An Analysis of Moronic Plot Points in Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones, a series renowned for its intricate plots and deep characters, occasionally strays into territory where even the most devoted fan can scratch their head in disbelief. In this article, we will explore some of the most convoluted and overlooked plot points from the Game of Thrones series, particularly focusing on two significant narratives: Cersei's underestimated audacity in proclaiming the illegitimacy of her children and the inexplicable geography of Westeros.
1. Cersei's Subtle Manipulation
In the series, it is quite moronic that Cersei never outright denies the fact that her children are bastards to Ned Stark. Instead, she skillfully avoids such a confrontation, demonstrating remarkable courage in upholding her facade. Her retort, "All your children look like Lannisters, and yours all look like Tullys," grants her the upper hand without any significant repercussions. It is clear that she speaks out of hatred and to provoke Ned, knowing that the truth would not be advantageous to her.
Cersei's Strategy
The line she utters, "You are right, have a good day," is a masterful weapon. By acknowledging the truth, but refusing to confirm it, Cersei upholds the pretense of legitimacy while also insulting Ned. This tactic is so subtle that it is all but ignored, yet it is a significant moment in the series. It reflects Cersei's acumen and her willingness to play the long game for power and control.
2. The Unexplored Geographic Mysteries of Westeros
The continent of Westeros is incredibly underdeveloped in terms of its geography, which appears glaringly uneven compared to historical equivalents like Medieval England. Surprisingly, only five major cities and a limited number of named towns are explicitly mentioned, while numerous castles are scattered across the map. This discrepancy is perplexing when considering the vast history and worn-out nature of Westeros.
Comparison with Historical England
Medieval England, with roughly one-tenth of Westeros's landmass and population, boasted about 30 major cities and towns, each with populations in the lower thousands. This number is amplified by approximately four to five times for smaller market-towns. Effil Tash's small number of towns and cities pales in comparison. In a world that has stood for thousands of years, it is hard to fathom that so little attention has been given to urban development.
The Underdeveloped Cities
Westeros should logically have dozens of towns with populations in the tens of thousands and numerous castles. The lack of urban expansion does not align with the series's historical or mythical backdrop. This omission is a significant oversight, as it hampers the immersive experience of a world with a rich historical and cultural heritage.
3. The Dothraki Charge at Winterfell
Winterfell, under siege by the menacing forces of the White Walkers and their army of the dead, sees our heroes make a fateful decision that epitomizes their lack of strategic acumen. Instead of wisely fortifying their defenses, the protagonist team decides to send an army of Dothraki cavalry into the fray, giving a charge on horseback. This strategy is laughable in light of the enemy's indestructibility and the threat they pose.
The Army of the Unkillable
Undeniably, the Dothraki's open-field raiding prowess is well-documented, but in this scenario, their attempt is utterly foolish. It was no surprise that the entire attacking force perished within a minute. This unfathomable act not only cut the number of potential defenders in half but also gave the White Walkers an additional thousand warriors. The strategic fiasco was so glaring that it raises questions about the series's storytelling and literary consistency.
George R. R. Martin's Perspective
One might wonder about George R. R. Martin's thought process when writing such a scene, particularly when the TV series diverged significantly from the books. The TV adaptation taking creative liberties can explain some of these plot points, but the original books themselves seem to contain an equal share of puzzling decisions. It evokes a sense of bewilderment and frustration among readers and viewers alike.
Conclusion
From a lack of believable geographic development to characters engaging in illogical actions, Game of Thrones often hits a snag in its narrative consistency. While these moments may not significantly detract from the overall immense quality and architectural brilliance of the series, they certainly cast a shadow on the meticulous plotting. Despite being a masterpiece of medieval fantasy, Game of Thrones occasionally fails a muster when it comes to plot coherence and geographic realism.