The Enduring Legacy of the Seven Kingdoms: A Non-Canonical Misconception Explained
In the world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire and its subsequent television adaptation, the Seven Kingdoms occupy a central and complex position. Many fans have wondered about the fate of the Seven Kingdoms after the events depicted in the show, often misinterpreting the nature of the show's narrative and the broader universe. This blog post will delve into the question of whether the Seven Kingdoms indeed stopped being called what they are known during the show's finale.
The Seven Kingdoms: An Enduring Name
The most common misconception surrounding the Seven Kingdoms is that, after the events of the show, the title itself was abandoned. This notion, however, is firmly rooted in a misunderstanding of the nature of the narrative in the show and the cultural continuity in the broader universe of A Song of Ice and Fire.
Throughout both the books and the television series, the Seven Kingdoms is the name given to the area comprising the six kingdoms and the Riverlands, which have coexisted under varying forms of governance. Even during times of conflict and change, such as in the period after the War of the Five Kings, the term "Seven Kingdoms" remained in use.
The End Game: Non-Canonical Evidences
It is important to note that the events depicted in the show and the subsequent finale are considered non-canonical. The term "non-canonical" refers to content that, while inspired by or related to the original source material, is not officially sanctioned by the author or official sources. In the case of the final episodes, it is widely agreed upon by fans and scholars that these events diverged significantly from the narrative envisioned by George R.R. Martin.
Characters such as Tyrion Lannister and Bran Stark, playing significant roles in the final episodes, do not necessarily represent the true continuation of the narrative. Their actions and decisions, while intriguing and grounded in the source material's atmosphere, do not carry the same weight as the canonical events.
Cultural Continuity and the Seven Kingdoms
The cultural and political landscape of the Seven Kingdoms is deeply rooted in history and tradition. Even in times of turmoil and change, the name "Seven Kingdoms" serves as a unifying concept for the region's inhabitants. It signifies the historical division of the area into seven sovereign entities, a number representative of the High Septon in the Faith of the Seven.
The name's enduring use is a testament to its deep-seated importance in the culture and politics of Westeros. Even if the governance were to see significant changes, the cultural identity of the region would likely persist, drawing upon the legacy of the Seven Kingdoms.
Conclusion: Understanding Non-Canonical Storylines
In conclusion, the Seven Kingdoms continue to be called as such, and this is reflective of their profound cultural and historical significance. The events depicted at the end of the show, involving characters like Tyrion and Bran, are a creative interpretation by the showrunners but are not canonical and thus do not affect the ongoing narrative in the broader universe.
Understanding the distinction between canonical and non-canonical elements is crucial for engaging with the rich world of Westeros. It allows readers and viewers to appreciate the depth and complexity of the universe without mixing interpretations and divergences in storytelling.
Whether one finds themselves reading the books, watching the shows, or exploring fan theories, maintaining a clear distinction between canonical and non-canonical elements enhances the enjoyment and understanding of this fantastical world.
Keyword Focus
Throughout the article, the keywords are:
Seven Kingdoms - The term used to describe the region within the broader universe of Westeros. A Song of Ice and Fire - The series of novels by George R.R. Martin that the television adaptation is based on. Westeros - The fictional world in which the Seven Kingdoms are a prominent part. Non-Canonical - Referring to content that is inspired by the original source material but not officially sanctioned.