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Student “X”
Mr. Wildfong
HZT 4UI
5 May, 2014
The Physical and Philosophical Conflicts of Westeros
Although the violent and mystical elements may be what initially attracts viewers, it takes
a deeper meaning to hold an audience’s attention. There is no case where this is better
demonstrated than with the television series Game of Thrones, which has consequently become a
television phenomenon. Critical analysis of the series reveals complicated themes and questions
about the nature of social structures and the lack of distinction between right and wrong, among
others. It is this examination of the profound philosophical meaning that is so captivating about
Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones is based on the fantasy, book series A Song of Fire and Ice,
by George R.R. Martin. The series takes place in the mythical realms of Westeros and Essos
during a time period technologically and socially comparable to that of the medieval era. The
plot follows different noble houses and their fight for control of the Iron Throne and the Seven
Kingdoms; this civil war is also accompanied by the imminent threat of mythical beings. Most
importantly, there are many philosophical ideas that are prevalent throughout the show. Firstly,
characters express different ideas that deal with the broad field of ethics. Secondly, the way the
society of Game of Thrones treats women is reminiscent of the concepts expressed in Plato’s
dialogues. Thirdly, the civil war and ruling structure of Westeros illustrate Thomas Hobbes’
theory of the need for social contracts and sovereign leaders. Thus, Game of Thrones is
philosophical in that characters’ actions and situations demonstrate well established
philosophical theories.
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To begin, the characters of Game of Thrones express various ethical concepts. One of the
main characters is Eddard Stark, the Lord Paramount of the Northern region, who is known
throughout Westeros for his immaculate honour. Eddard discovers that the King’s children are in
actuality fathered by the Queen’s brother. When the King dies, and his supposed son, Joffrey, is
subsequently made King, Eddard challenges Joffrey’s legitimacy and is arrested for treason.
Facing execution, a friend pleads with Eddard to pretend to recognize the King’s validity in order
to save his, and his family’s, lives. Eddard responds, “You think my life is some precious thing
to me? That I would trade my honor for a few more years” (XEgalmothOfGondolin). This belief
is similar to Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative which states that one must “act only
according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a
universal law” (McCormick, Internet). Eddard believes that, no matter what the consequences, he
must act with honour and fulfill his duty to the realm. He believes that every citizen of Westeros
has an absolute obligation to only recognize the rightful king. This is the rational thing to do
because to have set rules for succession will discourage rebellion and lust for power. Only
legitimate heirs may rule the kingdom. He hopes that others will adhere to this rule, and support
his claim. Although his actions ultimately lead to his execution and place his family in danger,
Eddard maintains that he did the morally right thing by adhering to reason and setting a standard
that he wishes everyone else to follow as well. Similarly, Daenerys Targaryen maintains that
ethical decisions are absolute, and not dependent on the situation. After conquering the city of
Mereen, Daenerys orders one hundred and sixty-three slave masters to be crucified as retribution
for the previous crucifixions of an equal number of slaves. When implored by her advisor that
she has already achieved power, and that this is a poor political move, Daenerys replies that
mercy is not an adequate option: “I will answer injustice with justice” (valar morghulis).
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Daenerys is voicing the ethical theory of deontology, “that one who does harm deserves to
suffer, that punishment is just and even necessary to ‘right the wrong’ and restore moral balance”
(Lichtenberg, Internet). Daenerys focuses solely on the slave masters’ unnecessary, cruel torture
of the slaves, and believes that they must suffer for their actions. She emphasizes the theory of
retaliation that states that the punishment should be equal in magnitude to the crime; thus, she
does the exact same thing to the masters as they did to the slaves. This may create possible
consequences in the long term, as others may try to retaliate for the slave masters’ treatment.
However, Daenerys focuses on the deontological belief that the ethically right thing to do is to
re-establish moral balance by causing those who caused pain to suffer. In contrast, Margaery
Tyrell supports the belief that causing pain is not ethically wrong if the results justify the means.
