George R.R. Martin reveals the historical inspiration for the Game of Thrones saga, particularly the Targaryen civil war. During the House of the Dragon panel interview at San Diego Comic-Con, he also answered why the series seems “anti-queen.”
House of the Dragon is an upcoming prequel series loosely based on Martin’s book, Fire & Blood. The story will follow the rise and fall of the House Targaryen, which will eventually lead to the devastating civil war called Dance of the Dragons. Set three centuries back, it will also show viewers the struggles of the characters for the coveted Iron Throne.
The original series, Game of Thrones, is based on the book series A Song of Ice and Fire. It focused on the several families of Westeros vying for the crown, while House of the Dragon will only center on the family feud between the Targaryens. This civil war, as explained by Martin, is more than just a made-up story.
Is House Of The Dragon Really “Anti-Queen”?
In his interview at the San Diego Comic-Con, the author revealed the inspiration for the events in the series and it boils down to one answer – anarchy. He based the story on the civil war that happened in the 12th century when King Henry I broke tradition and named his daughter, Matilda, heir to the throne. Apparently, Stephen, the male cousin, was ignored.
A question was also thrown during the panel interview as to why the series comes off as “anti-queen.” There have been many strong female characters in Game of Thrones, such as Daenerys Targaryen, Cersei Lannister, and Arya Stark, among others. Martin addressed this as well, going back to the historical event that inspired the tale.
Viewers have witnessed the struggles of self-made queen Daenerys in the Game of Thrones series, and this is also the same struggle that Rhaenyra Targaryen will face in the House of the Dragon.
