I just finished watching all the episodes there are so far of Game of Thrones and I wonder why it is so popular. I read five books and decided not to read more, the characters being so dispersed that I lost the thread of the story. However, the series seems to drop some threads and gather together the remaining ones.
The main positive characteristics of the characters are the defense of the family honour and respect for their own oaths of allegiance.
Love is a rare commodity, love for close relatives being stronger than for their spouses. Sex is almost totally devoid of sentimentalism, being as basically instinctive as eating and drinking.
Dubious qualities are ambition and revenge, both of which justify violence and even sadistic cruelty.
So, how does this compare with our society and its supposed values?
Family ties are increasingly weakening, allegiance might be to a party, church or organization, but is not binding. We consider love as important and sex is restricted by health and social norms.
Ambition is checked by laws and revenge is a crime.
So, maybe we internally crave the freedom to let our instincts run free, even though our minds reject the consequences. However, we can learn from the danger of religious fanatism and authoritarianism and value the unconditional support of our loved ones. It’s like saying “What if there were no laws or constitution?” That’s what makes it a fantasy.