a song of fire and ice – My Geek Wisdom

“Winter is coming.”

From: Various characters as it is the motto of House Stark

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Game of Thrones/A Song of Fire and Ice

The story behind the quote: This quote comes from Game of Thrones (AKA A Song of Fire and Ice). Originally a book series by George RR Martin, it was popularized when HBO decided to make a television series based on them.

The quote is actually mentioned several times throughout both the books and the HBO series. It’s actually the motto of House Stark, one of the families interested in claiming the Iron Throne. It is to reference the harshness of the winters of the Westeros and Essos continents. However, like a lot of literary works, this does have two meanings.

Geek wisdom: Always be prepared for the worst as it will come sooner or later. You might not know when it will exactly but it will eventually arrive so it’s best to be ready for whatever hardships may come.

“The things I do for love.”

From: Jaime Lanniser

Genre: Movies/Books

Who said it?: Game of Thrones/A Song of Fire and Ice

The story behind the quote: Since the HBO series Game of Thrones just ended, I decided to punctuate its closure with a quote from the series. Game of Thrones is based on the book series A Song of Fire and Ice by George R. R. Martin. It is a fantasy series filler with political intrigue all about different warring families trying to win the Iron Throne.

The quote actually comes from the first episode of the HBO series. Jaime Lanniser and his twin sister Cirsei Lanniser are having sex in a tower when Bran Stark accidentally sees them in the act while climbing the tower. Jaime catches the boy spying on them before he slips and falls off the tower. When Cirsei yells that the boy saw them, Jaime asks Bram his age. Jaime then looks at Cirsei and realizing that Bram can ruin them, delivers the quote before pushing him off the tower.

Geek wisdom: While what Jaime did can be said to be a truly despicable act, he did it to ensure that his loved ones will be safe. And people do actually do terrible things in the name of love. He had to do that distasteful thing to help the people he loves, even if his reputation will be in tatters afterwards. But, since what he did was for the benefit of the people around him, he was willing to do it, reputation be damned.

“Never forget what you are. The rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor. It can never be used to hurt you.”

From: Game of Thrones

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Tyrion Lannister

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from the HBO series Game of Thrones. It is a medieval fantasy series based on the book series “A Song of Fire and Ice” by George R. R. Martin. The books focus on several families/houses vying for the Iron Throne and the right to control all of Westeros.

The quote comes from the very first episode of the series, “Winter is Coming.” Tyrion Lannister (played by Peter Dinklage) runs across Jon Snow (played by Kit Harrington). Tyrion Lannister recognizes Jon Snow as the illegitimate son of Ned Stark and calls him a “bastard.” This does offend Jon Snow to a great degree. This is when Lannister gives him some advice…

Geek wisdom: We live in a world where people will try to ridicule you for what you are and we have a tendency to hide our true selves from the world. What most of us don’t realize that, if we do this, then we are not accepting ourselves for who we really are.

If we are honest with ourselves and allow ourselves to express our true nature, others, despite them trying to make fun of us for whatever it is, won’t be able to hurt us.

“I’m guilty of a far more monstrous crime. I’m guilty of being a dwarf.”

From: Game of Thrones

Genre: Television

Who said it?: Tyrion Lannister

The story behind the quote: The quote comes the HBO television series Game of Thrones. The hit fantasy television is based on George R. R. Martin’s book series entitled “A Song of Fire and Ice.” The series’ name actually comes from the first book of the series.

The quote comes from the sixth episode of the fourth season, The Laws of Gods and Men. Tyrion Lannister (played brilliantly by Peter Dinklage) is put on trial for the murder of King Joffrey during the Purple Wedding. Realizing the entire thing is a farce and he will never get a fair trial, Tyrion gives a defiant speech, stating what he is actually guilty of…

Geek wisdom: It’s hard to admit but various forms of discrimination is alive and well in our society. Whether it be racism, sexism or any other form of persecution, if someone is out of the social norm, they will be treated differently and, most of the time, unfairly. These people will have a difficult time getting a fair shake in the world.

As a society, we have to understand the cultural differences and actually break free from our preconceptions of social norms. This is the only way discrimination can truly be eradicated.