Game of Thrones – “Gods of Thrones” – “Fire and Blood” – Part 3

We’re back with a super-sized wrap up episode for our coverage of our new book, Gods of Thrones, as well as putting George’s Fire & Blood to bed as we consider the final third of the book, starting with “The Dying of the Dragons: Rhaenyra Triumphant”. Anthony and I get things kicked off with a discussion of Lord Cregan Stark and his “Hour of the Wolf”. Then I welcome our old pal Kim Renfro (follow her on Twitter!) back to discuss women in Westeros, our theories on Game of Thrones and GRRM himself. Finally, I interview illustrator Chase Stone, who did the cover and interior art for Gods of Thrones, about life as a professional artist, his work on Magic: The Gathering and The World of Ice and Fire, as well as his influences and techniques.

Game of Thrones – “Gods of Thrones” – “Fire and Blood” – Part 2

Anthony jones me once again as we discuss the second third of GRRM’s new Fire & Blood, as we consider from “Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Their Triumphs and Tragedies” to “The Dying of the Dragons: Rhaenyra Triumphant”. Firewyrms! Mysteries of the wall! Dragon eggs beneath Winterfell! And many other interesting twists and tidbits we found in this fake history book detailing the first 150 years of Targaryen reign over Westeros.

Game of Thrones – “Gods of Thrones” – “Fire and Blood” – Part 1

My Gods of Thrones co-author Anthony is back once again as we do a deep dive on GRRM’s latest work, Fire & Blood! We talk about events up to but not including “Jaehaerys and Alysanne, Their Triumphs and Tragedies”. Next week we’ll be reading up to “The Dying of the Dragons, Rhaenyra Triumphant”, before finishing the book the week after. This week’s all about Aegon, Maegor, and the third generation Targaryen that really steals the show, Jaehaerys! We talk about the gossipy tone the Maester sometimes takes, the doctrinal concept of “Targaryen Exceptionalism”, missing dragon eggs, maester conspiracy theories, and that most well worn Thrones hobbyhorse, incest.

Game of Thrones – “Gods of Thrones” – “Fire and Blood” Initial Thoughts

Anthony and I talk about GRRM’s latest book, Fire and Blood, which is a complete and in-depth historical account of the 300 year old Targaryen dynasty in Westeros. We discuss our initial thoughts, anything that might have changed some of our thoughts in Gods of Thrones, any intriguing jumping off points for theory-crafting, and consider fan feedback. Also, Anthony has some stunning revelations about the possible origins of the rib-bone that God took from Adam to make the first woman in the Genesis creation story. You don’t want to miss this!

Game of Thrones – “Gods of Thrones” – Chattin’ Catelyn

Anthony and A.Ron continue their deep dive into the characters and themes from their new book, “Gods of Thrones”. Now available on paperback! Today we’re talking about a polarizing character among the fandom, Catelyn Stark. What are the essential differences between Book!Cat and TV!Cat? What is her worst move in playing the Game? Who would win in an all-female Houseoff? How vital is Lady Stoneheart’s arc to understanding Catelyn, and why does the show skip it entirely? We discuss and debate all this and more!

Game of Thrones – “Gods of Thrones” – Talking Tyrion

It goes without saying that Tyrion Lannister is an extremely interesting character in A Song of Ice and Fire / Game of Thrones, but  you’d think he’d make a poor focus for our book on Westerosi religion. After all, he’s famously skeptical of superstition and faith in a world full of magic, physics defying creatures, and powerful gods. But it’s precisely that contradiction that makes him so fascinating in this context! Join Anthony and I for a deep dive into Tyrion, the events that have shaped him, and the journey that has brought him before a dragon goddess that he can believe in. Have questions or feedback? Send it in using the contact info below…

Game of Thrones – “Gods of Thrones” – Introduction

We have a special series of podcasts for you coming out over the next few weeks! Dr. Anthony Le Donne joins me today to talk about the new book we co-authored in the off-season, Gods of Thrones: A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Religions of Ice and Fire, available now on Amazon. The book is filled with fun analysis of the religions, cultures, and characters of Game of Thrones and delves into the real life history and religion that inspired GRRM when creating his world. We discuss our history with Thrones/Song, as well as our book, its tone, our writing process, and our favorite things we learned in our research. We’ll be back next week to talk more Gods of Thrones and take your questions. Later this month we’ll be joined by some of your favorite podcast hosts and writers to host a three part book club-style review of George R.R. Martin’s upcoming historical book on the Targaryens, Fire and Blood!

Game of Thrones – 310 – Mhysa

And just like that, we put HBO’s Game of Thrones season three into the Bald Move history books. Again. “Mhysa” is an excellent way to wrap up the season and set the table for season four, as we get great work out of all our star-crossed lovers; Tyrion, Shae, Sansa, Jon, and Ygritte. Arya has some fine work servicing the fan’s desire to see her be the terrifying little murder beast we know she can be while simultaneously making us feel really, really bad for her lot in life. Ramsay might be a total and complete bastard, but he does know how to work a pork sausage to get some laughs in an other wise pitch black scene. Finally, Dany attempts to end her season three arc on a note of triumph, but is hampered by the racial tone deafness of the show runners. Thanks for joining us on this ride! We’ll be back in November to discuss Martin’s new book on Targaryen history, Fire and Blood, as well as Anthony and I’s new book, Gods of Thrones. 

Game of Thrones – 309 – The Rains of Castamere

This week we have the pleasure of talking about one of the best, and most gut wrenching episodes of HBO’s Game of Thrones, “The Rains of Castamere”. The Lannisters score a decisive victory against the Starks in surprising and brutal fashion. Particularly rough is Arya, who is forced to witness the destruction of her family when she was oh so close to being reunited with them. Over in Essos, Dany provides a lone bright point as her captains’ valor and her reputation as Breaker of Chains lays the slave city of Yunkai at her feet. We’ll be back next week to wrap this season up. See you then!