Game of Thrones and the hidden apocalypse

HBO’s Game of Thrones (2011–present) is based on George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire (1996–ongoing) book series. This Gothic fantasy world, which is based in a medieval-like period, where a struggle for the iron throne of Westeros is marked by a kingdom-wide civil war that encompasses wave after wave of massacres, betrayals and clandestine affairs, has become a popular culture phenomenon. The presence of ‘priests’ and ‘priestesses’ through the storyline provide religious undertones with the predatory, hive-minded zombie White Walkers being the key threat to the kingdom from the frozen north. Apocalyptic scenarios in popular culture have often been secularized, however, Martin explores the mysteries of what it is to be human and the fragility of existence by using religion as a central plot element, which this article will explore. Buried truths come to the fore in the ultimate battle of the living against the dead, and the trajectory of the narrative highlights the plot’s impending apocalyptic event, bringing otherwise enemies together. The article explores the connections made between the characters to that of biblical texts from the Book of Revelation in the Bible, and the prophesized destruction of the earth.