Those unwilling to shell out the cash for a Game Of Thrones Blu-ray might not know that the series has apparently been producing mini-documentaries about Westeros as if the show were based on historical facts, not fantasy novels. Rather than acknowledge that this is all backstory created by author George R.R. Martin, this season one bonus feature is basically a Ken Burns-style documentary about the ancient Valyrian people (the line from which Daenerys Targaryen is descended).
Narrated by Viserys Targaryen (and/or actor Harry Lloyd, depending on which reality viewers believe), the video charts the rise and fall of the Valyrians as well as their connection to both dragons and magic. It clarifies a lot of backstory—er, history—that isn’t necessarily explicit on the show. For instance, after establishing their massive empire the Valyrians prospered for nearly 5,000 years before “The Doom” destroyed their lands. The voiceover notes “no one knows for certain” whether volcanoes or mishandled magic caused this cataclysmic event, which is presumably code for “Martin didn’t want to think of any more backstory about this shit.”
The “history” lesson makes a nice companion to this interactive map of Westeros as well as this geological one. Those who want to further their belief that Game Of Thrones is a real can even make their own house sigil right here. Just make sure not to shatter the illusion by watching this video about how the CGI dragons are constructed.
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