. Still, we sadly don’t get enough of her character to really get a sense of who she is (another reason I love the next season so much more than this one....). 

4. UGH. Shae. I remember feeling so happy for Tyrion when Shae first came onto the show. I love that scene with her, Bronn, and Tyrion playing “would you rather.” It’s adorable, and there’s so much exposition and character development that works so well. But, knowing what I know now, it’s hard to watch Tyrion be so happy with her, and try so hard, when you know what’s going to happen to that joy down the road. Still, she was great to have this season, bringing hope to a very dour situation. 

3. Another romance that filled me with so much sadness watching was that of Rob and Talisa. To be honest, it was a LOW point of the season for me. It’s not that their romance is not justified or necessarily rushed. It makes a lot of sense...it’s just....so....BORING. That scene where she talks about recessitating her brother in the tent; it was the first time I had to wake my dad up because he was about to fall asleep. Talisa’s character could be engaging, but she’s just so quiet and dull to me...PLUS, you just KNOW as soon as Rob and her get married that something bad is going to happen. Cat warned you, Rob; she WARNED you!

So, while this season wasn’t my favorite, there were two specific parts I did quite LOVE, besides just the character introductions:

2. The Blackwater battle was great; I loved that they dedicated an entire episode to it. From Cersei and Sansa’s wine-filled exchanges, to Tyrion leading the charge, to The Hound fleeing the scene in a Frankenstein-fire-fear-style, to the Wildfire-soaked battle; it really upped the anty on what we expected from this show, and definitely delivered in terms of build up and climax. Even though it ended in a slight cop-out with Tywin coming in at the last minute, Joffrey surviving, and Tyrion taking a bad rap, it was well worth the climb throughout the season. 

1. Even though it took us an entire season, which felt SO long, to get through the Qarth storyline, the scenes of Dany in the House of the Undying is so gorgeous, that I completely forgive it. The foreshadowing of seasons to come, possibly some we haven’t even seen yet, to be honest, and what might have been, are so beautifully shot and acted! The “goodbyes” between Drogo and Dany are touching and tear-jerking, and the death of the Warlocks, Vault Reveal, and Daxos’s demise were completely satisfying! Overall, my favorite part of the season. 

Now onto my two favorite seasons: Season Three and Season Four!

HONORABLE MENTION: The White Walkers! 

My mother, who is NOT a big fan of fantasy/zombie genres, watched that ending scene, looked at my dad and I and yelled, “Why are there zombies in this?!” Oh, mom.....it’s only season two. 

[travelfilmable]

Game of Thrones

Travel to the dark side

Game of Thrones (2011-2019) created by David Benioff & D.B Weiss. and written by George R.R. Martin. A series that pretty much runs over the course of 8 years showing nine Nobel families fighting over the lands of Westeros whilst the ancient "White Walkers" enemy fights to make a comeback. For those who have watched this series, we were glued to our screen every time it came on, watching diligently as we become frustrated as our favorite characters are killed off and fighting for survival. This series in conversation could in essence have had started a civil war between friends and family, who we wanted to be killed next, why and those pesky families that kept dominating (Lannister's) when simply we just wanted them to disappear. I have to admit my favorite family were the Starks, Arya Stark the warrior child (played by Masie Williams) was just fantastic addition! I mean you could see that Arya was not going to be a simple lady unlike her sister Sansa however, the difference from losing her father and then taking on grown men 3 times her age  and size was just a moment of exhilaration. Admittedly, I did have a soft spot for Tyrion Lannister (Played by Peter Dinklage) and Jaime Lannister (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) despite the obvious incestuous volatile relationship with Cersei (Played by Lena Headey). This series just made you feel and connect with the characters which realistically, is sometimes a really hard thing to do with such a massive audience.  

Moving on, filming locations,  If you have watched the series, you will find every landscape including the cold ones are absolutely beautiful! like me, I contemplated visiting in the very near future (Covid problems).This series connects to the cosplay that a lot of people indulge in, or if you're not into cosplay, visiting as a sense of escapism and fantasy are usually the biggest motivations for attending such beautiful locations situated around the world, I've written up the 5 most popular places to visit; so, let's take a look where you can be soon visiting!   

Split, Split Dalmatia Country (Croatia) 

Used for filing seasons 3,4,5, the first  Game of Thrones tour take place here, 2 tours in 1. Learn about Game of Thrones and the history of the Split, its a local tour with an expert tour guide. Take the tour of Diocletian's Palace; Klis Fortress for 5 hours! even if you are not a fan of Game of Thrones there are culture aspects to this tour, it looks absolutely beautiful! One of the particular scenes filmed here is where the Daenerys Dragons are kept (poor dragons!) and how can we forget the slave rebellion. 

