Once Author of the Games of Thrones series, George R.R. Martin claimed that “No matter how much I make up, there’s stuff in history that’s just as bad, or worse”. The series has been influenced by moments in history, and here are some of the most notable similarities between the real world and world of Westeros.
England, Ireland and Westeros
The map of Westeros is closely resembles to the map of England, and the map of Ireland upside down beneath the map of England.
Game of Thrones’s The Wall and Hadrian’s Wall
The Wall in Game of Thrones that is build to keep the White Walkers away from human is situated at the exact same place on the Westeros map where the UK map has Hadrian’s Wall. Hadrian’s Wall divided the Scottish Barbarians from Romans. Before penning the Game of Thrones George RR Martin visited the site, and recalls, “I tried to imagine what it would be like to be a Roman soldier… to gaze off into the distance, not knowing what might emerge from the forest.”
Henry Tudor and Daenerys Targaryen
Henry Tudor was an expel nobleman, he used to spent most of his life around the narrow sea in France. Here, he would strengthen his plans and power in invasion of Britain, although nobody around him ever believed it would happen. This is all very familiar to the story of Daenerys Targaryen.
Henry Tudor fought for the Lancasters, and ended up on the British throne at the end of the War of the Roses.
George Plantagenet and Theon Greyjoy
On the side of House York, George Plantagenet entered the War of Roses, alongside with his brother Edward IV, however something change his mind and he changed suit and began to fight against House York. Down the line he tried to jumb back with the House York, and was found guilty of treason, all this is very similar to the story of Theon Greyjoy, while the story of Robb Stark seems to resonate with the story of Edward IV.
Dire Wolves and Direwolves
Similar to Greywind, Nymeria, Ghost and the other Direwolves of Westeros, there was a species which is called as Dire Wolves, these are the extinct cousin of wolves that we known today.
Oliver Cromwell and Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish
Much like Petyr Baelish, Oliver Cromwell was a lesser nobleman. There are many similarities between Littlefinger (Petyr) and Oliver Cromwell. As Littlefinger (Petyr) continues to climb the upper ladder we have to wonder if he will follow the footsteps of his real life inspiration, who in the end found a way to become the Protector of Common Wealth.
Ahura Mazda, The God of Zoroastrianism and R’hllor, The Lord of Light
Zoroastrianism is the oldest religion in the world, the worship of Ahura Mazda had a strong influence on R’hllor. Worshipers of both divinity hold fire as scared, and pray in the presence of fire. They use fire as a mean of spiritual insight and gaining wisdom.
