What Is Game Of Thrones About? Unveiling The Epic Saga

Are you curious about What Is Game Of Thrones About? This article breaks down the epic fantasy series, offering a comprehensive overview of its intricate plotlines and complex characters and unraveling the world of Westeros for newcomers. Read on to explore HBO’s series of political intrigue, and unforgettable characters. For more in-depth analyses and discussions on popular TV shows, visit WHAT.EDU.VN for free answers.

1. What is Game of Thrones?

Game of Thrones is a hugely popular TV show that adapts George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series that tells a sprawling, complex story of power struggles, betrayals, and epic battles in a medieval-inspired world. Set on the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the series follows several noble houses vying for control of the Iron Throne, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms, while facing threats from beyond the realm.

1.1. A Summary of the Story

Game of Thrones is a captivating HBO series that immerses viewers in a medieval-esque world gripped by a civil war. The narrative unfolds primarily on the continents of Westeros and Essos, where seasons can last for years. As a decade-long summer draws to a close, the looming winter sets the stage for a fierce battle for the Iron Throne. This coveted seat symbolizes rule over the Seven Kingdoms, which govern all of Westeros except for its northernmost region. “Sitting on the Iron Throne” becomes synonymous with “ruling Westeros,” signifying the ultimate prize in this deadly game.

1.2. The Story’s Main Sections

The series weaves together three primary storylines:

The Battle for the Iron Throne: This storyline centers on the power struggles among the noble families of Westeros, particularly the Baratheons, Lannisters, and Starks, as they vie for control of the Iron Throne.
Daenerys Targaryen’s Ascent: The last of her exiled family, Daenerys embarks on a journey in Essos to build an army and reclaim her birthright to the Iron Throne.
The Threat from the North: This plot unfolds in the northern reaches of Westeros, where the Night’s Watch, a military order, guards a massive wall protecting the realm from mythical creatures lurking beyond.

1.3. The Core Group

The ensemble cast brings to life a diverse array of characters, including:

Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister
Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen
Kit Harington as Jon Snow
Maisie Williams as Arya Stark
Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark

1.4. The Start of the HBO Show

The first episode of Game of Thrones was on April 12, 2015. The show aired Sunday nights at 9 pm Eastern on HBO.

1.5. Important Advice

Remember Queen Cersei’s words: “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground.” Be aware that this guide contains spoilers up to the end of season 4.

2. The Origin of Game of Thrones

The captivating narrative of Game of Thrones springs from George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire fantasy series, adapted for television by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. Martin introduced the world to this epic tale in 1996 with the publication of the first book, Game of Thrones. Originally conceived as the opening chapter of a trilogy, each installment dedicated to one of the saga’s three primary plot threads, the story expanded beyond its initial scope as Martin continued writing. He now anticipates the series will span seven volumes.

2.1. Inside the Books

Martin’s novels are immersive reads that delve into the violence and sex throughout society. Spanning over 700 pages each, the published books introduce a vast cast of over 1,000 characters. Without hesitation, Martin eliminates beloved characters, revealing the often brutal and violent nature of the world he has created.

2.2. Growing Popularity

Initially attracting a small readership, Martin’s series gained momentum as subsequent books broadened the world. Today, his novels have been translated into 20 languages and sold over 24 million copies in the U.S. The HBO series has become one of many adaptations of Martin’s work, including a comic book series, video games, and prequels.

3. Essential Plot Points

To fully appreciate the events of the first four seasons, let’s dissect the narrative into its three main storylines:

3.1. Westeros’ Lords

The struggle for the Iron Throne among the prominent families of Westeros forms a central plotline. The Baratheons, Lannisters, and Starks are the most significant players in this conflict.