Fort Lovrijenac Debrovnik (Croatia)   One of the main filming location in Game of Thrones - The most beautiful scenery and historic location, you can join a unique tour that would explore the key filming locations such as; Lovrijenac  Fortress and St Dominika Street (SHAME SHAME SHAME - I cannot lie. I had great gratification in this seen watching Cersei's comeuppance). Here you can re-discover your passion for Game of Thrones taking in the behind-the-scenes story whilst also enjoying the passionate grounds of Croatia.  you'll be tour the beautiful scenes of Kings Landing, if you’re a massive Thrones fan then you cannot miss out on this experience! (simply because you get to sit on the IRON THRONE – because like who wouldn’t..). Other aspects of the tour include; Lokrum Island (City of Qarth); Pile Bay; Lovrjenac Castle (The Redkeep) and Dubrovnik’s old town.  

Tours that you can visit; Game of Thrones Walking tour (150Kn – Around £17.40); Kings Landing and the Iron Throne Tour (350 Kn - around £40.60); Total game of Thrones experience tour (850KN £98.60) - and Jet Ski Game of Thrones tour (1700kn - £197.20) Considering the amount, it does cost depending on the tour you want to participate in, it is worth the money. If you’re around Dubrovnik, why not check it out!    

Marrakech (Morocco) A little unknown considering a few that are on the list, HOW? I have no idea because this scenery is BEAUTIFUL, I mean seriously this Game of Thrones set is  set in the ancient town of Ait Ben Haddou, doubling as Yunkai also known to us as Slavers Bay (season 3).  Did you know that the village this is filmed is a UNESCO world heritage site (AMAZING RIGHT), as it was once used as stop in the ancient Sahara trade route. It's easy to visit as the buildings have mostly gone unchanged throughout the decades providing not only a historical learning opportunity, but it also reflects the uniqueness of Game of Thrones itself. Carrying on, the tour you can actually do yourself, located in the beautiful Atlas Mountain region of Morocco it can be difficult to reach so it is advised to visit on an organized day trip, which also adds in extra time to visit the Atlas Mountains.  Add in the extra time to visit the town of Ouarzazate, located just 30 minutes away from the first filming location, it is home to the Atlas Studios. Here you can visit more locations of the free cities within Slavers Bay, but whilst you're there you can take the time to visit the old sets for Gladiators, Cleopatra and Kings of Heaven, basically it is a well worth opportunity to take to visit your favorite Game of Thrones scenes but also to visit the unique filming sets of other best-known films (Gladiators, COME ON!) 

Iceland – Your Nordic adventure   Much like other regions in this post, Iceland is used for the unique settings within the Game of Thrones series, home to seasons 2 onwards, Iceland was used to set the scene for North of the Wall (come at me White WALKERS). The featured towns in this part of the journey are relatively easy to get too as most as just located off the main ring road,  well visited popular sites (if you get lost I'm sure someone could help you out). Be warned that many of these scenes will look different if you don’t visit in winter due to the snowy scenery in Game of Thrones – although some locations are hard to get too in winter, be careful and DO NOT PUSH YOUR LIMITS. Here I've added 4 of the most popular locations, but upon making your itinerary do take a look at this website, it gives you various locations based off seasons and episodes to plan your Game of Thrones Treck. Follow your wilding or the night’s watch fantasy.  Iceland Game of Thrones Tours : Self Guided Packages : Nordic Visitor 

Hengilssvæðið, also known as Hengill Mountain (large volcanic mountain) Episode 10 season 4, where Brienne of Tarth and the Hound face off against each other, this is also where Arya and the hound part ways (this teared me, I thought they could have been a good team).  BONUS: This fight scene between Brienne and Hound was filmed in different locations however visiting this place will feel very familiar in terms of the scene itself.  

Þórufoss, or Thorufoss

A short drive from the Golden Circles, if you want to experience the feeling of your favorite dragons flying above you, then this is the place. Season 4, remember when Drogon got hungry and ate that goat? Yeah, that scene, take your time and imagine what the goat herders face would have looked like seeing that scene

Thingvellir National Park

One of the most used filming locations in the canyon near Oxafarfoss waterfall (Bloody Gate location), beholds the castle where the western edge of the Vale of Arryn, on the road to Eyrie appeared in Season 4. This location is were Little Finger and Sansa travel to Eyrie and then later on in the season where Arya and the Hound discover Arya’s aunt had died (I'm sure it was little finger who pushed her...). Due to this area being a heritage site, there are lots of things to do here and a lot to experience Game of Thrones wise.  

