History of Westeros (Game of Thrones)

They began as King’s men on a mission - what seemed a clear cut case of heroes vs. villains. Even after the death of King Robert, the Brotherhood Without Banners remained a model of honor and duty, serving the common folk instead. But time and deprivation wore on them, and they slowly lost their sense of purpose, justice… and their humanity. Quite literally in 2 cases. This is their tragic, surprisingly supernatural story from Beric to Stoneheart, with theories on what’s to come for this outlaw band captained by the undead and guided by prophecy.

There are caches of wildfire hidden in the city of King’s Landing just waiting to go off. The inevitable violence between the factions still vying for the Iron Throne could ignite them and cause untold damage, perhaps destroying the entire city.  Will the Mad King get his revenge after all? If so, who will set them off, and why?

(fully scripted) Barristan's finest hour, or was it? He's not sure saving Aerys was a good thing, but it sure was amazing. In many ways this story is more about Aerys and Tywin than the great white knight. This is the event that pushed Aerys into true madness, and led to the hiring of Varys. An episode that might cause you to re-think a few things about Robert's Rebellion at the very least. (originally published October 10, 2020, remastered in April 2025).

Bring out your dead! Though the term isn’t used often, necromancy as a concept has a major place in ASOIAF. It’s a deep topic: from wights beyond the Wall in the middle of nowhere to Ser Robert Strong at the Red Keep itself… From Beric Dondarrion and Lady Stoneheart to ancient tales as far east as Asshai and as far west as the Iron Isles, not to mention real world influences both historical and fictional.

The Ghost of High Heart is a pale woman no more than 3 feet tall with red eyes and white hair so long it almost touches the ground. She lives in a grove of dead weirwoods, and her prophecies always come true. We delve into her identity, why she can see the future, and her connections to Jenny of Oldstones, Prince Rhaegar, the tragedy of Summerhall and the Brotherhood without Banners.

The years following the death of the Old Man of the North were marked by instability at Winterfell as several of Cregan Stark’s sons ruled in short succession. One of those sons was Lord Barthogan, who came to be known as Barth Blacksword. His stint as ruler of Winterfell was a turning point in that era, and he faced a rebellion from Skagos. Was he called Blacksword because he wielded Ice in battle? Did he face unicorn riding cannibal warriors? A northern deep-dive!

Baelor ruled as king for a decade from the assassination of his brother Daeron to his own sudden death. Was he murdered? If so, why and by whom? Even after death his impact on the Seven Kingdoms remains enormous. This is part 3 of 3 (though it works as a standalone) and again features Nina Krusling!

The final event of ADWD was the assassination of Kevan Lannister by Varys. The Spider, in typical fashion, had the gall to apologize for the fatal crossbow bolt… and told him it wasn’t personal, it was political. Little comfort to a dying man, but hugely interesting to us readers! What does he expect to happen? We examine the various motives behind the killing of Kevan.

King Aerys II had Brandon Stark seized and imprisoned on charges of treason, but Lord Rickard declared he would stand for his son in a trial by combat. Yet instead of an honorable duel, the Mad King declared that House Targaryen’s champion… would be fire. We take on the full, horrifying story.

This is part 3 of 3 of the Nymeria series, but this episode works as a stand-alone! We cover the unification and Conquest of Dorne by Nymeria and Mors Martell and her reign afterwards as the first Princess of Dorne. A scripted episode with lots of maps and art, and (correct) captions/subtitles! Scroll down for timestamps.

Dunsen, Raff the Sweetling, Queen Cersei, Ser Ilyn, Ser Meryn… Valar Morghulis. A look at Arya’s kill list that she calls a prayer. The origin of the list, those she’s killed, those killed by someone else, theories on who might be added… and of course those still alive.

Each of the younger Starks received a direwolf, and each of them have skinchanger talent… But talent is not skill. We look at each Stark’s experience with skinchanging thus far while theorizing about their future. What happens when the Starks are reunited and begin to discuss their abilities? Included are wolf dreams, the connection the Starks feel to one another and who is the most powerful. We’ll also delve into the ancient past to look at the possible origins of skinchanging for House Stark.

