Religion in Game of Thrones

[Ibrahim]

Ok, lets get nerdy.

As with most fantasy fiction, the religions in the Song of Ice and Fire novels appear to be based on real-world examples. I'm going to run through the list of my impressions. Feel free to correct me where you think I'm wrong, or add in anything I've forgotten, or mock this as a waste of time.


The Old Gods
I think the similarities to Northern European paganism are obvious and intentional here. The weirwoods and the absence of priests reminds one of Norse mythology, but there is also a touch of animism and the new Bran/Greenseer business has a more Celtic feel. The communing with and possessing of animals can be found in both.


The Seven
Obvious nod to medieval Catholicism here, with seven personifications replace one God with many patron saints. The actual theology is little discussed, but the social influences and organization appears to be very pre-Reformation Catholic.


R'hllor, the Red God
The monotheism, moral duality, dismissal of other gods, and obsession with fire all speak to Zoroastrianism. The only glaring difference is the use of human sacrifice. Would be interested to hear more from the Red Priests, perhaps because they have a deliberate "Eastern" feel.


The Drowned God
I like the idea of this, and think it suits Viking-style seafarers remarkably well, and inverting the normal pagan narrative of sky-god-equals-good is clever. But I can't actually think of any historical precedent here. The idea of making priests undergo drowning is especially good. I encourage this, partially as reciprocity for how often it is encouraged of lawyers.


The Gods of Old Ghis
Mentioned in passing, more of less ignored by the population and existing largely as traditional and ritualized ceremonies, the reference point here is clearly Greco-Roman paganism of the Imperial period.


The Many-Faced God
Again, not really any historical precedents that I can think of, aside from the general observation that all cultures have a personification of death in their religious and artistic vocabulary. Perhaps designed more carefully by the author to fit Arya's character development, and so given a more unique flavor to match the extra attention. Given the connection to assassins I thought some nods to the original Assassins would be made, but there is none. In truth, the House of Black and White is more interesting than Alamut.

[Tinker]

[Ibrahim]

[Demon of Undoing]

Never looked at the story, but this " Drowned God" business sounds good. Puts a whole new wrinkle on " take up your cross and follow me", dont it?

[Tinker]

[Ibrahim]