Top 5 must-sees at TIFF’S Thrones exhibit
The impressive onscreen world of Game of Thrones was built by a team of creative designers who were inspired by museums, books and paintings of cultures throughout history.
That craftsmanship will be on display at the TIFF Bell Lightbox from March 9 to 18 in a free exhibit presented in partnership with HBO Canada.
Here are the top five items not to miss when the display opens on Friday:
THE EGG: Central character Daenerys Targaryen, one of two exiled, golden-haired children of the House Targaryen, is given the gift of three dragons’ eggs at her wedding to Khal Drogo, chief of the nomadic Dothraki horsemen. At first, the eggs seem to be rare house decorations, but the end of the first book and season reveal Daenerys can unlock an incredible firebreathing power, not seen in the Seven Kingdoms for many winters. The three eggs were described in the first book as scaled, each a different colour that “shimmered like polished metal.” THE BADGE: The Hand of the King is not a job many would want, after readers and viewers are led to believe the last one croaked prematurely. When it’s offered to main character Eddard Stark by friend King Robert Baratheon early in the series, he’s not eager to accept. In the book, the sign of the office is described as an “ornate silver hand” that fastens Eddard’s cloak, while the TV version appears as a pinned gold or brass ring, inlaid with a hand. THE CROWN: King Robert Baratheon is loved by few and protected by far fewer. In the battle for control over the Seven Kingdoms, Baratheon is a known adversary of the Targaryens, after he participated in the rebellion that saw most of the house slaughtered, including King Aerys II Targaryen. Baratheon’s crown, through not described in detail in the books, appears to resemble ornately crafted stag antlers in the show, with the stag being the sigil of the House Baratheon. THE UNSEEN COSTUME: Book 2 and Season 2 introduce fans to a whole new set of characters. Melisandre is a magical and mysterious priestess who corrupts Stannis Baratheon, brother to the king. She’s known as the “red woman” for her fiery hair and red robes. Fans can catch a glimpse of her in the newest trailer, but can ogle her muted red onscreen garments up close before her character appears in upcoming episodes. THE THRONE: At the heart of the series is a battle for power over the Seven Kingdoms. Sure to be the biggest attraction at the exhibit is the Iron Throne itself, which normally sits high in a hall of King’s Landing and is described in the books as hard with jagged edges. It was said to be fashioned by King Aegon the Conqueror from the many swords of his enemies. The throne is often used as a metaphorical device throughout the series for the quest for power. As Queen Cersei Lannister says: “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.” The exhibit promises fans will be able to have their photos taken on the throne and rule over the Seven Kingdoms themselves, if only for a moment. Tickets to the exhibit are free (limit of four per person) and can be reserved in person or by calling the box office, 1-888-599-8433. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. daily, except March 12, noon to 10 p.m., and March 13, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.