A Game of Thrones

Basic Facts

"A Game of Thrones" is an epic fantasy novel by American author George R. R. Martin, first published on August 1, 1996, by Bantam Books. It is the first volume of the planned seven-book series "A Song of Ice and Fire." The novel spans 694 pages and blends elements of high fantasy with political intrigue, historical fiction, and gritty realism. The book was Martin's fourth novel and his return to prose fiction after a long period working in television.

Plot Summary

The story is set primarily on the continent of Westeros, where a summer of decades-long duration is ending. The narrative follows multiple intertwined storylines. In the north, Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell is summoned to serve as Hand of the King to his old friend King Robert Baratheon in the capital city of King's Landing. Eddard uncovers a dark secret about the queen's children, leading to his arrest and execution, which triggers a war among the great houses. Across the Narrow Sea, the exiled Targaryen siblings Viserys and Daenerys seek to reclaim the Iron Throne; Daenerys emerges from her brother's shadow, marries a Dothraki warlord, and eventually hatches three dragon eggs. On the Wall, a massive ice barrier in the far north, Eddard's bastard son Jon Snow joins the Night's Watch and encounters the ancient enemy beyond—the Others or White Walkers. The novel employs a multi-perspective structure, with each chapter named after a character through whose eyes the events are seen, providing a rich and nuanced view of the world.

Core Themes

The book explores themes of power, honor, loyalty, betrayal, and the moral ambiguity of human nature. Martin deliberately subverts the traditional fantasy trope of clear-cut good versus evil. Characters are flawed and make difficult choices, with no guarantee of justice. The cost of war, the corrupting influence of power, and the importance of family and duty are central concerns. The narrative also examines the role of prophecy and the weight of history on the present.

Writing Background

Martin conceived the idea for the series in 1991 while writing a science fiction novel. He was inspired by historical events, particularly the Wars of the Roses, and by the works of Maurice Druon. After a long career in television, Martin returned to prose fiction, adopting a "gardener" approach to writing—letting the story evolve organically rather than following a rigid outline. He wrote a hundred pages of the first chapter and submitted them to his agent, which led to the development of the full novel.

Influence and Legacy

"A Game of Thrones" was a critical and commercial success, winning awards including the Locus Award and being nominated for the Nebula and World Fantasy Awards. It revitalized the fantasy genre by introducing a more realistic and adult-oriented narrative. The series has sold over 90 million copies worldwide. The HBO adaptation "Game of Thrones" (2011-2019) became a global phenomenon, earning numerous Emmy Awards and cementing the book's cultural impact. Martin is often hailed as the "American Tolkien" for his world-building and storytelling, and his work has inspired a new generation of fantasy writers.

About the Author

George R. R. Martin

Early Life and Education

George Raymond Richard Martin was born on September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey, to a working-class family. His father was a longshoreman, and his mother was a homemaker. He had two younger sisters. Martin became an avid reader and writer at a young age, selling monster stories to neighborhood children and using his pet turtles as inspiration for a fantasy kingdom. He was a passionate comic book fan, and his letter to the editor of "Fantastic Four" was published in 1963, leading to him receiving fan mail. He won the Alley Award for a fanzine work in 1965. Martin attended Northwestern University, where he earned a B.S. in journalism in 1970 and an M.S. in 1971, both with highest honors. During the Vietnam War, he obtained conscientious objector status and performed alternative service for two years.

Writing Career

Martin began writing short science fiction stories in the early 1970s. His first story, "The Hero," was published in 1971. His story "With Morning Comes Mistfall" (1973) was nominated for Hugo and Nebula Awards. He won his first Hugo Award for the novella "A Song for Lya" (1974). Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he published numerous acclaimed novels and stories, including "Dying of the Light" (1977), "Fevre Dream" (1982), and "Tuf Voyaging" (1986). He also worked as a television writer for shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Beauty and the Beast," which honed his skills in character-driven storytelling.

A Song of Ice and Fire

In 1991, Martin began writing the epic fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire," with the first volume, "A Game of Thrones," published in 1996. The series is known for its complex characters, political intrigue, and realistic portrayal of medieval life. Martin has published five volumes to date, with two more planned. The HBO adaptation "Game of Thrones" (2011-2019) was a massive success, earning numerous awards and making Martin a household name. He served as an executive producer and wrote one episode per season for the first four seasons.