Þjórsárdalur Valley

Being a large area of Iceland, home to a number of stunning scenery and one of the highest waterfalls in Iceland. In terms of Game of Thrones, the reproduction of the Viking area; longhouse and farm was used as Olly’s village back in Season 4, Episode 3. This scene also involves the wildlings, when they travelled to the village (Ygritte and Tormund) overran it and killed everyone except Olly to be its only Survivor. The best thing about this area is that the recreation is open every day from June through to August with a small fee on entry.  

Northern Ireland Some of the main filing was done here in Northern Ireland, based around the beautiful history of Ireland itself, these tours bring you a full day's experience dedicated to fulfil your escape into the fantasy world of Game of Thrones.   

Iron Islands, Giant's causeway and Rope Bridge (Belfast, Derry) 

Visiting the Glens of Antrim, takes you through the cave where Melisandre gives birth to the dark spirit, Renly's camp in the storm lands and the Iron Islands were Theon dedicated his faith to the drowned God. To really immerse yourself into the world of Game of Thrones, especially the Iron born, you can dress up to your wildest dreams! This coach comes with costumes, metal swords, shields and banners to really immerse yourself in the cosplay and fantasy that is Game of Thrones.  

BONUS: The guides were extras in the series! - Starks, Wildings and even one Iron Born! What a way to start your Journey than with those who have Truly lived in the fantasy world.  

(This little beauty will set you back, around £45 - https://gameofthronestours.com/iron-islands-  rope-bridge)   

Winterfell trek (Belfast) 

Filmed at the start of the Game of Thrones season one, were the King asks Ned Stark (May you rest in peace) to be the Hand of the King, it is also were we first meet the direwolf Pups and the start of the horrific yet exhilarating story to come. This tour will lead you around the grounds of Castle Ward Estate and Walder Frey's Twins camp in the Riverland's. Again, this tour allows you to fully get up close with this world of Game of Thrones, wearing wool and leather cloaks, metal swords and hand painted Stark Banners!  The track takes you through the Abbeys of the 12th Century where Robb Stark is announced king of the North (Later Jon Snow’s title, but we all miss Robb Stark having this), it will take you into Tollymore Forest and Haunted Forest North of the Wall where you will find the night’s watch dismembered bodies in the snow. (Freaky but this sounds bloody awesome!) 

(Coach day Tour – from 45 euros: Winterfell Trek from Belfast - Game of Thrones Tours) 

Winterfell Trek Dublin

This tour takes you though the beautiful Tollymore Forest, more famously known for the opening scene of the first episode, you’ll be shown video clips, screen shots and VFX clips for behind the scenes showing of how this was made! (Cool right!) Much like the above tour you will be able to see where King Robert asked Ned to be his Hand. These trips allow you to become fully immersed in the fantasy, play along and enter the world of Game of Thrones through wearing the northern cloaks, metal swords and be able to first hand go where no tourist has gone before. Could you become the King of the North? Explore the real Westeros in Northern Ireland, and let's see. 

Coach day tour: from 60 euros - Winterfell Trek from Dublin - Game of Thrones Tours  Game of Thrones was a much-loved series that we sadly miss, apart from season 8 that sucked. But we can all agree that if we need an escape from this pandemic and feel a sense of belonging in the cosplay world, it is possible to still visit these places in the near future of travel.   

You’re sure to have an amazing time.  

[dianashealthyliving]

*By: Sarah Harris*

Dubrovnik is affectionately known as the Pearl of the Adriatic is an enchanting city on the southern region of Croatia boasting glistening views of the Dalmatian coast. Regarded for its walled-in Old Town dating back to the 16th century, as well as remarkably preserved buildings, this bewitching city is as spellbinding as they come. Take a step back in time as you stroll down the cold limestone streets, or walk into a realm that is entirely fictional – of course, the choice is yours.  If you are a Game of Thrones fan then you will be excited to learn all the filming locations on one of the Game of Thrones Tour Dubrovnik. 

  You may also like: Best Way to Travel Greek Islands Cruise

Game of Thrones Dubrovnik

Many fans of George R. R. Martin’s series, Game of Thrones know that much of the HBO series is filmed throughout various Mediterranean corners, medieval castles and craggy mountainsides. While it might be hard to wrap your head around visiting a city to marvel at fictitious history through a guided walking tour, you can take in actual history as you stroll through these historical relics including the Dubrovnik Castle to name a few.

