Snares and Misses: A Comparative Study of Game of Thrones Adaptations
The tale of Westeros has been a popular pastime for fans who have enjoyed both the books and the TV show Game of Thrones. However, there are significant differences between the two, especially in the storylines of key characters. This article delves into how the TV series captures the austere and detailed world of Westeros while missing some of the intricate storytelling present in the books.
Peculiarities in Character Stories
Mention the characters Sansa Stark and Jeyne Poole, and the differences become starkly evident. In the books, Sansa is enveloped in a web of intrigue as she moves to the Vale disguised as the bastard daughter of Petyr Baelish, Alayne Stone. Meanwhile, her best friend Jeyne Poole follows a different path, moving to Winterfell and taking on the guise of Arya Stark, who is later married to Ramsay Bolton. The TV show diverges from the books, leading to a different monumental arc for Sansa. With Jeyne’s character being notably absent, the TV adaptation misses a significant opportunity to explore Arya’s character evolution from a malevolent figure to the feared assassin.
Visual Magic and Imagery
The TV series Game of Thrones provides a visual feast for viewers, with characters like Pyrenyr (Melisandre) and Margaery Tyrell leaving a lasting impression. However, the intricacies of the world of Westeros are often sanitized for television audiences. Magic, in particular, is significantly reduced in the TV adaptation. The weirwood magic in the books, such as the Face of the Hearttree in Winterfell and the one in Harrenhal that symbolizes Jaqen H'ghar, is diluted to Bloodraven (The Three-Eyed Crow) in the show. This omission forecloses on the magical depth that enriches the narrative, leading to a shallower portrayal of the wizards and wizards' guild.
Wildlings and Direwolves
Another area where the TV show falls short is in the portrayals of wildlings and direwolves. In the books, all Stark children are direwolf shifters, a consistent detail that sets them apart from the commoners. Sansa's direwolf, however, is killed, leading to a significant emotional arc and symbolic moment. The wildlings in the show, on the other hand, are given less prominence and their complex socio-political landscape is minimalized. The TV series fails to capture the essence of these characters, likely due to the constraints of visual storytelling and the need to maintain viewer interest.
Key Events and Prophecies
The removal of certain key events and prophecies from the TV show further distorts the narrative. The Valonqar prophecy, an integral part of the story, is notably absent. In the books, it predicts a mysterious avenger who aims toavenge the Targaryens, targeting figures such as Jon Arryn, Robert Baratheon, Joffrey Baratheon, Tywin Lannister, and Ser Robert Strong. The Dance of Dragons, the war between two dragon riders, adds a layer of tragedy and conflict to the story, leading to the destruction of King's Landing. Moreover, the extensive coverage of the Faceless Men, a mysterious and morally ambiguous group in the books, is largely condensed or omitted in the show.
Dragon Captivity and Prophecy
The books provide a more detailed version of Daenerys' journey with her dragons and the role of the Valonqar prophecy. In contrast, the TV show does not delve into the true scope of Daenerys' journey, especially the significance of her dragons. Additionally, the presence of Jaqen H'ghar and the story of his dragon's egg are similarly diminished. The absence of these elements not only misses a broader narrative but also weakens the impact and depth of the story's climactic moments.
The Cleganebowl and Night King
Finally, the omission of a pivotal fight, The Cleganebowl, and the portrayal of the iconic Night King in the TV show are significant flaws. The Cleganebowl, an epic battle between Sandor Clegane and his childhood friend, and Robert Strong, is absent, leading to a multitude of unresolved storylines. The TV show introduces a different kind of Night King, a figure from the White Walkers, which, while exciting, does not capture the rich and complex mythology of the books.
Conclusion
Through a comparative analysis, it is evident that while the TV adaptation Game of Thrones excels in visual storytelling and delivering emotional arcs, it often misses the intricate and magical depth of the original books. Characters, propositions, and events are either condensed or altered, leading to a different narrative altogether. Nevertheless, the show continues to captivate viewers with its rich visual and emotional storytelling, paving a unique path for adaptation in the realm of entertainment.