Personal Life and Legacy

Martin married Gale Burnick in 1975; they divorced in 1979. He married Parris McBride in 2011. He resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Martin has received numerous awards, including multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards. He was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2011. Often called "the American Tolkien," Martin's work has redefined modern fantasy and inspired a new generation of writers and readers. His influence extends beyond literature into television and popular culture, where his realistic approach to fantasy has become a benchmark.

StoryFlow

Eddard Stark's Investigation into Jon Arryn's Death

Eddard Stark traces the murder of his predecessor, uncovering the truth about Joffrey's parentage and the Lannister conspiracy.

Daenerys Targaryen's Rise from Exile

Daenerys evolves from a frightened pawn to a powerful khaleesi and mother of dragons, embracing her Targaryen heritage.

Jon Snow's Journey to the Wall

Jon Snow leaves Winterfell for the Night's Watch, finding purpose and brotherhood amidst the harsh realities of the Wall.

Knowledge Graph

Eddard Stark Catelyn Stark Robb Stark Sansa Stark Arya Stark Bran Stark Rickon Stark Jon Snow Benjen Stark Lyanna Stark Brandon Stark Rickard Stark Robert Baratheon Cersei Lannister Jaime Lannister Tyrion Lannister Tywin Lannister Kevan Lannister Joffrey Baratheon Myrcella Baratheon Tommen Baratheon Stannis Baratheon Renly Baratheon Barristan Selmy Sandor Clegane Gregor Clegane Varys Petyr Baelish Grand Maester Pycelle Janos Slynt Ilyn Payne Meryn Trant Boros Blount Arys Oakheart Preston Greenfield Mandon Moore Loras Tyrell Mace Tyrell Hoster Tully Edmure Tully Lysa Arryn Jon Arryn Robert Arryn Brynden Tully Jason Mallister Walder Frey Roose Bolton Rickard Karstark Greatjon Umber Maege Mormont Jorah Mormont Jeor Mormont Aemon Targaryen Alliser Thorne Donal Noye Bowen Marsh Samwell Tarly Yoren Syrio Forel Daenerys Targaryen Viserys Targaryen Rhaegar Targaryen Illyrio Mopatis Khal Drogo Mirri Maz Duur Jhogo Aggo Rakharo Irri Jhiqui Doreah Bronn Shae Theon Greyjoy Balon Greyjoy Osha Hodor Maester Luwin Septa Mordane Rodrik Cassel Vayon Poole Jeyne Poole Mycah Grey Wind Summer Shaggydog Lady Ghost The Others Wights Gared Will Waymar Royce Othor Jafer Flowers Mance Rayder Grenn Pyp Halder Todder Rast Dareon Matthar Jeren Albett Chett Clydas Dywen Hake Ketter Bass Three-Finger Hobb Septon Celladar Othell Yarwyck Jaremy Rykker Quorin Halfhand Cotter Pyke Denys Mallister Marillion Shagga Chella Ulf Gunthor Mord Vardis Egen Willis Wode Donnel Waynwood Morton Waynwood Lyn Corbray Eon Hunter Anya Waynwood Nestor Royce Albar Royce Yohn Royce Andar Royce Robar Royce Mya Stone Mychel Redfort Balon Swann Bryce Caron Beric Dondarrion Thoros of Myr Jalabhar Xho Anguy Marq Piper Karyl Vance Raymun Darry Lharys Kurleket Mohor Flement Brax Addam Marbrand Leo Lefford Harys Swyft Andros Brax Forley Prester Amory Lorch Vargo Hoat Masha Heddle Chataya Tobho Mott Gendry Barra Edric Storm Moon Boy Dontos Hollard Gyles Rosby Tanda Stokeworth Lollys Stokeworth Horas Redwyne Hobber Redwyne Paxter Redwyne Margaery Tyrell Randyll Tarly Dickon Tarly Gerold Hightower Arthur Dayne Oswell Whent Lewyn Martell Aerys II Targaryen Rhaella Targaryen Elia Martell Rhaenys Targaryen Aegon Targaryen Aegon the Conqueror Maegor the Cruel Jaehaerys I Targaryen Baelor I Targaryen Aemon Targaryen (Dragonknight)Naerys Targaryen Aegon III Targaryen Daeron I Targaryen Maekar I Targaryen Aegon V Targaryen Jaehaerys II Targaryen Rhaego Drogo Quaro Eroeh Qotho Haggo Cohollo Mago Jhaqo Pono Ogo Fogo Jommo Moro Rhogoro The High Septon

