Live From Westeros!
Who says the Germans don’t have a sense of humor? In honor of their 20th anniversary, Deutsche Welle (DW), Germany’s international broadcaster, launched an online news service for Westeros. It is *hilarious.*
Why on earth would they do this? According to the press release:
“The international bestseller from George R.R. Martin presents a multifaceted albeit notoriously subjective view of the events. The TV series from HBO is a global phenomena – but the standard of reporting leaves a lot to be desired.”
DW has been a trusted source of news and information for more than 60 years. It has become a tradition at DW to use extraordinary anniversaries to provide a tongue-in-cheek look at what “worldwide” actually means. To celebrate 10 years online in 2004, DW expanded its range of online content to include the Klingon language.
Starting today, the new online special answers the most pressing questions from “Game of Thrones” at www.dw.de/game-of-thrones. Like what qualifies the Night’s Watch to be the arctic special forces? And what secrets are lost in a raven-based communications system?
What indeed?
What really makes the parody work is the thoroughness of the commitment. The article on the Ravens, for instance, is entitled “The Feather is Mightier than the Sword,” and talks about how “both animal and data privacy activists up in arms” over those trying to bring them (and the messages they carry) down. Another articles decries the lack of Westerosi infrastructure in “All Roads Lead To King’s Landing.”
If everyone is using the same road, they will automatically meet at the same place: Inn at the Crossroads. It’s a wonderful coincidence, especially considering how many people just run into each other in such a large country.
In addition, the King’s Road must be the universe’s gold standard when it comes to road quality. What other explanation could be given to the fact that travelers like Melisandre or Littlefinger can make it half way across the continent in such a small amount of time?
There are other articles as well, including a look at the “Cult of Personality” around Daenerys Targaryen, a look at the financial markets featuring a glowering Tywin in the header, and your classic fear mongering type piece entitled “The Others Are Always To Blame.” Plus there’s a helpful “Who’s Who of Westeros,” and a call for those fluent in Dotharki and Valyrian to aid in translation services.
Head over and check it out. I personally am looking forward to some of the coming soon articles, including, “To die for: Sansa Stark’s Jewelry Enchants Royal Wedding Party,” and “What is Dead May Never Die.” Iron Men Discover Philosophical Axiom, Continue to Argue Over “1+1=2.”
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