Game of Thrones Tour Dubrovnik

  It’s, of course, recommended to sign up for a traditional Dubrovnik walking tour before exploring the various King’s Landing filming locations. What you will come to discover while learning about Croatia’s past, and Dubrovnik in particular, is that it’s incredibly storied. With Venetian influences that can be found in architecture to pasta, to Balkan touches throughout, this city’s historic sites are becoming increasingly appreciated and visited thanks to Game of Thrones. Once you turn on your social media and start geotagging your photos, you will quickly learn that Dubrovnik is now lovingly – and more often than not – referred to as King’s Landing.

When you’re ready to unearth the betrayals looming within the world of Westeros, you can sign up for a guided Game of Thrones tour around Dubrovnik or follow this counsel and navigate King’s Landing solo. We will say that the tours are usually hosted by extras on the show, and they carry with them pictures from the set. With that, they also have some salacious gossip and even teasers in their back pocket if you ask the right questions.

  Lovrijenac Fortress

Photo c/o Nautika Restaurant

Your guided or self-navigated tour of the Game of Thrones locations around Dubrovnik can begin at a handful of sites, but the Pile Gate Entrance to Old Town is a great place to start. This important filming location has been used to shoot a number of scenes, most notably in Seasons two and three. From there, you’re within walking distance to most sites including Lovrijenac Fortress also known as the Red Keep. For views of this rugged location, be sure to make dinner reservations at Nautika, a fine dining establishment dishing out glistening views of both the Red Keep and another shooting location, Dubrovnik West Harbour or Blackwater Bay. If you’re feeling adventurous after your meal, you can climb to the top and take in the twinkling sites.

Dubrovnik City Walls

Next, spend time exploring Fort Bokar, which also forms part of the Dubrovnik City Wall. This location was used to shoot sea wall shots of King’s Landing – Dubrovnik. You can also catch stellar views from Fort Lovrijenac from within the City Walls, as you’re able to walk along those as well. Your Game of Thrones tour may only be able to walk you through a portion of the walls, but if you explore them on your own, you’ve successfully uncovered another filming location. This UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979 attracts tourists from around the world in their own right but is also one of the more popular shooting locations from the show. As you tour along, you will have a beautiful vantage point of the famous red rooftops of Dubrovnik.  

Ploče Gate

Ploce Gate – Red Keep Gate

The east entrance to the Old Town Dubrovnik, Ploče Gate was built in Romanesque style at the end of 14th century and is the east entrance to the Old Town Dubrovnik. Cersei Lannister passing over this bridge and enters to the Red Keep after her walk of shame at the end of season five.

Minceta Tower

c/o Dubrovnik Times

For uninterrupted views of the Adriatic Sea, be sure to visit the commanding Minčeta Tower, also shown as the House of the Undying in Qarth. To get to the top of this real-life 14th-century fortress, you will need to climb 750 steps, but navigating that winding staircase will be worth the sweat once you get to the top, as proves true with most things in life. Next, take a walk to the Ethnographic Museum. Once a granary, this 16th-century building now houses cultural exhibits and was also used as a filming location in Season four.

  Jesuit Stairs

Jesuit Stairs

Of course, a Game of Thrones tour around Dubrovnik would not be complete without a trip to the Jesuit Stairs, just off the Gundulićeva Poljana. These beautiful Baroque wonders that descend from St. Ignatius Church also doubled as the filming location of one of the most notorious and apparently expensive scenes in the show’s history. These now infamous steps of the Great Sept of Baelor in King’s Landing, played host to Cersei’s walk of shame in Season five. Her walk of atonement – in the buff – stretched throughout Old Town, but it’s at the top of the steps that the scene started. Once you’re through with yelling “Shame” as your significant other walks down, you can take a leisurely stroll through pristine gardens at Gradac Park, located next to Old Town. This location was the site of King Joffrey’s wedding and ultimate demise, in typical Westeros fashion.

St. Dominic Street Game of Thrones Dubrovnik

St. Dominic Street is a significant street as several scenes from The Game of Thrones were filmed here.  It is the connection between Ploče gate and Stradun and goes past the Dominican monastery.

One of the most famous Game of Thrones scenes filmed here is where the Gold Cloaks kill one of King Robert’s illegitimate sons. Tyrion and Bronn, in Season 2, here witness a protest speech, and Cersei Lannister as a sign of penance walks naked here in the scene that begins on the Jesuit staircase.