Baratheon-Lannister Alliance: At the outset of season one, King Robert Baratheon and Queen Cersei Lannister governed together. However, their union was marred by Cersei’s affair with her twin brother, Jaime Lannister, resulting in Joffrey, Robert’s supposed heir, being fathered by Jaime. To conceal this truth, Cersei orchestrated Robert’s demise and installed Joffrey as king. The Lannister forces bolstered Joffrey’s army, and his grandfather, Tywin Lannister, served as his chief advisor, wielding considerable power in Westeros.
Stannis Baratheon’s Claim: Upon learning of Joffrey’s true lineage, Robert’s younger brother, Stannis Baratheon, asserted his claim to the throne. Season two primarily depicted the war between Stannis and the Lannisters, culminating in a Lannister victory. Subsequently, Stannis and his remaining followers spent their days under the influence of a witch-like figure who prophesied their future in flames.
The Starks’ Rebellion: The Stark family, initially beloved by viewers, faced brutal decimation. Eddard (Ned) Stark served as King Robert’s chief advisor in season one but met his demise after uncovering Joffrey’s true parentage. His son, Robb, led a rebellion against the Lannisters in seasons two and three, securing individual victories but failing to gain the upper hand in the war.

At the end of season three, Robb, his mother Catelyn, and his pregnant wife Talisa were betrayed and killed. By season four, Joffrey’s reign was disrupted by his death, leading to his younger brother Tommen ascending the throne. The Starks were further dispersed, and Stannis Baratheon advanced his campaign to seize the Iron Throne from the north of Westeros.

3.2. Daenerys Targaryen

Before the series’ timeline, the Targaryen family ruled Westeros for centuries. Aerys II, the last Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne, earned the moniker “Mad King” for his cruelty. Jaime Lannister assassinated him, leading to the Targaryens’ downfall.

Aerys II’s children fled to Essos. The series began 17 years later, with Viserys Targaryen attempting to enlist an eastern tribal army to reclaim the Iron Throne. He arranged for his sister Daenerys to marry Khal Drogo, the tribe’s leader. However, Viserys and Drogo died, and the army disbanded. Daenerys hatched three live dragons from eggs, a rare occurrence since dragons were believed to be extinct.

Using manipulation and dragonfire, Daenerys conquered three cities in Essos, liberating the slaves and amassing a loyal army to help her reclaim the Iron Throne. Known as “Dany” and “Khaleesi,” she ruled in Meereen at the start of season five, her dragons confined to a dungeon.

3.3. Beyond the Wall

A massive ice wall marks the northern border of Westeros, guarded by the Night’s Watch. They defend the southern kingdoms from threats beyond the wall, including the wildlings, native humans who reject political authority and private property.

A greater danger lurks beyond the wall: the White Walkers, icy creatures that can reanimate the dead. Most in the south dismiss them as legend, but they are real. Jon Snow, Ned Stark’s bastard son, encounters White Walkers and deals with the wildlings. He infiltrated the wildling army and had a relationship with a wildling woman, but he returned to the Night’s Watch at the end of season three.

Season four highlighted this plot as the wildlings attacked the wall, seeking refuge south of it. Jon Snow remained central, joined by Stannis Baratheon, who aimed to recruit the wildlings into his army.

4. Territories by Family

At the start of season five, the main families were dispersed. Stannis Baratheon and Jon Snow were at the Wall in the north. The remaining Starks were scattered. Arya was in Braavos, Sansa was with Littlefinger in the Vale of Arryn, and the Lannisters were divided. Tommen Baratheon ruled as king, Cersei and Jaime were in King’s Landing, and Tyrion was sailing east. Daenerys Targaryen had conquered cities in Essos and ruled in Meereen.

5. Key Characters in Game of Thrones

New viewers of Game of Thrones are often overwhelmed by the many characters. While the show features hundreds, only a few are truly central to the story.

5.1. The Starks

Eddard “Ned” Stark: Ned, played by Sean Bean, was the main character of season one. As the kind and honorable ruler of the Stark homeland in the north, he served as the advisor to King Robert Baratheon. After Robert died, Ned struggled with the schemes of the capital and was publicly beheaded.
Robb Stark: Ned’s eldest son, Robb, played by Richard Madden, raised an army and rebelled against the Lannisters to win independence for his kingdom. He was skilled in battle but less adept at politics. Robb broke his promise to marry the daughter of an ally and instead married a battlefield nurse. At the end of season three, he was betrayed and murdered, and his army was destroyed.
Catelyn Stark: Catelyn, Ned’s widow and played by Michelle Fairley, aided her son Robb in his fight against the Lannisters. She focused on freeing her daughter Sansa from captivity in King’s Landing. She was murdered along with Robb.