Margaery is engaged to the sadistic, boy king Joffrey Baratheon. When shown his new crossbow,
Margaery pretends to adhere to his merciless beliefs in order to gain his trust and acceptance: “I
imagine it must be so exciting to squeeze your finger here and watch something die over
there…would you like to watch me [kill something]” (Marcel Büssing). This theory is
comparable to Jeremy Bentham’s views on utilitarianism: “as long as there are these good effects
which are, on balance, better than the effects of any alternative course of action, then the action
is the right one” (Driver, Internet). Margaery is expressing that she is willing to kill something,
or possibly someone, in order to become the Queen of Westeros. Her reasons, however, are
honourable in nature. Margaery has witnessed that the people currently in power are obsessed
with status and control; she, on the other hand, wishes to use her position to help others.
Margaery has proven her charitable ways by donating food from feasts to the poor, and visiting
orphanages. Margaery believes that if she is the Queen, she will have an increased capability to
help the people of Westeros. Thus, she is willing to commit ethically wrong actions in order to
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secure her position, ultimately creating more benefit to society than there otherwise would have
been. Therefore, the characters of Game of Thrones express various philosophical ideas,
particularly in the field of ethics.
Furthermore, the treatment of women in Game of Thrones can be related to theories in
Plato’s dialogues. Cersei Lannister is the wife of the late King Robert Baratheon, and mother of
the current King Joffrey Lannister. As Joffrey is still a child, she acts as Queen Regent, ruling in
his stead until he comes of age. Thus, she can be considered operational ruler of the Seven
Kingdoms, if not officially ruler by title. However, she is still under the control of her father,
Tywin Lannister. When Tywin wishes to form an alliance with the House Tyrell, Cersei is forced
to marry Loras Tyrell against her wishes: “You are my daughter! You will do as I command and
you will marry Loras Tyrell” (Jaqen H'ghar). This illustrates the theory expressed in Laws, as
quoted by Catherine McKeen: “parents are the superiors of their offspring; Men are (of course)
the superiors of both women and children” (McKeen 541). Although she is Queen Regent, Cersei
is still the inferior to her father. This allows him to use her as an object to form alliances, and
marry her to a man much younger than she. Cersei is distraught, as this would be the second time
her father has forced her to marry another man; the first, being her marriage to King Robert.
However, there is nothing she can do to defy him, as he is her superior and has all of the power
in this social structure. This situation also demonstrates another concept expressed in Plato’s
dialogues. Tywin justifies his actions by claiming that this marriage will secure an alliance with a
noble family who is in control of one of the Seven Kingdoms: “He is heir to Highgarden…you
will secure the Reach” (Jaqen H'ghar). Catherine McKeen describes Plato’s opinion on this type
of situation as, “[t]he Laws show…that women can have Guardian-style responsibilities, but be
relegated to those that require the least in terms of power and responsibility” (McKeen 544).
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Similar to Plato’s utopic society, or kallipolis, men and women are both considered to have
equally important, but different, responsibilities in Westeros. Men are leaders, soldiers, and
politicians; they rule and guard the kingdom. Women are bargaining tools that are used to form
alliances between families. The Lannisters illustrate this by marrying Cersei to Loras Tyrell in
order to create an alliance between the two houses and ensure the Tyrell support in the imminent
war. This marriage will make Cersei the wife of a great ruler, and the mother of sons who will
become rulers, thus giving her Guardian like responsibilities. Cersei is still considered to have an
important responsibility, but one that clearly undermines her ultimate power. In contrast, Brienne
of Tarth establishes herself in an empowering situation. Brienne competes in a tournament by
hiding the fact that she is a women, and subsequently defeats all of the other competitors,
including the previous champion, Loras Tyrell. King Renly Baratheon recognizes her success:
“Well fought…I’ve seen Ser Loras bested once or twice, but never quite in that fashion…Rise,
Brienne of the King’s Guard” (lmaccsen). This is comparable to an idea expressed in The
Republic: “it is necessary for the female genos, to the greatest extent possible (malista), have in
common with the male genos education and other pursuits. For if women do not share all of life
in common with the men, well then, won’t it be necessary to dictate some other organization for
women?” (McKeen, 15). Plato is suggesting that not only should women strive towards a
masculine way of life, but that they will also be improved through this endeavour. Brienne trains
to be a solider, and competes in a tournament: these are traditionally masculine skills and goals.