  Lokrum Island

  For time spent outside of Dubrovnik, take the local ferry to a curious little island called Lokrum just 15-minute away. Inhabited solely by peacocks and rabbits, and home to the Franciscan monastery, lush botanical gardens and ample rocks for sunbathing, locals have been flocking to this island for years for a quiet reprieve. Thanks to a replica Iron Throne located in a tiny museum, fans from around the world can take the hot seat in the fictional city of Qarth. From there, you can hike about 40-minutes or so to Pigeon’s cave for uninterrupted views of the Adriatic, which truly does glimmer at all hours of the day.  

Game of Thrones Split, Croatia

There are a few other noteworthy Game of Thrones locations around Croatia, including in Split, just 230 km north of Old Town. The second largest city in Croatia is also home to Diocletian’s Palace, a stately building that was erected in the 4th century AD. This UNESCO World Heritage site doubled as the basement where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons. And just a short 20-minutes from there is the Fortress of Klis, former home of Croatian kings and dukes during the Ottoman Empire. For fans, this 3rd century BC build is better known as Meereen, a city in the Bay of Dragons.

  Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik

Photo c/o Hotel Excelsior

When in Dubrovnik, you will have the chance to sleep in the hotel where many actors of Game of Thrones slept in the final season.  The Hotel Excelsior, a 104-year-old UNESCO-protected property boasts some of the best views of the sea and Old Town. While this stay might put some stress on your wallet, your experience will feel all the more authentic. A member of the Adriatic Luxury Hotel collection, this property offers 19 luxury suites inside the original structure, a former royal villa. The more modern building which slept the likes of Emilia Clarke and Kit Harrington between filming features all of the modern amenities any discerning traveller could hope for. 

Click here For Current Rates and Availability.

If you’re looking to explore these locations while in Dubrovnik, you can purchase your tickets in advance via tour sites including Get Your Guide or simply sign up for a tour as you walk through Old Town.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All this means is that we will make a small commission at absolutely no cost to you! This helps us be able to continue to run Diana’s Healthy Living and we thank you for your help! 

A Guide To The Must-See Game Of Thrones Tour Dubrovnik, Croatia *By: Sarah Harris* Dubrovnik is affectionately known as the Pearl of the Adriatic is an enchanting city on the southern region of Croatia boasting glistening views of the Dalmatian coast.

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‘Sport of Thrones': Daenerys’ Transformation from Frightened Maid to Conqueror (Pictures)

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‘Sport of Thrones': Daenerys’ Transformation from Frightened Maid to Conqueror (Pictures)

  Daenerys Stormborn, Queen of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Males, Protector of the Realm, Queen of Meereen, Khaleesi of the Nice Grass Sea, Mom of Dragons, The Unburnt, Breaker of Chains has many titles, and she or he has an outfit to go along with each one. Here is a glance by means of Dany’s type evolution, from shy maid to White Walker battler.

Dany begins out Season 1 because the simply frightened little sister of Viserys Targaryen. They’re the final residing Targaryens (so far as the viewers is aware of at that time). Viserys is thought within the books because the “Beggar King” as a result of he and Dany have been on the run from King Robert Baratheon all their lives, residing off the generosity of others in Essos. Here is Dany in a skinny “viewing gown” to satisfy her soon-to-be-husband, Khal Drogo.

Dany stands right here on her wedding ceremony day to Khal Drogo. Within the early Season 1, Dany is wearing skinny, sheer, light-colored clothes, emphasizing her innocence and inexperience.

Not like her brother, Dany embraces the Dothraki tradition. She shortly discards her flimsy silks and dons Dothraki garb, preferrred for horseback driving and adventuring by means of the desert. This helps in incomes the Dothraki’s belief, one thing that can vastly profit her rule because the collection goes on. Additionally Learn: 23 Large ‘Sport of Thrones’ Fan Theories for Season 7 and Past (Pictures)

“Sport of Thrones” is thought for its unabashed nudity, and Dany’s character isn’t any exception. On the finish of Season 1, she emerges from Drogo’s funeral pyre bare, unburnt and the brand new mom to a few child dragons. The same scene will seem once more, a number of seasons later.

