Welcome to the world of “Game of Thrones,” where the only thing more unpredictable than the plot is the weather in Westeros (seriously, how many seasons does one year have?). This is the show that taught us valuable life lessons, like never attending a wedding in Westeros and always double-checking if the person you’re plotting against is actually dead.

But beyond the shocking plot twists and heart-wrenching character arcs lies a treasure trove of fascinating facts. Did you know the show’s costume designers aged the clothes in sand to give them a worn look? That’s dedication! Or that the cast once played a prank on one of the actors by giving him a fake script with a rather, let’s say, ‘explosive’ ending?

As we delve into these mind-blowing facts about “Game of Thrones,” I have to ask: are you prepared to discover the secrets that make this series more than just a game?

Game Of Thrones Facts

Before you dive into the facts, remember: a quiz awaits at the end of this article. Pay close attention to each detail to prove your mastery of the Seven Kingdoms.

1. George R.R. Martin, the author of “A Song of Ice and Fire,” which “Game of Thrones” is based on, started writing the series in 1991.
2. The direwolves in the series are based on an extinct species of wolves that were real and existed in the Pleistocene epoch.
3. Daenerys Targaryen originally had violet eyes in the books, a trait common among the Targaryens.
4. The Dothraki language was created specifically for the show and contains about 3,000 words.
5. Sean Bean, who played Ned Stark, was the only member of the cast who didn’t have to audition.
6. The series was filmed in ten countries, including Northern Ireland, Croatia, Iceland, and Morocco.
7. “Valar Morghulis” means “All men must die” in High Valyrian, a frequently used phrase in the series.
8. King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, is primarily filmed in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
9. The Red Wedding was inspired by two events from Scottish history: the Black Dinner and the Massacre of Glencoe.
10. Gwendoline Christie, who played Brienne of Tarth, didn’t know her character’s full backstory until season 3.
11. The Iron Throne in the series was designed by George R.R. Martin differently than how it’s portrayed in the show.
12. Many of the costumes worn by characters were aged for weeks to achieve a realistic look.
13. Emilia Clarke suffered two brain aneurysms while filming the show but fully recovered.

14. The Dothraki Sea is not an actual sea but a vast grassland in Essos.
15. Charles Dance found Tywin Lannister’s death scene challenging as he is friends with Peter Dinklage (Tyrion).
16. The sigil of House Stark, a grey direwolf, symbolizes the family’s strength and loyalty.
17. Peter Dinklage, who played Tyrion Lannister, won the most Emmys for the show.
18. The Faceless Men, a guild of assassins, worship the Many-Faced God, a deity of death.
19. “The Rains of Castamere” is a Lannister victory song, often associated with the Red Wedding.
20. The White Walkers are referred to as the Others in George R.R. Martin’s books.
21. Maisie Williams, who played Arya Stark, is naturally right-handed but learned to fight left-handed to stay true to her character.
22. The unsullied, elite warrior-eunuchs, are known for their discipline and skill in battle.
23. Aidan Gillen, who played Petyr Baelish, adopted a different accent to depict the character’s deceptive nature.
24. The name ‘Khaleesi’ has become a popular baby name since the show’s debut.
25. “The Winds of Winter”, the sixth book in the series, was still being written as of now.
26. Dragonstone, the ancestral seat of House Targaryen, was filmed at Downhill Strand in Northern Ireland.
27. The Night King was not a character in the books but was created specifically for the TV series.
28. The Lannister’s Casterly Rock is inspired by the Rock of Gibraltar in the real world.

29. Sophie Turner, who played Sansa Stark, adopted her direwolf Lady’s real-life counterpart after the show.
30. The High Valyrian language was also developed for the show by linguist David J. Peterson.
31. “A Song of Ice and Fire” is planned to have seven volumes, mirroring the seven kingdoms of Westeros.
32. The title sequence of the show changes to reflect the locations featured in each episode.
33. Lena Headey used a body double for Cersei Lannister’s walk of atonement in season 5.
34. The Three-Eyed Raven symbolizes Bran Stark’s mystical journey and transformation.
35. “The Long Night” episode, featuring the Battle of Winterfell, took 55 nights to shoot.
36. The Moon Door in the Eyrie leads to a 600-foot drop, used for executing prisoners.
37. Kit Harington met his future wife, Rose Leslie (Ygritte), on the set of the show.
38. The Great Hall of the Red Keep was one of the largest sets constructed for the series.

