TAKEAWAYS FROM GAME OF THRONES
It doesn’t do justice to George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire ( and its television adaptation Game of Thrones) to simply call it fantasy. “It’s really a political thriller with the trappings of fantasy,” some say. “It’s fantasy for people who don’t like fantasy,” say even worse people. But if we’re giving backhanded compliments to one of the most successful fictional sagas of all time, let’s compare it to something even more accurate: a novel of manners.
The story of Jon Snow, Danaerys and the White Walkers is nothing less than a faultless primer on social mores, with life lessons on nearly every page. Here are a few of them:
1 No success in succession They say that wealthy families lose their fortune by the third generation. Sometimes it’s because the grandchildren were never exposed to the striving that built a legacy in the first place. Sometimes it’s because they simply have different interests and leave the business decisions to parties without the same sense of loyalty. Other times it’s because they are psychopathic sadists more interested in targets for their crossbow than targets for corporate growth. But family trees are like a stew (unless you’re the Targaryens) with a lot going into the pot. Who knows which side Joffrey got it from.
2 Leave it to fate Once a wealthy Braavosi sent his servant to the market for provisions, from which the servant returned shaken. At the market he had been jostled by a woman, and when he turned to her, he saw that it was Death. He asked his master for his fastest horse, to spirit him to Qohor where Death would not find him. After his departure, the master went to the market to confront the woman. “I meant no offence,” explained Death. “I was simply surprised to see him here in Braavos, because I have an appointment with him tonight in Qohor.” Okay, so you may know this tale as taking place in Baghdad and Samarra, but if there’s anyone in Game of Thrones who could use it, it’s Cersei Lannister, who does everything she can to avoid her fate – only to deliver herself and her children directly to it.
3 Keep a ring on it Engagements are not to be taken lightly. The heart wants what the heart wants, but in following your heart away from a commitment, you may leave a broken heart behind. Sure, given time people can get over almost anything, and you may be able to see each other at social occasions such as the odd wedding in your friend group and be able to have a pleasant conversation (“You look good.” “As do you.”). Maybe you’ll even wonder about what might have been. That’s what Robb Stark thought, anyway.
4 Fool me thrice We all have a friend who talks a good game. “Lend me the money, I’m totally good for it.” “I promise this is the last time I get drunk and embarrass you in front of your colleagues.” “The Lord of Light R’ hllor demands that we burn this innocent alive, for the night is dark and full of terrors.” Forgiveness is a virtue, so if you’re disappointed once and give them a second chance, that’s fine. But if they ask for more money when they haven’t paid you back from the last time, or if you waste another weekend based on something they “saw in the flames,” it’s time to reevaluate your relationship.
5 Guest of dishonour Sometimes a friend or family member is behaving in a way that hurts those closest to them – and often themselves most of all. In these cases it pays to schedule a family discussion, or failing that, to stage a surprise intervention. Remember, the key is dialogue. Only through communication can we repair the damage we do to each other, and this is as true in Mississauga as it is in the Seven Kingdoms. One thing, though. If the injurious party is running quiiite late, and you suspect they might know what’s up – you might want to take a cue from GOT and GTFO.