Transferring into Season 2, Dany goes backwards and forwards between her Khaleesi garb and extra flimsy clothes. She is compelled to ask for assist from Xaro Xhoan Daxos in Qarth, the place she visits the Home of the Timeless…

… Which is the place (within the books however not the present) the “dragon has three heads” prophecy is made. Although she’s nonetheless in the beginning of her conquering days, it is vital that Dany proves herself as a robust and revered chief. This plated gown symbolizes that. Within the books, it is famous that Dany clothes within the style of wherever she occurs to be (as she travels a lot). This helps her earn belief of these round her and demonstrates that she respects varied cultures. Additionally Learn: ‘Sport of Thrones’: Right here’s Why Jon Snow’s Second With Drogon Is Tremendous Essential

Dany will get her “Breaker of Chains” title when she frees the slaves of Meereen and defeats the Masters. That is additionally the place we get her iconic blue cutout gown with pants and boots beneath. Additionally Learn: ‘Sport of Thrones’: Key Occasions within the Sequence So Far (Pictures)

Just about all of Dany’s outfits have some form of Targaryen or dragon contact, like this cutout gown. In the event you look carefully, the shoulders and lining are fabricated from a cloth that resembles dragon scales.

In Meereen, Dany takes an viewers along with her new residents and performs the a part of a ruler they name “Mhysa” (which implies “Mom”). She’s again to carrying elegant robes as their queen.

After Dany flies off on Drogon’s again on the finish of Season 5, she’s misplaced within the Grass Sea and captured by the Dothraki. Her royal blues are battered and torn, however she emerges (bare once more) the victor after burning up the Dosh Khaleen, proving that it is not the gown that makes the ruler. Additionally Learn: ‘Sport of Thrones’ Lore Refresher: That Previous Battle Jorah and Thoros Have been Speaking About

On the finish of Season 6, we be taught that winter has lastly arrived. Dany’s headed to Westeros, and sports activities darker colours and extra Targaryen detailing. She additionally clothes extra just like the Westerosi do, once more adapting her gown to the tradition she’s visiting.

When Dany lastly arrives again in Dragonstone, for the primary time in her grownup life, she is regal as ever. Her darkish winter-wear mirrors Cersei’s darker queen wardrobe.

Dany continues her wintery wardrobe all through Season 7, culminating in in all probability her finest outfit but: a furry white piece of outerwear perfection that she dons to rescue Jon and The Brotherhood from past the wall. The white harkens again to her fashions within the early seasons, whereas the heavy materials and half gown/half pants type is paying homage to her days as conqueror. Additionally Learn: ‘Sport of Thrones’: Everyone’s Actual Upset Concerning the Evening King’s Javelin Expertise

[oadara]

Game of Thrones - Jon and Daenerys Parallels

Hey guys,

So I wanted to write a post about all the parallels and connections there are between Dany and Jon on Game of Thrones. I started a re-watched but it stalled. As you can see I was really good the first season and a half. I wrote a little summary of each of their scenes (if they appeared in the same episode) and what the connection was. 

If any of you guys have noted these things for the episodes I don’t have anything for please send them my way. It would be nice to have a complete list. 

Season 1

Episode 1 - "Winter is Coming"

- We see that both Dany and Jon feel disconnected from their family. Jon of course because he’s a bastard and Dany because she feels powerless against Viserys.

- In contrast, Jon is kept away from the celebration welcoming King Robert, this angers him because he is once again being ostracized for being a bastard. Dany on the other hand is forced to attend the celebration of her wedding even as she begged Viserys to not make her marry.

- Both receive/find their animal companion:Jon finds Ghost and Dany is given the dragon eggs.

Episode 2 - "The King's Road"

- While Drogo is rapping Dany she is looking at her dragon eggs which are surrounded by candles, as she looks into their fire we transition to Jon looking at the campfire. This is a clear connection between these two characters and probably a hint of Jon’s Targaryen heritage.

- The parallel here is the both lament the situation they find themselves in. Dany suffering in her marriage and Jon realizing that the Night’s Watch is nothing like he had imagined.

Episode 3  - “Lord Snow”

-We see the scene transition from Dany to Jon. In Dany’s scene she is learning to assert herself as a khaleesi, earning the respect of her followers (Dothraki as well as Jorah). In Jon’s scene with Benjen, he tells him, “a man gets what he earns when he earns it.” Later in the episode we see Jon working with the other recruits teaching them what he knows, and beginning to earn their respect.

-Tyrion is meeting with the Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch and Maester Aemon, when the conversation is almost to an end Maester Aemon says: “When winter comes, gods help us all if we are not ready.” The scene then transitions to Dany’s dragon eggs. We then see Dany telling Drogo that they are having a boy, then we transition back to the Wall and Tyrion and Jon.

