There have been more than enough arguments about the Game of thrones being the best story ever told on Books or TV. It’s not unwarranted. Not many times does there happen to be a story with knights, magic, and dragons that details not on the virtues of the hero, but also their fatal flaws. Where nothing really is black and white but multiple shades of gray. Where glorious victories and heroic struggles are not as important as an understanding of the situation, intelligent decisions under duress, economics, politics and most of all psychological intrigue.
In defying every method and every law his ideal Tolkien put before him, martin has truly created a masterpiece in in itself. Seen carefully, one can realize that there are multiple lessons, Cold hard and real-life lessons we can learn.
In that world, like our own, we are only as loved as we are useful, and only as safe as we are powerful. While the show mostly focuses on the machinations of the noble elite of the four houses, It’s smaller, more victimized characters heve a story of their own, and lessons to give. While this being my pilot article, I will be detailing on each of those lessons in individual articles, but for now for the sake of brevity…
I give you Nine great virtues, and their paragons in the story to illustrate my point.
- Physical Force : Gregor Clegane aka The MountainHe is feared for his imposing size and physical strength. In combat, his strength gives him a huge advantage over almost any opponent, which allows him to defeat men who have far more skill.
- Physical Skill : Oberyn Martell aka The Red ViperHis skill, however flashy, was enough to wear down and overwhelm the Mountain himself until his fatal mistake. His speed and precision in his unique fighting style was only rivaled by his cunning combat strategy.
- Physical Toughness : Beric Dondarion aka The Lightning LordThe Scars on his body are testament to the amount of physical punishment he has been through. No Man in the series is physically invincible, but this one stands out as nothing could truly ever kill him.
- Situational Awareness : Tyrion Lannister aka The Half ManDepending on nothing but his own mind, this dwarf has survived and thrived in everything he was faced with. Reading books and people, he quickly adapts to situations and uses psychological tactics to win at life.
- Decisive Instincts : Davos Seaworth aka The Onion KnightIlliterate, crippled and devastated, this Man has never faced anything he wouldn’t overcome. Despite lacking Information and Power, he has made unusual decisions in life that have paid him a thousandfold.
- Emotional Resilience : Sansa Stark aka The Little BirdThe blameless and innocent sacrificial lamb in the game rose to power over time. During this journey of wisdom, she suffered years of mental and emotional trauma that would break others. She survived.
- Compelling Presence : Margery Tyrell aka The Queen ConsortTaught by her grandmother, she understood that whether it is by seducing people or by enticing them by a tale of patriotism or greatness. To make others do what you want is done by making them want it too.
- Material Resources : Tywin Lannister aka The Saviour of the CityHis own father’s bad investments and indecision made his house a laughingstock. He had to rebuild his family’s fortunes almost singlehandedly. Money matters. Anyone who tells you otherwise is unwise.
- Public Reputation : Lysa Arryn aka Lady Regent of the ValeWhile there are other houses and kings who own a public image a lot larger and grandiose, this one however isolated and untrusting possessed an eerie charm to it. Making this one a trusted voice without much work.
This project while it lasts is without a doubt my favourite project as it lasts. As a fan of the series and an advocate of self development, I will enjoy writing this article over the next few weeks as I would hope you will enjoy reading it. I will keep you posted. Keep your eyes open.
Until next time…