22 fascinating facts for hardcore Game of Thrones fans
Who hasn't heard of Game of Thrones?
Shocking, riveting, scary... whatever you think, this HBO series has fans all over the world glued to the screen. More and more people are getting the GoT bug, but what goes on behind the scenes is just as fascinating as our favorite characters' latest shenanigans!
Here are 22 fascinating facts about the best series of all time. Warning - spoiler alert!
1. You can learn the Dothraki language
Learning to speak Khal Drogo's mother tongue is really easy as Dothraki only has 3,000 words! However, the language is growing all the time so be prepared to do your homework. Dothraki was invented for the series by David J. Peterson, who admits being surprised by the number of fans who want to learn it!
2. Pigeon pie exists!
Pigeon pie was served at Joffrey's wedding, but did you know that the recipe was once given to Giovanni de Rosselli, a 16th Century writer? What's more, the pie used on set was the real deal!
3. A Game of Thrones course is taught at Harvard
Harvard students can study the medieval world portrayed in the series. By studying Game of Thrones, students learn more about the culture and lifestyles of people who lived during the Middle Ages.
4. It's the most pirated TV show
Game of Thrones has won a host of accolades, one of which is the most pirated TV show. It's broken all download records and has topped the list of illegal downloads pretty much since it burst onto our TV screens!
5. Khaleesi, mother of dragons and slugs!
In 2013, scientists discovered a new species of sea slug off the Brazilian coast. As it's customary to give new species a name, they decided to call it 'Tritonia Khaleesi', in honor of Khaleesi, Daenerys Targaryen, the mother of dragons.
6. Tyrion's character was written with Peter Dinklage in mind
Peter Dinklage didn't have to audition for the role of Tyrion Lannister! The directors had already selected him for the role and told him so in advance! And it was Dinklage who suggested that the producers call in his friend, Lena Headey, to audition for the role of Cersei Lannister, his hated on-screen sister.
7. George Bush's head appears on a spike
You may have missed this one - Red Keep has Georges W. Bush's head on a spike! The show's producers admit that the head resembles the former POTUS but deny that it was done deliberately - they simply used material that was available to keep production costs down. HBO, however, did apologize for the controversy this gruesome head caused.
8. There's a Game of Thrones rap album
HBO has brought out a rap album entirely dedicated to Game of Thrones.
9. HBO are selling the Iron Throne
Okay so it's not the one in show but a full-size iron replica. It's cost? A mere $30,000 (2m high and weighs 158 kg). Just add a crown and you too can become King of the Seven Kingdoms!
10. Gandalf's sword appears in Game of Thrones
Gandalf's sword from Lord of the Rings was spotted in Game of Thrones - how cool is that?
11. There are 70 ways to say "Hodor"
It has to be said that Kristian Nairn's lines were some of the easiest, but this gentle giant had to learn 70 different ways to say "Hodor". According to the actor, each prononciation had to pack a different emotional punch.
12. Madonna is rooting for Khaleesi
Madonna is a huge Game of Thrones fan! She even managed to get a real Daenerys costume off the directors, which she wore to celebrate Purim, a Jewish holiday.
13. Sansa's dress has coded messages
A lot of the costumes in the series are made for special occasions and each one has an individual meaning. Sansa's dresses, for example, contain coded messages to her allies and enemies. Her wedding dress depicts her life: the trout and wolf on her belt refer to her Stark and Tully ancestry, whilst the lion on the back shows that she's part of the Lannister clan.
14. The actor who plays Maester Aemon was blind in real life
Peter Vaughan, who played Maester Aemon was almost as blind as his character. According to his family, the actor recently passed away - sadly, his watch is well and truly over!
15. Myrcella and Tommen are a couple in real life
In the show they play Cersei and Jamie Lannistser's children. Off-set, Aimee Richardson and Dean-Charles Chapman are in a relationship.
16. Jon Snow and Arya Stark could be lovers!
According to George R. R. Martin, there's a version of the script where Jon and Arya are lovers! Fortunately, this version was never used as one incestuous relationship is enough already and a second one may have been a kiss too far for Game of Thrones fans.
Ian Whyte plays 4 Game of Thrones characters: a white walker, a nameless giant, Ser Gregor Clegane and the giant Wun Wun.
18. Catelyn Stark is also Hermione Granger's mom!
Michelle Fairley was a convincing widow and protective mother in her role as Catelyn Stark. However, not many people realized that Michelle also played Hermione Granger's mom in Harry Potter !
19. Viserys is related to Charles Dickens
Harry Lloyd is a descendent of the famous author, Charles Dickens.
20. Theon is Lily Allen's brother
Alfie Allen may not be a household name, yet he plays the role of Theon Greyjoy in Game of Thrones and is also singer Lily Allen's brother. At one point Lily was offered the role of Yara Greyjoy, but decided to turn down the opportunity to work alongside her brother!
21. The walk of shame was a real punishment
This unsettling and humiliating scene was not borne from someone's imagination. This scene was inspired by Middle Aged Britain, when the mistress of Edward IV was forced to do a walk of shame after the English king's death.
22. A young George R. R. Martin bears an uncanny resemblance to Jon Snow
Jon Snow's destiny is uncertain and theories abound when it comes to the future of this popular character. Lots of fans have pointed out how closely he resembles Martin and think that, for this reason alone, he'll never be written out of the script!
By Straker Julia
Writer
Passionate about writing, I write articles on the subjects that I love. Creativity and Animals themes are my favorites!