Arya Stark: Arya, Ned and Catelyn’s youngest daughter, played by Maisie Williams, has never been good at being a lady. She learned to sword-fight and spent time pretending to be a boy to travel back to her family. With her parents and older brother dead, she is nomadic and headed east.
Sansa Stark: Sansa, the second child of Ned and Catelyn and played by Sophie Turner, remained captive in King’s Landing after her father’s execution. She was engaged to King Joffrey but ended up in an arranged marriage to Tyrion Lannister. After that ended, she found herself under the thumb of Littlefinger at the Vale.

Bran Stark: Bran, played by Isaac Hempstead-Wright, was paralyzed after being pushed from a tower. He is a “warg,” allowing him to possess animals and humans. He has visions of a three-eyed raven and dreams that predict the future. At the end of season three, he crossed the wall to head north, believing his destiny lies there.
Rickon Stark: The youngest Stark child, Rickon, played by Art Parkinson, traveled with Bran for a time. He sought protection elsewhere in the north.

Jon Snow: Jon, played by Kit Harington, is the bastard son of Ned Stark and a member of the Night’s Watch. The identity of Jon Snow’s mother remains a mystery.

5.2. The Lannisters

Cersei Baratheon: The widow of King Robert Baratheon, Cersei, played by Lena Heady, is known for her relationship with her twin brother, Jaime. She manipulates every situation to her advantage.

Tyrion Lannister: Tyrion, played by Peter Dinklage, is one of the most intelligent and crafty characters on the show. Called a “half man” because he is a dwarf, he marries Sansa Stark, but the marriage is later dissolved. As of the end of season four, Tyrion has killed the love of his life, divorced Sansa, shot and killed his father, and fled Westeros.
Jaime Lannister: Jaime, played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, is known as the “kingslayer” for his murder of the “Mad King.” He was a captive of the Stark family and lost one of his hands. In season three, he returned to the capital city and was reunited with his family.

Tywin Lannister: Tywin, played by Charles Dance, is the father of Tyrion, Jaime, and Cersei and head of the Lannister family. He loathes Tyrion and died in the season finale of season four when Tyrion shot him with a crossbow.
Joffrey Baratheon: Joffrey, played by Jack Gleeson, claims to be the son of King Robert Baratheon, but his true father is his mother’s brother, Jaime Lannister. In season four, he was crowned king of Westeros but was poisoned and died on his wedding day.

Myrcella and Tommen Baratheon: Myrcella, played by Aimee Richardson and later Nell Tiger Free, and Tommen, played by Callum Wharry and later Dean-Charles Chapman, are Joffrey’s siblings and Cersei and Jaime’s children. Myrcella was shipped to another kingdom for a political marriage, and Tommen is now on the Iron Throne.

5.3. The Baratheons

Stannis Baratheon: Stannis, played by Stephen Dillan, is the late King Robert’s younger brother. He knows Joffrey was a child of incest and tried to use that knowledge to claim the throne. At the end of season four, he arrived at the Wall to assist the Night’s Watch.
Melisandre of Asshai: Melisandre, played by Carice van Houten, is a lead advisor to Stannis. A fire priestess, she has visions of the future and has demonstrated some magical powers.

Renly Baratheon: The youngest brother of Stannis and Robert, Renly, played by Gethin Anthony, made a brief play for the Iron Throne. He was assassinated by Stannis and Melisandre. He was previously married to Margaery.
Robert Baratheon: The late king of Westeros, played by Mark Addy, was an important character in the first season. He led the rebellion that deposed the Targaryen dynasty but spent most of his reign drinking and sleeping with whores. He was married to Cersei and dies in season one while on a hunting expedition.

5.4. The Tyrells

Margaery Tyrell: Margaery, played by Natalie Dormer, was Joffrey’s betrothed and the widow of Renly Baratheon. Margaery was the only person able to manipulate Joffrey, but now that Joffrey is dead, Margaery is double-widowed and engaged to marry King Tommen.
Loras Tyrell: Loras Tyrell, played by Finn Jones, is the brother of Margaery Tyrell and a skilled jouster and swordsman. He was the close friend and lover of Margaery’s first husband, Renly Baratheon, before Renly died. Loras is currently engaged to Cersei Lannister, but that marriage seems unlikely to happen.