Knowledge Graph

Storylines

early in the story

Prologue Beyond the Wall

Three rangers of the Night's Watch—Will, Gared, and Ser Waymar Royce—ride north of the Wall in search of wildlings. They find a campsite with eight dead bodies, but the corpses vanish. That night, the Others attack. Ser Waymar fights bravely but is killed by an Other's pale sword, which shatters his blade. Will watches from a tree, horrified, as the Others butcher the young knight. Later, Will climbs down and finds Ser Waymar's body, but the dead knight rises as a wight with burning blue eyes and kills Will. This event establishes the supernatural threat of the Others and the wights, setting a tone of dread for the entire novel.

the morning after the prologue

Execution of the Deserter

Lord Eddard Stark rides out with his sons Robb, Jon, and Bran to witness the execution of a deserter from the Night's Watch. The man, Gared, is the same ranger who fled from the Others. Eddard beheads him with Ice, his Valyrian steel greatsword, teaching Bran that the man who passes the sentence must swing the sword. This event introduces the Stark family's honor code and the harsh justice of the North.

immediately after the execution

Discovery of the Direwolf Pups

On the ride back to Winterfell, Robb and Jon find a dead direwolf with a stag's antler in its throat. The wolf had given birth to six pups before dying. The Stark children each take a pup: Robb names his Grey Wind, Jon takes the albino Ghost, Sansa names hers Lady, Arya calls hers Nymeria, Bran names his Summer, and Rickon's is Shaggydog. Jon's argument that the pups are meant for the Stark children because the direwolf is their sigil convinces Eddard to let them keep the animals. This event symbolizes the bond between the Starks and their wolves and foreshadows the coming conflict with the Lannisters (the stag).

the same evening

News of Jon Arryn's Death

Catelyn Stark tells Eddard that Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died. She also reveals that King Robert is traveling to Winterfell to offer Eddard the position of Hand. Catelyn urges Eddard to accept, seeing it as a duty to the realm and a chance to uncover the truth behind Jon Arryn's death. Eddard is reluctant but agrees after receiving a secret letter from Lysa Arryn, which warns that the Lannisters murdered her husband. This event sets the plot of the novel in motion, drawing Eddard into the political intrigue of King's Landing.

around the same time

Daenerys's Wedding to Khal Drogo

In Pentos, Daenerys Targaryen is wed to Khal Drogo, a powerful Dothraki warlord, in a political marriage arranged by her brother Viserys and Magister Illyrio. The wedding is a grand, barbaric affair under the open sky, featuring Dothraki customs, bride gifts, and a dragon's egg from Illyrio. Daenerys is terrified but begins to find strength and a new identity as Khaleesi. This event launches Daenerys's journey from a frightened girl to a powerful leader and sets the stage for the Targaryen restoration plot.

shortly after the wedding

King Robert's Arrival at Winterfell

King Robert Baratheon arrives at Winterfell with a large retinue, including Queen Cersei, her children, and her brothers Jaime and Tyrion Lannister. Robert offers Eddard the position of Hand of the King, which Eddard reluctantly accepts after much persuasion from Catelyn. The visit also includes a tense moment in the crypts where Robert pays his respects to Lyanna Stark, his lost love. This event brings the Stark and Lannister families into close proximity and sets the stage for the central conflict.

during the royal visit

Bran's Fall

While climbing the broken tower at Winterfell, Bran Stark stumbles upon Queen Cersei and Jaime Lannister engaged in incestuous intercourse. Jaime pushes Bran from the window to silence him, leaving him in a coma with a broken back. Bran's direwolf, Summer, howls in distress. This event is a turning point, crippling Bran and setting the Stark-Lannister conflict in motion. It also reveals the secret of Cersei and Jaime's relationship, which becomes a central mystery.

weeks after Bran's fall

Attempted Assassination of Bran

An assassin with a Valyrian steel dagger attempts to kill the comatose Bran in his bed. Catelyn Stark fights him off, and Bran's direwolf, Summer, kills the attacker. Catelyn suspects the Lannisters are behind the attempt and decides to travel to King's Landing to warn Eddard. She also sends the dagger to be identified. This event deepens the Stark-Lannister feud and leads Catelyn to take Tyrion Lannister captive later.

on the road to King's Landing

Catelyn Captures Tyrion

At an inn on the kingsroad, Catelyn Stark encounters Tyrion Lannister and, believing him responsible for the attempt on Bran's life, has him arrested. She enlists the help of her father's bannermen and takes Tyrion to the Eyrie for trial. This act of aggression triggers the Lannister military response and escalates the conflict into open war. Tyrion, though innocent, is forced to demand a trial by combat.

