10 things that Game of Thrones fans get absurdly wrong

10 things that Game of Thrones fans get absurdly wrong | Image via HBO
10 things that Game of Thrones fans get absurdly wrong | Image via HBO

The universe and story of Game of Thrones is as big as it is complex. We are amazed that David Benioff and D.B.Weiss were able to create such a compelling show, given the limitations and time constraints of television. They have simplified much information to make it easy to understand. However, there are still specific details and scenes that have confused viewers of the show. Even though these misunderstandings might appear insignificant, they can cause a different understanding of the overall situation.

This list examines some of the most widespread misunderstandings arising from misreading specific events or details. Many of these issues are due to the show not clarifying these points clearly enough, not devoting enough time to certain plot points, or simply because viewers are making incorrect assumptions. Here are some of such points that Game of Thrones fans get absurdly wrong.

10. Prince Rhaegar 'Kidnapping' Lyanna Stark Started Robert's Rebellion

Mark Addy as Robert Baratheon in Game of Thrones | Image via HBO
Mark Addy as Robert Baratheon in Game of Thrones | Image via HBO

In the show's first season, Eddard Stark and King Robert talk about the claim that Rhaegar Targaryen kidnapped Lyanna Stark, who was engaged to Robert and is Eddard's sister. This happened before Robert's Rebellion, the conflict that resulted in Robert Baratheon removing the Targaryens from power and becoming king. Many people who watch the show or read the books mistakenly believe that Rhaegar's abduction of Lyanna was the cause of Robert's Rebellion. Even though he was a crucial influence, Robert did not just start a war with the Targaryens because his love was captured.

9. Jaime R*ped Cersei

Jamie and Cersei's passion at their son's funeral misunderstood | Image via HBO
Jamie and Cersei's passion at their son's funeral misunderstood | Image via HBO

In one of the most debated scenes, Jaime and Cersei engage in dangerous, incestuous intimacy while leaning on a table that holds their son's body. That should be surprising enough on its own. Nevertheless, a lot of viewers perceived the scene as Jaime directly forcing Cersei to have s*x. This is a common misunderstanding, and the specific scene made many people who read the book doubt themselves. Because of the vague writing and unclear guidance, it's obvious why the scene has been widely seen as a classic example of r*pe. However, even though the show's scene implies something different, the book clearly states that both parties ultimately agreed to the act. While she initially refuses, it is mainly because of the place rather than the action itself.

8. The Size Of Westeros

A part of the Westeros map from the intro of Game of Thrones | Image via HBO
A part of the Westeros map from the intro of Game of Thrones | Image via HBO

Conveying scale in a TV show can be difficult, and Game of Thrones has also faced this challenge. Despite the amazing opening credits scene that flies over the main locations, many fans don't know how big the continent of Westeros is. Many people have likened Westeros to the United Kingdom because of the accents, cold northern climate, and similar plants. If Westeros were to appear on Earth suddenly, the United Kingdom would fit inside its shores many times over. The large size indicates that the characters' travels in the series have lasted much longer than many people understand. For instance, the trip from Winterfell to King's Landing would have lasted approximately 2 to 3 months, based on the distances.

7. Sansa Stark Is Stupid

Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark | Image via HBO
Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark | Image via HBO

Fans have consistently shown their annoyance towards Sansa. Frequently portrayed as the most vulnerable of the Stark children, Sansa has often been labeled as one of the least intelligent characters on the show. It's clear why people make this assumption. At the start of the series, Sansa is innocent, naive, and highly optimistic. This naivety is soon gone after the beheading of her father. Fans have shown their anger towards Sansa for being weak and inactive, especially compared to her siblings' bold actions. Nevertheless, precisely, this pitiful image has ensured her survival in the dangerous environment of King's Landing. By the end of season four, Sansa has demonstrated that she can become a strong competitor in the Game of Thrones.

6. The Targaryens Conquered All Seven Kingdoms

Jon Snow who has Targaryen blood alongside the dragon he tamed | Image via HBO
Jon Snow who has Targaryen blood alongside the dragon he tamed | Image via HBO

One of the biggest events that leads up to the series is the Targaryens taking over Westeros. The War of Conquest happened about 300 years before the events in Game of Thrones led to the Targaryens taking over the throne until Robert's Rebellion. It is widely believed that the Targaryens conquered all seven kingdoms of Westeros. However, only one place could resist successfully: Dorne, where Oberyn Martell is from. The rulers of Dorne noticed that engaging in direct fights with the Targaryens always led to loss because of the great strength of the dragons they commanded. Instead, the country participated in irregular warfare, quickly attacking Targaryen forces and vanishing before the dragons could arrive. In the end, the Targaryens surrendered, pulled back their armies, and let Dorne stay as a separate country.

