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A modern series, even with the most fantastic plot, draws the viewer into its world, leaving the opportunity to find similarities with real life. Recently, the final series of the Game of Thrones television saga came out, and we are sad that we will have to continue to live without dragons and walkers, wildlings and Dothraki, Lannisters and Targaryens. Psychologist Kelly Campbell talks about the collective experience we had while watching and how the ideas from the series are reflected in life.
Warning: If you haven’t watched the Game of Thrones finale yet, close this page.
1. People are complex creatures
The heroes of the series, just like us, demonstrate different sides of their nature. The one who yesterday seemed simple and predictable, today begins to do something strange. It’s time to recall stories about Catholic priests accused of child abuse, or gossip about a boring colleague who suddenly had an affair on the side.
In the series, similar stories happen to many characters. How many fans of the series named children after Daenerys, admiring her courage — and regretted the decision when the fair Khaleesi was reincarnated into a cruel, power-hungry avenger?
And what about the pious warrior Jon Snow, who betrayed and killed not only his colleague in the Night’s Watch, but also the woman he loved? «Game of Thrones» reminds us that people are very complex and you can expect anything from them.
2. Nature is a real miracle
Watching episodes of the series, we admire the beauties and sights of various parts of the world: Croatia, Iceland, Spain, Malta, North America. Nature plays the role of living scenery and thanks to this it seems to appear in a new light.
Representatives of the fauna of Westeros also deserve special mention. Dragons are fiction, but the character traits of these characters — fierce, reliable, sensitive — are similar to the qualities inherent in existing animals.
The shots of the dying dragons Viserion and Rhaegal, the scene with Drogon grieving for his mother, simply broke our hearts. And the moment of the reunion of Jon Snow and his dire wolf Ghost moved to tears. «Game of Thrones» reminded of the connection that can be between a person and an animal.
3. People don’t choose rulers
The idea that formed the basis of the formation of the United States is that the right to power can only be obtained through elections, and not by inheritance. In the final episode of Game of Thrones, Sam proposes to choose the next ruler of Westeros by popular vote, but the elite of the Seven Kingdoms quickly ridicule this idea and leave the issue of the heir to the Iron Throne to their own discretion. Of course, things are a little different in real life. And yet, this plot twist reminds us that the “common people” do not always have the opportunity to choose their rulers.
4. Loners on the wave
The members of the Stark family went their separate ways in the finale, and this is one of the saddest results of the series. Such a turn reflects the real trends of our time. Today, more than ever, people are trying to live away from the places where they grew up and value independence. In the US, for example, more than 50% of unmarried adults live alone.
It’s sad that Arya, Sansa, Bran and Jon Snow went their separate ways. My research interests include the psychology of relationships, so the value of family ties is obvious to me. Those who are surrounded by loved ones feel better, live happier and longer than those who do not have such connections. Relationships need to be strengthened and developed, isolation from society is not the best choice.
Game of Thrones is without a doubt one of the most popular TV series of our time. In America, 20 million viewers followed the development of the plot, and in general, residents of 170 countries were waiting for new episodes with bated breath. Sharing the experience with so many like-minded people is priceless!
Last week I was at a banquet. The attendees were having boring conversations about work until I asked, “Who watches Game of Thrones?” All answered in the affirmative.
When people have a similar experience, even if they’re watching the same show, they feel like they have something in common. Research on rituals suggests that sharing in meaningful and repetitive activities contributes to the formation of a collective identity and a sense of predictability in life.
Part of the excitement about the series’ ending is that it really is one of the greatest TV projects of our time, and it’s a pity that it has come to its logical conclusion. Another reason for sadness is that we all together observed the birth and development of a cultural phenomenon and now do not want the bonds that have appeared during this time to be destroyed.