10 Things Game of Thrones Showrunners Skipped, Revealed Only in the Books
HBO’s Game of Thrones brought George R.R. Martin’s vivid world of Westeros to life on screen, but many elements from the original A Song of Ice and Fire books were trimmed or altered during the adaptation process. While the show captivates audiences with numerous twists and turns, some significant portions of the story, characters, and lore were left behind. Fans familiar with the books often find themselves scratching their heads over plot points that make perfect sense in the literary context but feel incomplete or inconsistent in the TV series. Here are ten key aspects from the books that are not fully explored in the show.
10. The Reeds and Their Connection to the North
The Reed family, particularly Meera and Jojen, play a crucial role in Bran Stark’s storyline in the books. They are Crannogmen, a unique people living in the swamps of the Neck, known for their mysticism and loyalty to the Starks. Meera and Jojen’s father, Howland Reed, was a close friend of Ned Stark and the sole survivor of the battle at the Tower of Joy where Jon Snow was born. The show includes Meera and Jojen but fails to highlight their deep bond with the Stark family and their cultural significance.
In the books, the Reeds are central to Bran’s journey, offering him crucial knowledge about the north and beyond. Howland Reed holds many secrets that were never revealed on the show, contributing to the rich tapestry of Westerosi lore that gives depth to the narrative.
9. The Guest Right Explains Why Red Wedding Was Such an Abomination
The Red Wedding is one of the most shocking betrayals in the series, but the horror is enhanced in the books by the concept of guest right. In Westerosi culture, when a host offers bread and salt to a guest, it establishes an unbreakable bond of hospitality. Betrayal after such an offering is considered one of the worst sins possible, as it angers the gods and bring divine retribution.
The books highlight instances where breaking guest rights brought curses and dire consequences. For instance, Old Nan tells stories of lords who broke this taboo and were cursed for generations. Even the Freys, the perpetrators of the Red Wedding, faced a string of mysterious misfortunes afterward, indicating that there are supernatural ramifications for violating such an honor code.
8. The True Significance of Harrenhal
Harrenhal is renowned as the largest castle in Westeros, but its significance extends far beyond its size. Built by King Harren the Black, it was intended to be an indestructible fortress until Aegon the Conqueror and his dragons reduced it to ruins. Since then, Harrenhal has been linked with a malevolent curse, affecting every family that inhabits it.
In the books, the castle is a symbol of doom, associated with betrayal and tragedy. Many believe it is haunted, and its history is filled with eerie occurrences. Arya Stark’s experience as Tywin Lannister’s cupbearer is one example of the unsettling stories tied to this cursed stronghold.
7. Coldhands: Who He Is and Why He Is the Way He Is
In the books, the character known as Coldhands assists Bran beyond the Wall but is distinct from Benjen Stark. Coldhands has characteristics that set him apart from a standard Wight: he has blackened hands, wears remnants of Night’s Watch clothing, and cannot pass through the Wall, suggesting some form of enchantment binding him. The show introduces Benjen Stark as this undead figure but simplifies him, losing much of Coldhands’ mystery and his potential connections to theChildren of the Forest.
The books imply that Coldhands could be a Targaryen or even a precursor to the Night King, but the show’s choice to merge him with Benjen Stark oversimplifies this intriguing supernatural element, making the show less enigmatic and less nuanced.
6. The Lore and Prophecy of the Prince That Was Promised
The prophecy of the Prince That Was Promised is one of the central mysteries in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. It refers to a legendary hero who will save the world from darkness, often linked to Azor Ahai, a figure in the ancient history of Westeros. The lore surrounding the prophecy includes ideas about the figure needing to wield Lightbringer, a magical sword forged in blood, and the need to sacrifice a loved one to bring the dawn after the Long Night.
While different factions interpret the prophecy differently, Melisandre believes it speaks to Stannis Baratheon, while Daenerys sees signs pointing to herself. The books delve deep into the layers of this prophecy, including its connections to the Children of the Forest. The show, on the other hand, briefly mentions the prophecy but does not explore its broader implications or the intricate web of lore surrounding it.
5. The Throne’s Policy of Targaryen Exceptionalism
The Targaryens have a history of perceived exceptionalism, where they maintain they are above the laws of the land, particularly in matters of marriage and succession.Unlike other noble families, they engaged in incestuous marriages to “keep the bloodline pure” and sometimes bent or ignored Westerosi traditions to maintain power.
The show touches on this concept but does not fully explore its depth. Book readers understand that Targaryens used this exceptionalism to justify actions that would have destroyed any other dynasty, giving them a unique position of power and influence in Westerosi history.
4. Grey Worm’s Fatal Fate Because of the Butterflies on Naath
