ABSTRACT

This chapter looks at the basic critique from Ian McShane to argue that as a consequence of using the medieval period, Game of Thrones has shaped how audiences and fans have engaged with, and perceived, the history it is loosely based on. It explores the varying ways Thrones is presented in relation to history to the public audience by examining the Game of Thrones in context. The chapter examines how audiences desire to know historical ‘truth,’ and the lengths they will go to in order to uncover this ‘truth.’ It shows that Brienne’s character, like many others, can utilise the idea of medievalism to push the boundaries in adapting historical cases of warrior women, such as Joan of Arc, Margaret of Anjou, and Isabella of Castile. The chapter demonstrates that through the series’ engagement with medievalism, the audience’s, and public’s, perception of medieval history is thoroughly shaped by the television series, which is a complex and difficult issue.