shortly after Tyrion's capture

Trial by Combat at the Eyrie

In the Eyrie, Tyrion Lannister demands a trial by combat. The sellsword Bronn champions him against Ser Vardis Egen, the champion of Lysa Arryn. Bronn wins by using the environment and tiring out his heavily armored opponent, killing him. Tyrion is freed but must flee the Vale. This event showcases Tyrion's cunning and Bronn's skill, and it further strains relations between the Starks and Lannisters.

on the road to King's Landing

Arya's Conflict with Joffrey

Arya Stark and her friend Mycah, the butcher's boy, are practicing swordplay when Prince Joffrey confronts them. Joffrey threatens Mycah, and Arya attacks him to protect her friend. Nymeria, Arya's direwolf, bites Joffrey, and Arya throws his sword into the river. To appease the Lannisters, Eddard is forced to kill Sansa's wolf, Lady, and Mycah is later killed by the Hound. This event deepens the rift between the Starks and Lannisters and traumatizes both Arya and Sansa.

after arriving in King's Landing

Eddard Stark Becomes Hand of the King

Eddard Stark assumes the role of Hand of the King in King's Landing. He quickly becomes embroiled in the political machinations of the court, investigating Jon Arryn's death and uncovering the Lannisters' debts and corruption. He also discovers that Robert has many bastards, including Gendry. This event places Eddard at the center of the realm's power struggles and sets him on a collision course with the Lannisters.

weeks after Eddard becomes Hand

Tournament of the Hand

A grand tournament is held in King's Landing to honor Eddard Stark as the new Hand. The event features jousting, melees, and archery. Key moments include the Knight of Flowers, Loras Tyrell, defeating several opponents, and the Hound winning the champion's purse after his brother, Gregor Clegane, kills a horse and attacks Loras. The tournament showcases the martial culture of Westeros and provides a backdrop for political maneuvering.

after the tournament

Eddard Discovers the Truth

Eddard Stark, through his investigations, learns that Cersei Lannister's children are not Robert's but are the product of her incest with Jaime. He confronts Cersei in the godswood, giving her a chance to flee with her children before he tells Robert. This revelation is the central secret of the novel and sets the stage for the succession crisis. Eddard's decision to confront Cersei rather than go directly to Robert proves to be a fatal mistake.

shortly after Eddard's confrontation with Cersei

Death of King Robert

King Robert Baratheon is mortally wounded by a boar while hunting. Before dying, he names Eddard Stark as Protector of the Realm and regent for his heir, Joffrey. Eddard writes a will, altering the wording to say 'my heir' instead of 'my son Joffrey,' knowing the truth. Robert's death triggers a power struggle, as Cersei moves to secure the throne for Joffrey. This event is a turning point, leading to the Lannister coup.

immediately after Robert's death

Coup at the Iron Throne

Eddard Stark attempts to install Stannis Baratheon as king, but Cersei Lannister, with the support of the City Watch and Littlefinger, stages a coup. Eddard is betrayed by Littlefinger and arrested for treason. His household guard is slaughtered, and he is thrown into the dungeons. This event marks the fall of House Stark in King's Landing and the beginning of the War of the Five Kings.

days after the coup

Eddard Stark's Execution

Eddard Stark is publicly executed on the steps of the Great Sept of Baelor on the orders of King Joffrey, despite Cersei's plan to send him to the Wall. Sansa Stark pleads for his life, but Joffrey has him beheaded by Ser Ilyn Payne with Ice. Arya Stark witnesses the execution from the crowd. This event is a major turning point, galvanizing the North and the Riverlands to declare war on the Lannisters and making Robb Stark the King in the North.

after Eddard's death

Robb Stark Crowned King in the North

After learning of his father's execution, Robb Stark is proclaimed King in the North by his bannermen, led by the Greatjon Umber. He continues his campaign against the Lannisters, winning a major victory at the Battle of the Whispering Wood, where he captures Jaime Lannister. This event establishes Robb as a major military leader and the figurehead of the Stark rebellion.

throughout the first book

Daenerys's Rise in the Dothraki Sea

Daenerys Targaryen adapts to Dothraki life, becoming pregnant with Khal Drogo's child. She gains confidence and begins to assert herself, even defying her brother Viserys. After Viserys threatens her and her unborn child, Drogo kills him by pouring molten gold on his head. Daenerys also begins to feel a connection to her dragon eggs, which grow warm in the fire. This event marks Daenerys's transformation from a pawn to a player in the game of thrones.