Olena Tyrell: Olena Tyrell, played by Diana Rigg, is the elderly matriarch of House Tyrell and a true master of manipulation.
Another Tyrell worth knowing is patriarch Mace Tyrell, played on the series by Roger Ashton-Griffiths.

5.5. The Greyjoys

Theon Greyjoy: Theon, played by Alfie Allen, began the series as a hostage of Ned Stark’s. He became a close friend of Ned’s son Robb but eventually turned on the Starks. He seized the Stark family castle, Winterfell, in season two, but his rule was vicious and incompetent, and he ended up losing everything.

5.6. The Targaryens

Daenerys Targaryen: Daenerys, played by Emilia Clarke, is the queen of her people. She’s easily recognizable by her intricately braided white-blonde hair and her pet dragons, which she hatched from eggs. As the last living Targaryen, she wants to retake the throne for herself.

5.7. Other Important Characters

Petyr Baelish (Littlefinger): Petyr Baelish, played by Aidan Gillen, owns a brothel in King’s Landing and seems to be connected to absolutely everyone. He has a massive spy network and marries Lysa Arryn in season four, then promptly murders her, which leaves him in charge of her son and Sansa Stark, who travels with him.
Varys: Varys, played by Conleth Hill, is the ultimate spy of King’s Landing and often trades information with Littlefinger. He serves the kings of the Seven Kingdoms until he helps Tyrion Lannister escape Westeros.
Sandor Clegane (“The Hound”): Sandor, played by Rory McCann, served as a personal bodyguard for King Joffrey Baratheon. By the end of season four, the Hound has seemingly been killed by Brienne of Tarth, who left him grievously wounded after a battle.

Brienne of Tarth: Brienne, played by Gwendoline Christie, is a warrior who served on Renly Baratheon’s kingsguard. She ended up pledging her service to Catelyn Stark. She is now traveling the Westeros countryside.
Hodor: Hodor, played by Kristian Nairn, is a gentle giant who serves the Stark family. He is mentally handicapped and communicates almost exclusively by saying his own name.
Osha: Osha, played by Natalia Tena, was taken captive by the Stark family after she attacked Bran, Theon Greyjoy, and Robb with a group of wildlings.
Jojen and Meera Reed: Bran, Rickon, and Osha meet the Reed siblings, Jojen, played by Thomas Sangster, and Meera, played by Ellie Kendrick, on their way to the wall in season three. Jojen also has magical visions, and teaches Bran how to use his burgeoning powers. Meera is a master archer, and travels with Jojen and Bran to protect them.

6. Overview Chart

HBO has a full interactive site to help guide you through the families and houses of Game of Thrones.

The site features helpful family trees, like this one for House Lannister:

And this one for House Targaryen:

7. Other Important Plot Points

Game of Thrones centers on the violence of war, and it should not be watched by those with weak stomachs. But it’s not all about death in the world of Westeros. Love and sex fill the screen, as well. Marriage plays a huge political and emotional role in Game of Thrones and provides many a plot twist.

7.1. Sansa Stark and Tyrion Lannister

Sansa’s love life has taken many twists and turns in seasons one through three. She moved to the capital city of King’s Landing, where she became engaged to King Joffrey. Since then, she’s ended up in a political marriage to Tyrion Lannister. This marriage ended during season four. As the only known surviving child of Ned Stark, however, she is a very likely candidate for a political marriage.

7.2. The Red Wedding

This event made TV history when it combined two of Game of Thrones’ biggest plot lines: marriage and death. At the wedding of Catelyn Stark’s brother, three of the most sympathetic members of the Stark family were brutally murdered when their subordinates betrayed them.

7.3. Joffrey Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell

Joffrey was a sociopath. Margaery is a master of manipulation. Their relationship was strange and uncomfortable, and it ended with Joffrey’s poisoning at their wedding celebration.

7.4. Tommen Baratheon and Margaery Tyrell

Heading into season five, this is the coupling to watch. After Joffrey’s death, Margaery became engaged to Tommen. She seduced him, hoping to drive a wedge between him and his mother.

