In the first instalment of this series, I sought to establish the pearl’s importance to the story by examining its more obvious aspects as seen in the narrative. Its symbolism is predominantly feminine; it often turns up in relation to weddings and encompasses both the fertility of women and that of the land; as the […]
Silvery-white, lustrous and beautiful, the pearl has been a favourite ornamental accessory for centuries. Famous pearls have passed through royal dynasties of Europe and Asia and remain very much in vogue even today. Its symbolism is in rooted in its appearance – it requires no cutting or polishing to enhance its beauty – when it […]
A Study of the Elements and Magic Part Three – Water Magic It’s time for part three of The Elements and Magic series, which explains the different kinds of magical forces we encounter in the narrative. This time we take a look at water magic. Please read Part One to familiarize yourself with the theme […]
A Study of the Elements and Magic in ASOIAF Part Two – Fire Magic Fire magic is the force behind healing, and is a component in prophetic dreaming and glamouring. It is a spiritual purifying agent and plays a role in sexual magic. You’re about to embark on the second part of the series ‘The […]
A Study of the Elements and Magic in ASOIAF Part One – Earth Magic Magic in A Song of Ice and Fire is closely related to the elements (earth, fire, ice, water), blood and metal, all of which act at as conduits for the magical driving force. This analysis explains the different forms of magic […]
New insights into ASOIAF George has kept the full picture behind the magic of ice and fire well hidden from view. Since the background is probably the key to figuring out many of the more difficult aspects of the story, I’ve decided to give it some attention. The focus here is on the Dawn Age […]
This essay takes a close look at warging and skinchanging. The main goal is to gain a better understanding of these supernatural powers, to figure out how they are acquired and how various characters might use them in the story. My study centres predominantly on a chapter analysis of the prologue to A Dance with Dragons, undoubtedly the […]
Genes of Gold and Silver What is the ‘blood of the dragon’ of the Targaryens or the ‘wolf-blood’ of the Starks? How are these traits passed on within families and populations in general? This line of exploration attempts to discover the origins of certain key traits within the bloodlines of major families in ASOIAF. I trace […]
White Walkers – An Experimental Model I’d like to put forward another view on the origin of the White Walkers. I posit they are no natural occurrence but rather, are created by man. My ideas revolve around why they may have been created, as well as the requirements and mechanics of creating these inhuman beings. […]
Patchface – The Fool with many Voices What’s up with Patchface and his riddles? Gibberish or meaningful, nonsense or prophecy? Well, this fool is telling us something special, I’m certain, and after many weeks of study, I can show that he serves as vehicle for the transmission of messages from different entities.