Magna Carta and Game of Thrones finale
I’m back, having fought the deadline dragon to a draw; the chapter is done!
On the historical front, June 15th is the anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta by King John in 1215. John of course repudiated it as soon as he could, as did his son, Henry III, and grandson, Edward I—for all the good it did them. I discuss the provisions of the Runnymede charter on pages 454-458 of Here Be Dragons. It is a little-known but fascinating fact that two of the provisions were included at the demand of the barons’ ally, Llywelyn Fawr. One compelled John to make restitution of Welsh lands, liberties, and rights seized unjustly by the Crown and recognized the supremacy of Welsh law in Wales. And the other said simply, “We will restore at once the son of Llywelyn, and all the hostages from Wales and the charters delivered to us as security for peace.”
On the quasi-medieval Game of Thrones front, here is the link to James Hibberd’s recap of last night’s finale. SPOILERS, as usual. http://www.ew.com/recap/game-thrones-...
I have yet to talk to any reader of the books who believes the major character who died at the end of the 5th novel is actually dead; nor do I. Not only are there clues aplenty to indicate he is not really dead, his death would invalidate his entire story arc and do major damage to the major plot-line itself. And again, this is not just me; as far as I can tell, it is the consensus of opinion among GRRM’s readers. Ah, but does GRRM agree? His is the only opinion that really counts, of course. As for the HBO episode, it certainly looked as if this character was dead and the actor is quoted as saying he’ll not be back. However, he could be lying. Or they could be lying to him. Or they could plan to bring the character back in another guise. ?????? It does seem to me, though, that the level of gory violence is reaching the saturation point. I am not squeamish; I am the woman who has been known to shoot an arrow into some poor soldier’s eye or throat, after all. But the scene with Arya was a bit too graphic for my taste. Since neither Master Martin nor the HBO writers have yet to ask for my advice, however, that does not matter much. Finally, this is a spoiler, but a small one, and since it is sure to be of interest to Games fans, I feel free to report that the Hound will be back; the actor has signed on for the next season.
On the historical front, June 15th is the anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta by King John in 1215. John of course repudiated it as soon as he could, as did his son, Henry III, and grandson, Edward I—for all the good it did them. I discuss the provisions of the Runnymede charter on pages 454-458 of Here Be Dragons. It is a little-known but fascinating fact that two of the provisions were included at the demand of the barons’ ally, Llywelyn Fawr. One compelled John to make restitution of Welsh lands, liberties, and rights seized unjustly by the Crown and recognized the supremacy of Welsh law in Wales. And the other said simply, “We will restore at once the son of Llywelyn, and all the hostages from Wales and the charters delivered to us as security for peace.”
On the quasi-medieval Game of Thrones front, here is the link to James Hibberd’s recap of last night’s finale. SPOILERS, as usual. http://www.ew.com/recap/game-thrones-...
I have yet to talk to any reader of the books who believes the major character who died at the end of the 5th novel is actually dead; nor do I. Not only are there clues aplenty to indicate he is not really dead, his death would invalidate his entire story arc and do major damage to the major plot-line itself. And again, this is not just me; as far as I can tell, it is the consensus of opinion among GRRM’s readers. Ah, but does GRRM agree? His is the only opinion that really counts, of course. As for the HBO episode, it certainly looked as if this character was dead and the actor is quoted as saying he’ll not be back. However, he could be lying. Or they could be lying to him. Or they could plan to bring the character back in another guise. ?????? It does seem to me, though, that the level of gory violence is reaching the saturation point. I am not squeamish; I am the woman who has been known to shoot an arrow into some poor soldier’s eye or throat, after all. But the scene with Arya was a bit too graphic for my taste. Since neither Master Martin nor the HBO writers have yet to ask for my advice, however, that does not matter much. Finally, this is a spoiler, but a small one, and since it is sure to be of interest to Games fans, I feel free to report that the Hound will be back; the actor has signed on for the next season.
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Jun 15, 2015 01:10PM
I knew it! Regarding our Canine fellow, that is. When I read the last book, I thought for sure that would be the case.
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I have to ask, where did you read that Rory McCann has signed on for Season 6? The Hound is easily one of my favorites from the books and show so I have been dying to get a confirmation! And, of course, I love your work, particularly THE SUNNE IN SPLENDOUR, which is one of my personal favorites!
Kit has been telling interviewers that the character Jon Snow is dead(book readers know this)and that he wont be back in season 6.....it is the wording I find interesting. He did not say he wont be back ever. My own theory is that Jon will be back in season 7 as the Long Night falls to fulfil the Azor Ahair/The Prince that was Promised prophecy. I think his Arc has always been placed that Jon Snow or A-A will lead the battle against the Nights King and wights, after the Long Night falls(we're not there yet).I remember when season 4 ended and there was great hype about Bran & Bloodraven, only to find out that Bran & Co would not be in season 5....There was great disappointment and so we got the 'Dorne disaster' storyline. But Bran & co will be back next season.
I did feel the Arya storyline would have been better served IF they had stayed with the book version-she does kill a kingsguard but not so bloody. But the producers will go down the shock and awe theme....Arya looked like a mini-me Dexter(I never watched Dexter) so yeah, it was pretty gruesome and that is a pity. Dan n Dave need to learn sometimes less is best.
I felt they botched the whole Stannis/Winterfell story and like many I am tired of seeing the baddies always win. When is someone going to beat those bloody Boltons? And if some are holding out hope for Stannis being alive then google Liam Cunningham's interview and read the truth of it.
The Hound is coming back! Yeah! And a worry....I have always felt that the first season when he jumped in and fought his brother, it was a foreshadowing. But I love the Hound!
Now a question-When I watched the last scene with Jon snow I never heard him say 'Ghost'.....there is a TV presenter who said she heard him say the direwolfs name...Did anyone else hear this?
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