No, I don’t mean George R.R. Martin and company were considering sending Game of Thrones‘ Tyrion to space in a Star Wars crossover (sadly), but that the writers had to decide whether, spatially, to stay in Westeros and, temporally, whether to stay in the present. They chose, of course, simply wind the clock back on Kings Landing with House of the Dragon and from the looks of it, all upcoming spin-offs will be similarly Western in aesthetic. This is a shame because the universe’s East, nearly endless, incredibly varied, and rife with fascinating lore, could accommodate a whole suite of shows itself.
The Mysterious Eastern Lands
Make no mistake: Martin’s world, a tapestry of rich histories and cultures, is vast indeed–like the Earth’s ocean floor, much of it remains unexplored. The myriad mysteries of the distant East beyond the Narrow Sea demand narratives.
Audiences, global and dedicated, would benefit from at least a miniseries featuring YI Ti, the ancient civilization vaguely reminiscent of imperial China. I think they’d also appreciate content covering gloomy Asshai by the Shadow, a land inundated with magic (a force so noticeably scarce in Westeros).
The Lovecraftian Horrors Waiting
Perhaps more engagingly, at least for Lovecraft fans, Martin’s Eastern lore in Game of Thrones teems with subtle incorporations of cosmic horror and eldritch themes. For example, one of the major urban areas East of the Narrow Sea is the ominous city of Carcosa. Carcosa, fellow nerds will tell you, was introduced in Ambrose Bierce’s short story “An Inhabitant of Carcosa,” a pivotal work of early American horror.
The concept was then popularized in Robert W. Chamber’s seminal weird-fiction novel, The King in Yellow (a story that would heavily influence the first season of True Detective and explains part of its aesthetic appeal). Lovecraft, ever the master of incorporating influences, employed elements from that novel into much of his own mythos.
In the dark and riveting Lovecraftian universe, specifically the Cthulhu Mythos, Carcosa is usually referenced as a place of otherworldly horror, aligning well with his themes of ancient and mysterious cosmic entities.
Imagine What Martin Could Do
All of which is to say: picture what Martin would do with that in Game of Thrones. The mind that brought you undead Gregor Klegane, the White Walkers, and grayscale disease–imagine how much fun he would have reveling in that sensibility.
Sigh.
Game Of Thrones Could Be So Much More
What’s more, straight out of Chambers and Lovecraft, a Yellow Emperor figures into Game of Thrones’ East as well, alongside another overtly Lovecraftian concept, the Deep Ones, whose lore actually bridges with the Westerosi Iron Islands (which makes sense, given that the Iron Islanders are sailors).
Imagine a Game of Thrones series concerning more than dragons or political backstabbing–imagine, I dare you, a show in which the very fabric of reality bending under the weight of ancient, unfathomable horrors.
More Diversity
Plus, I should mention Game of Thrones going East opens doors to involving diverse cultures and perspectives–vantage points unencumbered by Westerosi norms. Obviously, this could eventuate a more inclusive range of characters and stories.
Sure, the allure of the Targaryen lineage is undeniable; believe me, I, too, find dragons compelling.
But I maintain that the true essence of George R.R. Martin’s universe lies in its boundless potential for storytelling.
News
Meghan Markle warning as insider reveals ‘gloves are off’ with rumours of next bombshell
The Sussexes were snubbed from an invite to Balmoral Castle, which may have been the last straw for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The couple may have hit their last straw (Image: Getty) Meghan Markle has been open with struggles of mental…
Prince William and Harry’s feud continues leaving King Charles with a tough decision to make
It appears that Prince William and Harry are no closer to reconciling their bitter feud, despite their father, King Charles, holding onto hope. A well-known royal author has revealed that King Charles is “extremely sad” over the ongoing rift between his sons. As he continues cancer treatment, King Charles is more…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal titles at risk as King convenes Balmoral summit
If Harry were to lose his Prince title that would mean Archie and Lilibet could also lose theirs, but they would be able to use the Dumbarton titles while their parents will be known simply as the Sussexes. Prince Harry and Meghan…
Ultra rare footage of King Charles’ Christening from 1948 showing four generations of the royal family is found at thrift shop for less than £7
A man has revealed how he discovered ultra rare footage of King Charles‘ Christening in a thrift shop – for less than £7. Ronald Baxter Jr, 59, from Charleston, South Carolina, has been collecting since he was 10 years old and…
Kate Middleton ‘made phone call’ to Meghan at King’s request to ‘clear the air’ after Royal racism claims
Kate Middleton contacted Meghan Markle to address racism allegations after Omid Scobie’s book, claims insider. Kate Middleton reportedly contacted Meghan Markle following the explosive allegations of racism levelled against the royal family including her. The Duchess of Sussex had claimed that…
Prince William Just Sported a New Look That Was Previously Discouraged — and Sparked Tension with Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales, who appeared in a new video with Princess Kate, hasn’t been seen with facial hair since 2008 Prince William is experimenting with a new look this summer, one that has been at the center of a hairy…
End of content
No more pages to load