Episode 4 -  “Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things”

-We begin with The scene in which Jon meets Sam, the coward, this scene then transitions to Dany riding alongside Jorah into Vaes Dothrak. Jorah complains about Ned Stark driving him from his land, to which Dany reminds him that he sold slaves.

-Second transition: Ser Allister is talking to Jon and Sam about winter and says to them “When you are out there beyond the Wall do you want a man at your back or a sniveling boy?” This then transitions into Viserys dragging Doreah into Dany’s tent, he attacks Dany but she hits him back, showing him to be a sniveling boy.

-We then transition back to Jon and Sam, Jon tells Sam that he almost had sex with the red-headed Ros! Ser Allister then comes in and after throwing some more insults says to Jon “Mance Rayder’s men are hard men, harder than Jon will ever be. Not quite true Ser Allister. Finally, we transition back to Dany and Jorah, they are both taking about going home. Dany confesses to Jorah that she doesn’t believe Viserys will ever be able to take her home.

NOTE: In this episode we see both Dany and Jon stand up for some else and confront a bully. Jon stands up for Sam and confronts Ser Allister and Ralf while Dany on the other hand stands up to Viserys and defends Doreah.

Episode 7 “You win or You die” - The first transition goes from the assassination attempt against Dany to Jon being selected as Stewart to the Lord Commander. - Second transition from Jon to Dany. Jon takes his oath in front of the Heart-tree this transitions to Dany talking to Jorah about punishing the wine seller and Drogo makes his speech promising his son the Iron Throne. The symbolism going on in their scenes this episode was about being given a ‘gift’ that they don’t really understand the magnitude of yet. In both cases they are coming close to their future leadership roles but not in the way they expect. Jon is put out and sulky to be assigned a steward without realizing the leadership potential of being LC Mormont’s direct assistant. Daenerys on the other hand is given the gift of what she wants most from Drogo, to take back the Iron Throne. She expects fully expects this will happen and has no idea it will in fact be herself that follows through with Drogo’s promise much later. Episode 8 “The Pointy End” - Ser Alliser taunts Jon about being a traitor’s bastard, Jon responds by lunging on his with a knife and Ser Alliser tells him, you will hang for this. Not really, but you will Ser Alliser, for being a traitor. Oh the irony. Later on Ghost senses the Wight and Jon burns his hand with a lamp while burning the Wight. - We then transition to Dany who is in the Lhazareen village as the Dothraki are pillaging it. As Dany looks as the mayhem around her she asks Jorah to make the Dothraki stop raping and abusing the women. Jorah looks at her and tells her that she has a kind heart but this is how things have always been. Dany denies this but demands that Jorah make the men stop. I think this touches on an important theme in Dany’s story, which is that she doesn’t believe in maintaining the status quo. If something doesn’t seem right to her, she will do her best to improve it, no matter if it’s been done that way for hundreds or thousands of years. After Jorah stops the men he tells Dany “You can’t save them all” to which Dany answers “I can and I will.” This will later be manifested in her campaign against Slaver’s Bay. An interesting part of a parallel occurred in this episode or at least part of it. In this episode Theon asks Robb if he’s afraid (after he tells Maester Luwin to call his banners after Ned is arrested) to which Robb says “I must be” while he looks at his shacking hand. Theon says “good” and Robb asks “why’s that good?” to which Theon answers “ because it means you’re not stupid.” This conversation is eerily similar to the one Dany has with Tyrion at the end of season 6x10, where Tyrion asks her if she’s afraid of entering the “Great Game” and Dany nods yes, to which Tyrion answers “Good, only mad men like your father are not afraid.” Bringing this full circle Jon’s selection as King in the North in episode 6x10 is almost identical to Robb’s selection as KITN. So, in the season finally of season 6 the show tied in both Dany and Jon to Robb, another young leader and monarch. Let’s hope that they at least end their lives in a better way than poor Robb’s. Episode 9 “Baelor” - We only have one transition between the two this episode. We go from Jon and Aemon discussing choice to Dany in the Dothraki sea choosing to fight for her husband even though it’s clear he is dying. While Jon is being given the philosophical view of what it is to choose between love and duty, Dany is force to make that decision at that very moment. Episode 10: “Fire and Blood” - We transition from Dany to Jon. First Dany wakes from her miscarriage to find out her child is dead, that her husband is a shell without a spirit and that MMD has betrayed her. Then we transition to Jon who is running away to join Robb. Then we have Jon’s friends stop him and recite the oath he made. We then transition back to Dany who is washing khal Drogo before smothering him. I’m not sure if there are any connection between these scenes. -Finally the season ends with a transition between Dany and Jon. First Jon goes beyond the Wall with Lord Commander Mormont and the Night’s Watch. Then, we transition to Dany who is preparing the pyre for khal Drogo, gives her speech to her newly formed little khalsar, burns the pyre with MMD in it, enters pyre wakes up with dragons. The connection between the two being that they are about to embark in life-changing adventures. Neither of their lives will ever been the same after this. General Parallels: Both Dany and Jon deal with the grief of loosing someone they love, Dany with Drogo and Jon with Ned. Also, Dany’s first scene lead’s into Jon’s first scene. Jon’s second scene lead’s into Dany’s second scene. Jon’s final scene lead’s into Dany’s final scene.