5. The Kingsguard And Gold Cloaks Are The Same

The Kingsguard armor | Image via HBO
The Kingsguard armor | Image via HBO

This is frequently confusing because both organizations wear very similar uniforms. The Kingsguard wears all white and silver clothing in the books, including armor and belt buckles. In Game of Thrones, only their cloaks and armor designs visually distinguish them from the Gold Cloaks. Especially during battle scenes, it can be not easy to distinguish one from the other. Despite wearing similar clothing on the show, the Kingsguard and Gold Cloaks are entirely different. The Kingsguard traditionally consists of the seven best knights in Westeros, who are bound to defend the current king and their royal family. Every participant is committed for life and cannot possess property, sire offspring or marry. Becoming a member of the Kingsguard is seen as the greatest honor, and numerous famous knights have been enlisted throughout history. 'Gold Cloaks' is a nickname for the City Watch of King's Landing.

4. Wights And White Walkers Are The Same

Whitewalkers bringing the dead to life | Image via HBO
Whitewalkers bringing the dead to life | Image via HBO

This has been a source of confusion for many book readers for a long time, even before HBO's TV show. The distinction is possibly explained better on the show because the creators can visually illustrate what the two look like. The White Walkers (also called the Others in the books) are mysterious and eerie sorcerers who are only talked about in quiet rumors and stories. Even in the literature, very little is understood about them at this point, except for the fact that they could be very harmful. The Wights are the more frequently observed deceased individuals (or animals) that the White Walkers have revived. In essence, they are senseless zombies, manipulated by the Walkers that brought them back to life. Although fire can destroy the Wights, it has always been a mystery how to defeat a White Walker. This is why Sam's ability to kill one was considered a significant achievement. Sam accidentally found out that weapons made from Obsidian (also known as Dragonglass) could harm the White Walkers.

3. Targaryens Are Immune To Fire

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen rising from the ashes | Image via HBO
Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen rising from the ashes | Image via HBO

Despite how everyone's favorite 'beggar king' was killed, many fans still believe that Targaryens are resistant to fire. This misunderstanding arose because Daenerys survived the loud fire that led to the hatching of her dragon eggs. However, Daenerys did not live through this solely because she was a Targaryen. The occurrence was an entirely unprecedented wonder, likely fueled by blood sorcery. Indeed, fatalities from severe heat or flames have been a recurring motif in Targaryen history. In addition to Viserys' molten crown, important members of the Targaryen family have perished from various causes, such as house fires and wildfires. Although Targaryens may have a higher heat tolerance, no evidence indicates they are entirely fire-resistant.

2. Stannis Is Under The Control Of Melisandre

Stannis Baratheon with one of his biggest support in the show Melisandre | Image via HBO
Stannis Baratheon with one of his biggest support in the show Melisandre | Image via HBO

The depiction of Stannis in Game of Thrones has become one of the most debated issues for readers of the books in the series. Book Stannis is quite popular among fans, and like Ned, he represents honor. Stannis is the perfect example of fulfilling one's duty and doing what is morally correct. In Game of Thrones, Stannis is hardly ever seen without Melisandre whispering in his ear, which affects his choices. This, along with Melisandre's love for sorcery, has caused many to think that Stannis is simply a puppet under the total control of the red priestess. This is definitely not true. In season 2, Stannis openly opposes Melisandre by deciding not to take her to the Battle of Blackwater. For a brief period after his loss, Stannis is a shattered man, isolating himself from the world. With Melisandre as his only source of comfort during this time, he naturally becomes more open to her advice and does questionable things.

1. The Lannisters Are Still The Greatest Military Force In Westeros

The Lannisters in Game of Thrones | Image via HBO
The Lannisters in Game of Thrones | Image via HBO

One aspect that wasn't sufficiently investigated in the show is the quality of leadership demonstrated by Robb Stark. Throughout the first two seasons, Robb Stark outsmarted the Lannister forces, emerging victorious in each battle. This, along with the violent Battle of the Blackwater, led to the deaths or abandonment of many Lannister soldiers. The Lannisters may seem to be in a pretty good position right now. The War of the Five Kings caused them a lot of troop losses, but the house has managed to survive by using sneaky plans, unstable alliances, and the unacknowledged intelligence of a particular dwarf. The Lannister family is heavily dependent on their partnership with the Tyrells. That's why Tywin is working hard to maintain the alliance, even though the two families don't like each other. Due to the fact that the Tyrell army has stayed away from all battles except for defeating Stannis' troops at Blackwater, they now control one of the biggest combined forces in Westeros.

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Edited by Sarah Nazamuddin Harniswala