The very night Daenerys Targaryen was born one of the worst storms in living memory struck. This earned her the nickname Stormborn, a moniker that has spread far and wide alongside news of her deeds, one she has carried before her like a standard. We delve into the story behind the legend, and the details just before her birth - her mother Queen Rhaella’s escape to Dragonstone before the Sack of King’s Landing and her own escape alongside her brother just ahead of Stannis Baratheon.

House Lothston ruled Harrenhal during what is arguably the darkest portion of its 300 year history… Given what Arya and others experienced there, that’s really saying something, and when Brienne carries a Lothston shield, she is repeatedly greeted with grim reactions. Join us for a look at a House accused of blood magic, child abduction, treason, cannibalism, madness, and scandalous relations with none other than House Targaryen.

A look at this most ancient of cities, the legend of Azor Ahai, and the origin of dragons. With special guest LmL. (originally published April 1, 2016).

What happened with Lyanna and Rhaegar before the Tower of Joy? Why did he kidnap her… or why did she elope with him, if that was the case? Did he make her his second bride? If so, why? And why would she agree to that… or was it her idea? We tackle a core ASOIAF mystery with this one!

The Red Woman of Asshai, a shadowbinder and priestess of R’hllor. Her age is uncertain but her focus on prophecy is not. We delve into her past and how it made her who she is - both through natural and supernatural means, where and how she learned her abilities, the mystery of her glowing ruby, how old she might really be, and so much more.

Thanks to Shakespeare, a cadre of historians, television shows and the compelling nature of the actual events that transpired, the era of the Wars of the Roses is one of the most famous periods in all of western history. Primarily a struggle between houses York and Lancaster, GRRM took inspiration for his houses Stark and Lannister… and so much more. This episode is a buffet of historical parallels for ASOIAF, the Dance of the Dragons and more.

Baelor the Blessed’s surprising ascent to the Iron Throne was followed by a dizzying series of rulings unlike any King before or after. His reign was a decade dedicated to peace… unless it interfered with piety. King Baelor was a man of the seven, often called the Septon King, but he was also a burner of books and a man capable of consigning innocents to homelessness and starvation. This is part 2 of 3 and features guest Nina Friel!

Every good dance needs an afterparty. The conclusion of our scripted book-only coverage of the Dance of the Dragons with Radio Westeros!

Intro: 0:03:24.
The After Party: 0:06:02.
The False Dawn: 0:07:51.
The Hour of the Wolf: 0:15:35.
When Women Ruled: 0:37:14.
The Judgement of the Wolf: 0:58:56.
A Winter Wedding: 1:10:10.
You Can't Go Home Again: 1:15:05.
Who Won This War, Anyway?: 1:20:24.
Outro: 1:25:50.

Radio Westeros: https://radiowesteros.com/

Maester Aemon was on the Wall for 67 years before passing at the grand age of 102. This episode covers the ~35 years he lived in the south, and this was a particularly interesting time… He was born during the era of Blackfyre Rebellions, the Great Spring Sickness, Bloodraven, King Aerys I, Aemon’s own father King Maekar and of course - Dunk & Egg.

The voyage of the Sun Chaser! Ash and Aziz are joined by LmL to discuss Elissa Farman's quest to go West of Westeros! This is the character Arya's show ending is based on, and may include the origin of Dany's eggs. (Originally published 1/8/19)

A look at all the ASOIAF-related shows in development and what their current status is. Including HotD s3, Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (aka the Hedge Knight), Ten Thousand Ships, and the Conquest. We'll also chat about our adventures at DragonCon 2024! Relevant images available with video on, on YouTube, or on Patreon.

From the livestream on Tues July 2nd. Since it's been fairly well established that GRRM is, in part, using F&B to set the table for future ASOIAF events, and given that the Faceless Man and Iron Bank are mentioned quite a bit in the book... then we should pay attention! Published July 14, 2019.

A look at the arc of Prince, err King… Consort Daemon in Fire and Blood and House of the Dragon. What ambitions did he have in the book? What was the purpose of his dreams at Harrenhal and his vision at the Heart tree in the show?

Alys Rivers tells Daemon that Harrenhal is cursed… but what does that mean? Where does the idea of a curse come from in the first place in Westeros and the real world? How are ghosts and heart trees involved? We attempt to answer those questions and more with returning guest Dr. Kavita Mudan Finn! Book spoilers.