The Song of Ice and Fire is one of my favorite book series (and includes my hands down favorite fantasy novel of all time [so far], A Storm of Swords). A significant character in the series is one of the winners, however temporarily, of the 'game of thrones', Robert Baratheon. Raised to be a member of the king's court, he and his foster brother incite a rebellion (for what are essentially emotional reasons, though political justifications can be made as well) and Robert is crowned king. For fifteen years, he rules genially, irresponsibly, and with a debauched air. He's one of those hale-fellow-well-met dudes with whom you've likely worked, the sort who are seemingly unoffensive except that they maybe wear too much cologne. Always smiling. You tend to forget how they came to power because they're charming as hell.
The manner in which Robert Baratheon gained rule becomes known, alternately, as "Robert's Rebellion" (by his followers) and "The War of the Usurper" (by the rest of the world).
The Usurper's rule ends when, drunk off his oversized ass, he goes boar hunting and is gored.
I'm just sure that there's no reason why this story keep rolling through my head lately.
[the title quotation is by George R.R. Martin, from A Storm of Swords]
Live by the sword, die by the sword*? I'm interested to know your (non-)reasons for this being on replay.
ReplyDelete*Alternatively: live by the gourd, die by the gored.
Have you been watching the HBO series as well? Or will you wait until the series is complete and then reserve a hardcore weekend of viewing?
ReplyDeleteI was planning to read all the books before watching any of it, but at the rate the books are coming out, we could all be dead by then. So, no, I haven't seen the series yet. I do intend to, though.
Delete