By doing so, Brienne improves her status. As a result of her bravery and skill, Brienne is
consequently named a member of King Renly’s ‘King’s Guard’, a group of highly skilled
knights who serve and protect the leader of the realm. This is one of the highest honours awarded
to a knight in Westeros. Brienne demonstrates that not only are women capable of performing
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the same actions as men, but that women can overcome social structures and the innate, natural
weakness by doing so. Thus, the treatment of the female characters of Game of Thrones
demonstrate the philosophical theories of the treatment of women, as expressed in Plato’s
dialogues Laws and The Republic.
Finally, Thomas Hobbes’ ideas can be found throughout Game of Thrones. Hobbes’
principal idea is that the nature of man is “solitary, poore [sic], nasty, brutish, and short” (Hobbes
48) and that “men have no pleasure, (but on the contrary a great deale [sic] of griefe [sic]) in
keeping company, where there is no power able to over-awe them all” (Hobbes 48). These
concepts suggest the need for members of a society to forfeit their rights through a social
contract to a sovereign leader. This idea can be seen throughout Game of Thrones. The primary
plot of the show is based upon the War of the Five Kings. This war began after King Robert
Baratheon of Westeros’ death. There was disagreement about who was the rightful heir to the
throne, with two potential claimants: Joffrey Baratheon, believed to be the son of Robert, and
Stannis Baratheon, eldest brother to Robert. In the midst of the conflict, other houses take
advantage of the disagreement to contend for the throne themselves: this includes Renly
Baratheon, youngest brother of Robert, Robb Stark of the North, and the leaders of House
Greyjoy. This conflict illustrates Hobbes’ idea of the need for a common authority and the
consequences of losing such: “during the time men live without a common Power to keep them
all in awe, they are in that condition which is called Warre [sic]; and such a warre [sic], as is of
every man, against every man” (Hobbes 49). The common authority in Westeros is the King,
formerly Robert Baratheon. After his death, the entire country dissolves into a civil war. The
families that are not directly competing for the throne support those who are through various
alliances. With no sole leader, the entire kingdom turns against each other into a nationwide
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conflict. Disputes that may have been handled peacefully during King Robert’s rein, such as the
unlawful execution of Robb Stark’s father, escalate exponentially. Thus, the loss of the common
authority, King Robert, throws all of Westeros into a state of war, as Hobbes suggested it would.
Likewise, the innate, chaotic nature of mankind is illustrated through the lack of a sovereign
leader. King Joffrey Baratheon succeeded his father, however is immature and incapable of
properly running a kingdom. As a result, his advisors inherit the majority of the power.
Unfortunately, each advisor has a personal agenda which are not in harmony with each other.
The citizens of Kings Landing, the capital of Westeros, become frustrated with the lack of
definitive control and direction: “Corruption! We are swollen, bloated, foul…the king prancing
down his blood stained halls to the tune of a twisted, demon monkey” (GameOfThronesScenes).
Hobbes emphasizes the need for citizens “to submit to the authority of an absolute – undivided
and unlimited – sovereign power” (Lloyd, Internet) in order to control their natural, brutish
human nature. In Westeros, there is not an absolute leader: there is the face of a leader with
various puppeteers controlling him. The resentment and disloyalty of the citizens is evident
through their questioning of the King’s legitimacy and his actions, particularly his sadistic
nature. They blame the state of the city on one particular advisor, Tyrion Lannister, who they
refer to as a “twisted, demon monkey” (GameOfThronesScenes). The city is in upset and conflict
because of the lack of an undivided, unlimited sovereign power. Moreover, the tendency towards
conflict is illustrated through the struggle in the North. The North is one of the Seven Kingdoms
of Westeros and has always been in the control of the Stark family. However, after the Starks are
convicted of treason, the North changes hands between various families all contending for
control. Eventually, Roose Bolton is named warden of the North as a reward for murdering Robb
Stark and betraying his army, which consisted of various Northern families. The Northerners
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consequently refuse to submit to his control. As Tyrion Lannister states, “the Northerners will
never forget” (TheCell8). Thomas Hobbes’ describes this situation as, “[c]ontinued stability will
require that [citizens] refrain from the sorts of actions that might undermine such a regime. For
example, subjects should not dispute the sovereign power…[there is a] relationship between
political obedience and peace” (Lloyd, Internet). The Northerners are both angry and distrustful
of Roose Bolton because of the disreputable actions he undertook in order to claim control. The
Northerners consequently do not recognize Roose Bolton’s control over the North, and plot
rebellion and overthrow of the government. Because they will not submit to the control of the
sovereign leader, the North is in constant conflict and war. The consequences Hobbes claimed to
happen do occur as a result of their political disobedience. Thus, the various conflicts throughout
Game of Thrones are reflective of Thomas Hobbes’ ideas of the need for a social contract and
sovereign leader.
