I’m Reading Katherine By Anya Seton

Jaime knighting Brienne was such a beautiful scene. Being a knight was something she dreamed about ever since she was a little girl, thinking that she would never get to be that. Yet here she is being knighted by someone she loves and respects. She deserves this so much. 

No matter what happens tomorrow, we’ll always have jonsa

“Game of thrones tells its audience that women with broken pasts can only turn mad”

Okay but we have Sansa who lost her family, was held as a prisoner, was raped by a man she didn’t want to marry, used as a ploy by so many characters for her name. And now look at her, she works with her people, she never asked for anyone to hail her queen, she doesn’t take what isn’t hers, she doesn’t demand loyalty. She earns it. She is strong and is fierce and has become a leader. Without hurting others in the process.

We have Arya, who lost her loved ones, was on the run for years, had no one to come home to, had to learn to adapt and survive. She was broken by her training, left alone, abandoned, scarred. She was a lone wolf In a strange region. And now look at her, she doesn’t want revenge on a people that applauded and mocked her father’s beheading, she tried to help them. despite the events of her childhood She grew up a fighter, a protector, a savior.

We have Yara. Yara who was always subjugated and deemed inferior simply for being a woman. Yara who was repreatedly wronged by a system that oppressed women. She was always meant to be a ruler, to save her people. And that’s what Yara has done. Despite the constant sexism and belittlement Yara fought hard for her place and has shown all those who questioned her authority what it means to be a leader.

We have Brienne of Tarth, a knight, a honorary woman. She has always done the right thing. She was mocked by men and women alike for her choice to serve as a knight. She defied gender norms and stood her ground. Despite the sexism, despite the mocking Brienne proved a much better knight, a more honest human than any of the knights in all of the seven kingdoms. She didn’t use her abilities as a fighter to abuse rather she used her strength to provide safety.

Lyanna Mormont who was given so much responsibility at such a young age. Whose parents died, whose men have lied and tried to take her claim. but Lyanna never let that turn her mad. She never let her circumstances turn her into a harsh and unjust ruler. She ruled house bear with pride and integrity. The horrible events of her childhood didn’t turn her into a imperialist. Lyanna Mormont died a hero.

And there is also Gilly. A wildling who faced prejudice from the people of Westeros. Who was robbed of her virginity by the man that was supposed to protect her. She was abused verbally as well as physically. But she didn’t let that rage consume her or that prejudice. She didn’t let that lack of love from westeros fill her with anger. Rather she remained as brave and as resilient as ever.

So no, game of thrones isn’t sexist or anti feminist because daenarys Stormborn allowed a fire to consume her and used fire+blood to take back what was never hers.

the lone wolf dies             but the pack survives

After half-an-hour the Duke came forth and was accompanied to the Queen’s Chamber, where were also the Princess Mary and many attendants.The Queen (Catherine Parr) danced first with her brother very gracefully; and then the Princess Mary, the Princess of Scotland (Margaret Douglas) danced with other gentlemen and many other ladies also danced. A Venetian of the King’s household danced some gallards with extraordinary agility. After dancing had lasted several hours the Queen returned to her chamber, first causing one of the noblemen who spoke Spanish to offer some presents to the Duke, who kissed her hand. He would have likewise kissed the Princess Mary’s hand, but she offered her lips; and so he saluted her and all the other ladies. The King is said to be a man of great authority and beauty. The Queen has a lively and pleasing appearance and is praised as a virtuous woman. Describes her dress and that of the Princess Mary, who has a pleasing countenance and person and who knows how to conceal her acquirements. She is adored throughout the kingdom.

The Duke of Nagera’s Visit to England, 17th February 1544   (via queenmarytudor)

Sansa : What about the North? Dany : Let it go…let it go…!  I can imagine Emilia Clarke singing. 

The Serpent Queen Narration

If done right, the first-person-narration addressing the camera in The Serpent Queen could be really effective. 

Imagine, after several episodes of quipping and dark humor, the night of the Saint Bartholomew’s Day Massacre arrives, and Catherine finally addresses the camera and the audience without her usual smirk. As we watch thousands of people dying on essentially her orders, she quietly says: “I was protecting my family. What would YOU have done differently?”