What The Show Leaves Behind: History and Time Travel In Game of Thrones

The Game of Thrones production has worked around the clock for six years straight just to bring us ten episodes a year. And yet, although they work hard to include as many things as are necessary to tell the story, there is still so, so much they leave out. And even when they do have time to put stuff in, sometimes we’re left with more questions than answers.

One of those things that the show leaves out, quite by necessity, are continents that our characters don’t set foot on in the books—areas we hear about in passing but never see. Civilization Ex’s Focus Series brings us a deep dive into two of those areas, and some of the more interesting tiebacks to the story at hand (most of which have also been cut from the show.) We present: a video all about the mysterious lands of Sothoryos and Ulthos.

For those who might not be aware of Civilization Ex, it’s a channel that covers the histories of various fantasy and sci-fi worlds. Their History of Westeros series includes a dive into the Night’s King as well. (And note like good book-readers, they don’t call him “the Night King” like the show.)

Speaking of the Night’s King (or the Night King, if you must), one thing the show did touch on this past season was the Greenseer’s ability not only to warg into various animals and plants, but to move through time itself, and in some cases affect it. But those scenes with Bran, especially the final one in “The Door,” left fans with many questions. Vox attempts to explain.

As the show winds down, these deep dives and explainers of the stuff the show leaves behind will probably become more common. Let us hope they can hold us over until the prequel we all hope for is announced.

• Published on 10/05/2016 at 9:00 AM CDT
• Last updated on 10/05/2016 at 9:00 AM CDT