Therefore, Game of Thrones is philosophical in nature because the plot and characters’
opinions are resonant of well-known philosophical theories. The characters’ demonstrate various
ideas that display ethical theories, specifically Kant’s categorical imperative, deontology, and
utilitarianism. As well, the societal values and treatment of women demonstrate the ideas of male
superiority and women’s innate weakness, as expressed in Plato’s dialogues, The Republic and
Laws. Finally, Thomas Hobbes’ ideas with respect to the need for a social contract and sovereign
leader can be seen throughout the society of Westeros. Although a fictional television show,
Game of Thrones demonstrates well-established philosophical concepts and as a result the
audience is forced to consider the impacts of the ideas expressed. The question then remains of
how different this mythical society is in its values and government structure to the existent one
today, and whether this reflection can offer philosophical insight into how to continue.
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Works Cited
Driver, Julia. “The History of Utilitarianism.” The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 27
March. 2009. Stanford University. Web. 29 April. 2014
<http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/utilitarianism-history/#JerBen>.
GameOfThronesScenes. “Tyrion Lannister - Demon monkey.” YouTube. YouTube, 29 Dec.
2013. Web. 29 April. 2014.
Hobbes, Thomas. Of Man. London: Penguin Group, 1985. Print.
Jaqen H'ghar. “Game of Thrones (S03E05) - Tywin, Tyrion and Cersei discussing marriages.”
YouTube. YouTube, 28 April. 2013. Web. 29 April. 2014.
Lichtenberg, Judith. “The Ethics of Retaliation.” Philosophy & Public Policy Quarterly. 21
(2001): 4-16. Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy. George Mason University. Web.
29 April. 2014 <http://ippp.gmu.edu/pppq.html>.
lmaccsen. “Brienne of Tarth vs Ser Loras Tyrell.” YouTube. YouTube, 9 Oct. 2013. Web. 29
April. 2014.
Loyd, S.A., & S. Sreedhar. “Hobbes’ Moral and Political Philosophy.” The Stanford Encylopedia
of Philosophy. 25 Feb. 2015. Stanford University. Web. 27 April. 2014
<http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/hobbes-moral/#StaNatStaWar>.
Marcel Büssing. “Game of Thrones Season 4 Trailer - The North Will Never Forget ! [HD].”
YouTube. YouTube, 3 Nov. 2013. Web. 4 May. 2014.
McCormick, Matt. “Immanuel Kant: Metaphysics.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. n.d.
N.p. IEP. Web. 28 April. 2014 <http://www.iep.utm.edu/kantmeta/>.
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McKeen, Catherine. “Why Women Must Guard and Rule in Plato’s Kallipolis.” Pacific
Philosophical Quarterly 87.4 (2006): 527-548. Primo. N.p. Web. 12 April. 2014
<http://primo.tuglibraries.on.ca/>.
TheCell8. “Tyrion and Tywin ‘Because you're a Lannister!’.” YouTube. YouTube, 9 Jun. 2013.
Web. 4 May. 2014.
valar morghulis. “Game of Thrones S04E04 - Daenerys Targaryen takes Meereen (Kill the
masters).” YouTube. YouTube, 28 April. 2014. Web. 29 April. 2014.
XEgalmothOfGondolin. “Game of Thrones - Eddard Stark – “You think my life is some precious
thing to me?”.” YouTube. YouTube, 29 May. 2012. Web. 29 April. 2014.