39. “Battle of the Bastards” was inspired by historical events like the Battle of Cannae and the American Civil War.
40. The wildfire used in the Battle of Blackwater is akin to Greek fire in the medieval Byzantine Empire.
41. George R.R. Martin made cameo appearances in the unaired pilot and in the original series.
42. The House of Black and White in Braavos is where Arya Stark trained with the Faceless Men.
43. “For the Watch”, Jon Snow’s betrayal, echoes Julius Caesar’s assassination in Roman history.
44. The Wall is based on Hadrian’s Wall, built by the Romans in Northern England.
45. Benioff and Weiss, the showrunners, had a cameo as Wildlings in the final season.
46. The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros are inspired by the historical kingdoms of Anglo-Saxon England.
47. The hound’s fear of fire is rooted in his traumatic childhood experience.
48. The House of the Undying Visions provides key foreshadowing and prophecy in the series.
49. “Game of Thrones” holds the record for the most Emmy Awards won by a drama series.
50. The Iron Bank of Braavos plays a crucial role in the political and financial dynamics of Westeros.

Game Of Thrones Myths

Now that we’ve explored all these fun facts about Game of Thrones, let’s dive into the myths. It’s time to separate what’s true from what’s simply a tale.

• George R.R. Martin Wrote All the “Game of Thrones” Episodes
  It is often believed that George R.R. Martin, the author of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, wrote all the episodes of “Game of Thrones.” In reality, he only wrote a few episodes. The majority were penned by other writers, primarily David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, the showrunners.
• “Game of Thrones” Strictly Follows the Books
  Many assume that the TV series is a direct adaptation of the books. However, while the earlier seasons closely follow Martin’s novels, later seasons diverge significantly. Key plot points, characters, and even entire storylines in the show are not found in the books.
• The Red Wedding Was a Fictional Creation
  The shocking Red Wedding episode is often thought to be a purely fictional event. Inspired by historical events like the Black Dinner of Scotland and the Massacre of Glencoe, Martin incorporated these real-life betrayals into his narrative, demonstrating a blend of fact and fiction.
• Dragons in “Game of Thrones” Are Scientifically Accurate
  The dragons in “Game of Thrones” captivate many with their realism. However, they are not scientifically accurate representations of how real dragons might have looked or behaved, as dragons are mythical creatures. Their anatomy and abilities are a product of fantasy and creative license.
• Jon Snow’s Parentage Was a Last-Minute Twist
  Some viewers speculate that Jon Snow’s parentage was a last-minute addition to add shock value. This is not the case. Hints about his true lineage are sprinkled throughout the series and the books, indicating that this revelation was planned from the start by George R.R. Martin.

No products found.

Game Of Thrones Quotes

There are so many quotes around the show, but here is a list of my favorites. Let me know yours in the comments so I can add them to the list as well.

Jaime Lannister, known for his complex moral compass, delivers this line, highlighting his conflicting loyalties and love.

Eddard Stark, characterized by his honor and foreboding, popularizes this phrase that symbolizes looming danger in the series.

Tyrion Lannister, with his sharp wit and intelligence, often uses this phrase to assert his family’s commitment to honor debts and threats alike.

Petyr Baelish, a master of manipulation, uses this metaphor to describe his view of power as an opportunity in chaos.

Ygritte, known for her fierce independence, repeatedly uses this line with Jon Snow, emphasizing his naivety about the world beyond the Wall.

Game Of Thrones FAQ

As we venture into the final chapter before our thrilling quiz, remember: each detail from these questions could be your key to success. Read on with a keen eye!

• Will Game of Thrones have a sequel?
  HBO has announced several spin-off projects set in the Game of Thrones universe, but they are not direct sequels to the original series. One such project was “House of the Dragon,” which delves into the history of House Targaryen.
• Are Game of Thrones books good?
  Many fans and critics consider George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series, which inspired Game of Thrones, to be exceptionally well-written and engrossing. The series is known for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and rich world-building.
• Why is Game of Thrones so popular?
  It gained immense popularity due to its compelling storytelling, intricate political intrigue, morally ambiguous characters, and epic battles. Its willingness to subvert traditional fantasy tropes and kill off major characters also kept viewers engaged and surprised. Moreover, the show had high production values, stunning cinematography, and a talented cast, all contributing to its widespread appeal.
• Are Game of Thrones books finished?
  George R.R. Martin, had not yet completed the final two books, “The Winds of Winter” and “A Dream of Spring.” Fans have been eagerly awaiting these books for some time, and Martin has faced challenges in finishing them.
• What impact did Game of Thrones have on the fantasy genre?
  Game of Thrones had a significant impact on the fantasy genre by pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. It introduced a more realistic and gritty approach to fantasy, focusing on political maneuvering, complex characters, and the consequences of power.

No products found.

Game Of Thrones Quiz

Welcome to the ultimate Game of Thrones quiz! Get ready to test your knowledge of Westeros, or be prepared to be sent to the Night’s Watch for failing to answer correctly!

Conclusion

As we close the book on these fascinating insights into ‘Game of Thrones,’ let’s remember that this isn’t just a show; it’s a phenomenon that captured our hearts and minds. It brought to life a world where dragons soar and intrigue lurks in every corner. It’s been a delight unveiling the layers that make this series a masterpiece of storytelling.

As always, let’s close this article with a funny question: Would you rather try your luck at the Iron Throne or spend a day babysitting Daenerys’s dragons? Let me know in the comments.