[kegasaurus]

Originally posted by Jacquin


Now that sounds like a challenge to me! :D

J

Bring it on.

[Loras Tyrell]

Originally posted by Caldazar


That is so weak.

In answer to the topic, nope.:)

Thank you for that thoughtful post.

It really broadens my horizon, you know, mate?

I love it when people criticize someone's statements or opinions without offering reasons or alternatives.

If you think it's so weak, why don't you come up with a more probable reason why noone hassles Martin about it?

Instead of just saying "That is so weak". You're debating kindergarten-style here.

Greetings
Artaxiad

[Oorag]

Loras, let's not turn this into a flamy thing. Caldazar already admitted he was trolling: poke and prod. I have nothing meaningful to say. You didn't ignore me. so let's just take his advice and ignore him.

[Beetle]

I too had been meaning to look into the War of the Roses since reading Martin's first three books, but then I realized I already had an older history of Richard III that my father passed on to me. I am not through with it yet, but the similarities are amazing.

Jacquin hinted that he thought Robert Barantheon was Edward IV, which by the end of Edward's reign he was reputed as being a man of excesses. But when Edward was a young man (early teens) I think he was the inspiration for Robb Stark. He, who as a young man, wins battle after battle against the Lancasters (Lannisters) and is idolized by his two younger brothers. (George/Richard v Bran/Rickon)

His father dies trying to save the Kingdom from a queen bent on securing her and her son's futures, and Edward IV is pushed, by his father's fellows to assume the throne of England. (Hmmmm?)

Like Robb, Edward IV secretly defies his handlers by marrying a woman of a lesser house he meets while campaigning against the Lancasters. Seems alot like Robb Stark to me. The question is...who does Richard III resemble?

What a great way to write a fantasy epic! I wish I would have thought of it first!!

[milamber_reborn]

You've convinced me, Beetle. All I can say is that Martin's series is doing justice to history with his impeccable quality.

[x_aka_andy]

The Wall could be either Hadrian's wall or the Antonine Wall. Either way, I guess that would make the wildlings scottish, wouldn't it?

The Wall was built to presumably keep the Others out of the realm, and the wildlings live there as they do not like 'kneelers', as they call the people of Westeros. In Roman times, Hadrian's Wall was built to keep the Celts out of occupied England, so the parallels are there. However, being a Scot myself, I haven't yet seen any wandering, shambling zombies. Unless you count walking around Glasgow city centre on a Friday or Saturday night......

As for the numerous isles around Westeros, are their any parallels with the islands around the UK mainland? And am I alone in thinking that the Greyjoys and their vassals are modelled on the Viking way of life?

As for the Others, there are plenty of myths and legends from Scandinavia and Scotland that could have a fantast slant put on them.

[Sir Stephen]

To use a source of history for inspiration is everyone's right. History belongs to no one and everyone at the same time. Thus no one can complain.

Wher'as an author ripping off another author's idea's is much more personal. It's like they were too lazy to go out and find they're own inspiration.

I'm also currently reading Alision Weir's Lancaster and York. Looking into TWOTR is something I'd meant to do for a long time now. And the history is all the more fascinating since I can make parrallels with Martin's books. It's pretty easy to read for a history book too.

[Pluvious]

I agree with Stephen and others. Its just inspiration. Every writer copies to some degree. That's what life is. Just be original where and when it counts. Martin does that.

I'm kind of "beyond" the study of the middle ages (more into renaissance/age of exploration/16th and 17th century now) but Martin uses history very skillfully. It lends order and purpose without being obvious. I feel like the world is real but "fantastic" at the same time. Nicely done.