Season 2

Episode 1: “The North Remembers”

-We find Dany in the Red Waste with the comet above her in the sky. Dany is talking to Doreah and says that no one will take her dragons. Yet, we will see that in Qarth they are taken from her by the warlock at the House of the Undying. Dany looks up at the sky and sees the comet and this transitions to Jon in the North at Crasters. Jon mouths off at Craster and Lord Commander pulls him aside. He asks Jon, “Do you want to lead one day?” to which Jon nods to which Lord Commander says “then you must learn how to follow.” It is important to note that Jon does want to be a leader, I think he wants that respect and acceptance, to earn it on his own right. We see him smile when he is elected Lord Commander, although, with a little trepidation. However, when we get into the King in the North scene he accepts but with a lot more trepidation. Now realizing how truly hard it is to be a leader.

- We have another scene with Dany in the Red Waste. Her people are starving and she doesn’t know what to do. She questions herself as a leader, because she cannot help her people, she cannot feed them or give them water. Jorah tells her that she must be their strength, and Dany asks Jorah to be her strength.

The scenes between Jon and Dany are both about learning to lead but in different ways. Jon needs to learn how to follow, being part of a military order before he can learn how to lead men. Dany having found herself leading already needs to learn how to take on the sorrows of her people, to be their strength, to give them hope when their is none.

Episode 2: “The Night Lands”

-There was a great Jon and Daenerys book-ended set of scenes - and a potential parallel between Jorah/Jon that I feel will later come full circle in both loving Daenerys also.

At the end of the scene with Sam and Gilly … We see Jon reflect on his feeling of helplessness in doing what’s right for people. His honor is warring with his sense of duty and keeping peace with Craster. The scene then transitions to Jorah sighing the same as Jon was … only now it’s he who feels helpless as Daenerys and the Dothraki are suffering (no water or shelter). I liked this parallel between the honorable men and the people they love. Jorah’s love for Dany and Jon’s love for Sam. Both are honorable men who will later do anything to save those they love.

Episode 3: “What is Dead May Never Die” 

- No parallel this episode as Dany doesn’t appear in it. Episode 4: “Garden of Bones”

- No parallels as Jon doesn’t appear in this episode.

Episode 10 "Valar Morghulis": -In Dany's visions in the House of the Undying she goes through the red keep to the Wall.

Season 3

Episode 10 "Mhysa"

:Both Dany and Jon are carried. Dany by the newly freed slaves of Yunkai and Jon by his fellows brothers from the Nights Watch.  

Season 4

Episode 9 "The Watchers on the Wall" and Episode 10 "The Children": 

- Dany and Jon are left grieving and walking into an uncertain future. Dany chains away her dragons, afraid that they will harm another child. Jon buries Ygritte after the event at castle Black.

Season 5

General - both are trying to incorporate a formerly persecuted group into the larger society. Facing opposition from the status quo, neither can seem to get both sides together.

Episode 2 "The House of Black and White" and Episode 3 "High Sparrow":

-Dany and Jon execute members of their "organizations". Dany beheads Mossador for defying her orders and Jon beheads Slynt for defying his orders.

Episode 5 "Kill the Boy":

- Jon seeks out Maester Aemon's advice regarding what he should do about a difficult situation, this is paralleled but Dany seeking out Missandei's advice about what she should do about a difficult situation. Both of their advices advice the, to follow their instincts.   Additionally, both Dany and Jon release their prisoners in order to use them as allies. Also, there is the parallel of Sam and Missandei. Both of them are the "right-hand man" of each character and they are both in the mist of unorthodox romantic relationships.

Season 6

Episode 9 & 10 - "The Batlle of the Bastards" & "The Winds of Winter":

- In episode 9 while Dany is speaking with the slave masters she tells the "My reign has jus began" . In episode 10 Jon is selected as King in the North, effectively the beginning of his reign.