at the end of the book

Birth of Daenerys's Dragons

After Khal Drogo dies from a festering wound, Daenerys uses blood magic to try to save him, but the ritual leaves him in a vegetative state. She smothers him out of mercy and then walks into his funeral pyre with her three dragon eggs. The eggs hatch, and Daenerys emerges unscathed with three newborn dragons. This event is the climax of Daenerys's arc, establishing her as the 'Mother of Dragons' and a major magical and political force.

after leaving Winterfell

Jon Snow Joins the Night's Watch

Jon Snow travels to Castle Black to join the Night's Watch, accompanied by his uncle Benjen Stark and Tyrion Lannister. He faces the harsh realities of life on the Wall, including the brutal training under Ser Alliser Thorne. Jon befriends Samwell Tarly and other recruits, and he eventually takes his vows before a weirwood tree. This event sets Jon on his path as a brother of the Night's Watch, separate from the Stark family's war.

after Jon's vows

Wight Attack at Castle Black

Two dead rangers, Othor and Jafer Flowers, are found in the haunted forest. They are brought back to Castle Black, but they reanimate as wights and attack. Jon Snow kills the wight Othor with fire, saving Lord Commander Mormont. This event proves the existence of the Others and their undead servants, convincing Mormont of the threat beyond the Wall and leading to the decision to undertake a great ranging.

during the coup

Arya Escapes the Red Keep

After her father's arrest, Arya Stark escapes the Red Keep with the help of her dancing master, Syrio Forel, who sacrifices himself to delay Lannister guards. Arya flees through the castle's secret passages and eventually escapes into the city. She witnesses her father's execution from the crowd and is later taken by Yoren, a recruiter for the Night's Watch, who disguises her as a boy. This event begins Arya's journey as a fugitive and sets her on a path of survival and vengeance.

after the coup

Sansa Becomes a Hostage

Sansa Stark is kept as a hostage in the Red Keep after her father's arrest. She is forced to write letters to her family urging them to swear fealty to Joffrey. She is also betrothed to Joffrey, though she is treated cruelly by him and his guards. Sansa's situation highlights the vulnerability of women in the game of thrones and her own internal conflict between her romantic ideals and the harsh reality.

after being captured by Catelyn

Tyrion's Journey to the Vale

Tyrion Lannister is taken captive by Catelyn Stark and brought to the Eyrie. During the journey, he befriends the sellsword Bronn and later allies with the mountain clans of the Vale. After his trial by combat, he is freed and makes his way back to his father's army, gaining the loyalty of the clansmen. This event expands Tyrion's network of allies and showcases his resourcefulness.

during Robb's campaign

Battle of the Green Fork

Tywin Lannister's army engages a diversionary force led by Roose Bolton at the Green Fork. The battle is a Lannister victory, but it is a strategic feint, as Robb Stark's main force is elsewhere. This event demonstrates Tywin's tactical acumen and sets up the larger conflict.

simultaneous with the Green Fork

Battle of the Whispering Wood

Robb Stark ambushes and defeats Jaime Lannister's army in the Whispering Wood, capturing Jaime himself. This victory lifts the siege of Riverrun and establishes Robb as a brilliant military commander. The battle is a major turning point in the war, giving the Starks a significant advantage.

after her wedding

Daenerys's Journey to Vaes Dothrak

Daenerys travels with Khal Drogo's khalasar to the Dothraki capital, Vaes Dothrak. She becomes pregnant and learns to ride and assert herself. She also experiences a vision of a dragon and begins to feel a connection to her dragon eggs. This journey is a period of growth and transformation for Daenerys.

in Vaes Dothrak

Viserys's Death

Viserys Targaryen, drunk and desperate, threatens Daenerys and her unborn child in front of the Dothraki. Khal Drogo kills him by pouring molten gold over his head, fulfilling his promise of a 'golden crown.' This event removes the last male Targaryen claimant and solidifies Daenerys's position as the head of her house.

near the end of the book

The Great Ranging Begins

Lord Commander Jeor Mormont decides to lead a great ranging beyond the Wall to investigate the disappearance of Benjen Stark and the threat of the Others. Jon Snow, having attempted to desert to join Robb, is convinced to stay and joins the ranging. This event sets the stage for the next phase of the story beyond the Wall.