8. Supernatural Creatures

8.1. White Walkers

The White Walkers are an otherworldly group of ice creatures preparing to attack Westeros from the far north. They have the ability to reanimate human corpses. Most characters on the show are unaware that they even exist and believe they are creatures of myth. Only the Night’s Watch and the wildlings have encountered them so far.

8.2. Three-Eyed Raven

Bran Stark has had magical dreams in which he’s seen a strange three-eyed raven. The true meaning of this vision isn’t yet known — except to those who’ve read the books.

8.3. Dragons

The other important creatures in the series so far are Daenerys Targaryen’s three dragons. She received the eggs as a wedding gift, and when she brought them into her husband’s funeral pyre, they hatched into baby dragons.

9. The Start of Season 5

At the beginning of season five, the Lannisters still rule most of Westeros. Tommen is currently the king of Westeros and engaged to marry Margaery. His mother, Cersei, is engaged to marry Margaery’s brother, Loras, so that the Lannisters can maintain control over the south, where the Tyrells hold sway. Tyrion is stowed away on a ship after fleeing Westeros after killing his father.

For the Stark family, things are looking grim. No one in the family holds any real power at present. Sansa was married to Tyrion against her will, and then divorced. With most of her family dead, Arya has boarded a ship across the Narrow Sea. Bran has gone north of the wall to try to find the source of his magical visions. Jon Snow is still at the wall.

Daenerys Targaryen has been freeing slaves on the continent of Essos. She now has a sizable army and three dragons that are growing ever larger.

Stannis Baratheon has left his island stronghold and amassed a fairly large army. At the end of season four, he appeared north of the wall to help the Night’s Watch in its battle against the wildlings. He is still accompanied by the “Red Woman,” Melisandre.

10. Future Storylines

The first two seasons of HBO’s Game of Thrones each covered a single book in the Song of Ice and Fire series. As the plot became more complicated, the series writers began moving pieces from other books into the story in order to maintain the pace of the show.

The first five books of the A Song of Ice and Fire series have been released, and Martin is working on writing the sixth book, The Winds of Winter.

At this point, the TV show has nearly caught up to Martin and is quickly moving through the material in the already-published books four and five.

Showrunners David Benioff and Dan Weiss have stated that they are planning for the show to run seven seasons. Since Martin has actually told Benioff and Weiss how he plans to end the series, it seems possible that if he doesn’t write the final books quickly enough, the TV series could reveal his ending first. If the show is renewed for seven full seasons, as most expect, that seventh season would likely air in 2017.

11. Game of Thrones Preview

Here’s a tease for the Game of Thrones.

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FAQ: Game of Thrones Explained

Question	Answer
What is the Iron Throne?	The Iron Throne is the seat of the King/Queen of the Seven Kingdoms, forged from the swords of Aegon the Conqueror’s defeated enemies. It symbolizes power and authority over Westeros.
Who are the main families vying for the Iron Throne?	The main families include the Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, and Targaryens. Each house has its own ambitions, alliances, and strategies for gaining control.
What are White Walkers?	White Walkers are mythical creatures from beyond the Wall, reanimated corpses that pose a significant threat to the entire realm of Westeros. They are associated with the coming of a long and deadly winter.
Who is Daenerys Targaryen?	Daenerys Targaryen is the last of the Targaryen line, driven from her home and sold into marriage. She is known as the “Mother of Dragons” and aims to reclaim the Iron Throne that was taken from her family.
What is the significance of the Wall?	The Wall is a massive ice structure that separates the Seven Kingdoms from the lands beyond, protecting the realm from the White Walkers and wildlings. It is guarded by the Night’s Watch, who have sworn to defend it.
What is “Winter is Coming”?	“Winter is Coming” is the motto of House Stark, serving as a constant reminder of the impending harsh winter and the need to be prepared for the challenges it brings. It reflects the Stark’s somber and cautious nature.
What is the Red Wedding?	The Red Wedding is a shocking and brutal event in the series where key members of House Stark are betrayed and massacred at a wedding. It is a turning point in the story, showcasing the unpredictable and ruthless nature of the Game of Thrones.
What are the dragons in Game of Thrones?	The dragons in Game of Thrones are powerful creatures that were thought to