Is Game Of Thrones Universe In England?

Is Game of Thrones Universe in England? Unraveling the Real-World Inspirations

The world of Westeros, with its majestic castles, sprawling landscapes, and fierce battles, feels incredibly real. Many viewers wonder, “Is Game of Thrones universe in England?” While the show doesn’t explicitly take place in England, the answer is a bit more complex than a simple yes or no. The creators drew inspiration from various places, including England, but Westeros is a fictional land with its own distinct history and geography. Let’s delve into the places that informed the creation of this epic world.

The Seeds of Westeros: Historical and Geographical Influences

George R.R. Martin, the author of the A Song of Ice and Fire book series, has openly admitted drawing inspiration from various historical periods and real-world locations. While England plays a significant role, it’s just one piece of a larger puzzle. Let’s explore these influences:

Medieval England’s Impact

Medieval England, with its warring families, feudal systems, and impressive castles, had a considerable impact on the world of Westeros. The War of the Roses, a series of dynastic wars fought in 15th-century England, is a significant parallel. Just like the Lannisters and Starks, the Houses of York and Lancaster battled for the throne. The political intrigue, betrayals, and shifting alliances of the War of the Roses are mirrored in Game of Thrones. The idea of a single ruler, a king or queen, ruling over various lords and their lands, is definitely an idea drawn from feudal England.

Consider these similarities:

• Feudal System: Just like in medieval England, Westeros has lords who pledge allegiance to a king, controlling their own lands and people. This pyramid system of power and responsibility is core to the setting.
• Knights and Chivalry: The concept of knights, with their codes of honor and elaborate armor, is very prominent in both Westeros and medieval England. However, Martin’s knights are often flawed and don’t always adhere to chivalrous ideals.
• Castles: Imposing castles like Winterfell and King’s Landing are heavily inspired by the fortifications found in England. Think of iconic sites like Warwick Castle or the Tower of London. These structures were more than just homes; they were strategic military points and a symbol of power, similar to castles in Westeros.

Beyond England: Other Inspirations

While England’s influence is undeniable, Westeros isn’t solely a reflection of it. Martin drew inspiration from various other places and periods:

• Scotland: The rugged landscapes of the North, especially the area around the Wall, feel very reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. The weather, the wild lands, and the independent clans all seem to mirror Scottish culture.
• Ireland: Parts of the Iron Islands and the wilder regions of Westeros seem inspired by aspects of Irish culture, particularly their seafaring traditions and independent spirit.
• Ancient Rome: The politics and intrigue of King’s Landing share some similarities with the power struggles in Ancient Rome. The roles of the council and the influence of powerful families are evident in both settings.
• Byzantine Empire: The sophisticated court culture of King’s Landing has echoes of the Byzantine Empire, with its complex systems and emphasis on status and titles.

The Visual Landscape: Where Was Game of Thrones Filmed?

The show’s filming locations contribute to the feeling that Westeros could be located in England, even though it isn’t. While not filmed entirely in England, several locations within the British Isles were used. But, the showrunners also looked further afield.

British Isles Filming Locations

While some scenes were shot in England, most of the filming within the British Isles was in Northern Ireland.

• Northern Ireland: Many locations in Northern Ireland, such as the Dark Hedges, used to portray the Kingsroad, and Castle Ward, used as Winterfell’s location, became iconic because of the show. The landscapes here are a perfect match for the wild, often harsh, backdrop of Westeros.
• Scotland: While not used for major sets, Scotland’s landscapes definitely influenced the depiction of the North.

International Filming Locations

To add to the diversity of Westeros, the showrunners traveled the globe, filming in various countries:

• Iceland: Used to capture the stark, icy landscapes north of the Wall, Iceland’s glaciers and volcanic rocks were perfect for this region of Westeros.
• Croatia: Dubrovnik, Croatia, with its stunning medieval walls, served as the backdrop for King’s Landing. Other Croatian locations were used for scenes in other parts of Westeros.
• Spain: The Alcázar of Seville, Spain, became the Water Gardens of Dorne, adding a Mediterranean feel to a different section of Westeros. Other Spanish locations were used to represent landscapes across the series.
• Morocco: Morocco provided the desert backdrop for several scenes in Essos, the continent east of Westeros.

Beyond Geography: Thematic Parallels

The connections between England and Westeros aren’t just about physical locations. There are several thematic elements that mirror aspects of English and European history:

Power Struggles and Royal Succession

The constant power struggles and the fight for the Iron Throne in Game of Thrones reflect the real-world battles for power in European history. Just like the English monarchy, the rulers in Westeros have to contend with court intrigues, rebellions, and succession challenges.

Social Hierarchies

The social classes in Westeros, from the noble lords to the smallfolk, mirror the strict social hierarchies of medieval times. The power dynamics and tensions between these classes are a significant part of the story, just like they were in history.

Religious Conflicts

While Westeros has its own unique religions, the tensions and conflicts between different faiths are a common theme, echoing religious conflicts in European history, including those in England.

Why Westeros Isn’t England

While the influence of England and other places is clear, it’s crucial to remember that Westeros is a fantasy world with its own laws, history, and geography. It has its own unique elements that differentiate it from any real-world location. Let’s break down why it’s distinct:

Magic and Fantasy

The existence of magic, dragons, and White Walkers clearly places Westeros in the realm of fantasy. England doesn’t have these fantastical elements. These are core components of the story and make Westeros a place unlike any other.

Unique Geography

The geographical layout of Westeros, with its seven kingdoms, the Wall in the North, and the continent of Essos across the sea, is totally made up. It’s designed to serve the story and is not based on any single real-world location.

A Different Timeline

While the world of Westeros may take inspiration from our past, it’s not a parallel to our own history. The timeline, rulers, and specific historical events are all unique to Westeros and don’t correspond to anything in real-world English history.

The Enduring Appeal of a Fantasy World Rooted in Reality

The brilliance of Game of Thrones lies in its ability to create a fantasy world that feels both familiar and foreign. The touch of England, combined with other historical and geographical inspirations, adds a layer of realism, making the characters and their struggles feel more relatable. This grounding in real-world themes allows viewers to become more invested in the fantastical narrative, making the show such a great example of fantasy with its inspiration rooted in a bit of reality.

Ultimately, the question “is Game of Thrones universe in England?” has a nuanced answer. While many elements of the show and books are inspired by English history, geography, and society, Westeros is not meant to be a direct representation of England, it’s a fantasy world that has taken inspiration from around the globe and put them all into one spectacular fictional world.