Deific Theory

[sophocles]

Just taking a literal stab in the darkness here...

** possible spoilers **

I wonder if the Real Battle is between the Deific Pantheons. ie.. R'hllor, The Drowned God, The Old Gods, The Seven vs. the Others and the Harbinger that brought the Doom to Valaryia.

there's is a popular quote that i'd like to make an excerpt as reference:

that which is above is the same as that which is below, and that which is below is the same as that which is above

This quote alludes that the Heavens and the Earth are interconnected. and share the same direct Fate.

Another well known quote is basically paraphrased that History is [doomed] to repeat itself.

I can't help but wonder if the Game of Thrones is really more a trial of Mankind...chaffing the wheat if you will and sorting out who amongst the mortals is the stongest, wisest, ruthless, most just etc... to lead the fight against the Darkness (the Others) and the Approaching Doom that would destroy Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms.

We've seen a lot of Religious changes occuring ... kingsmoot, restoration of Warrior's sons, the Poor Fellows, Melissandra and Lightbringer (which we probably concur that Stannis is not the man of prophecy, etc.. etc.. but then who is?).

I can't help but wonder if within the mastery of Martin's story-telling if I -- we -- have overlooked a critical element as I was so focused on the Microcosmos .. that I've lost sight of the Macrocosmos.

Thoughts?

 

[Winters_Sorrow]

It's very subtle if that's the case.
We don't have any "avatars" of the gods or direct agents acting on their behalf as in other fantasy novels.

There are people who claim to do things because their god demands it, but sadly we know that often disguises people's own petty interests.

I think you are correct in that religious lines are being drawn. The new High Septon is using religion to gain power and influence over the crown in a time of unrest, the Iron Islanders are using the 'old ways' & the Drowned God to remind them of a of time when they were beholden to none and encourage them to rise up and return to their roots. Finally there's Melissandre and her flames.

The Others seem to currently be nothing more than almost a force of nature acting out of hatred or a need to destroy the 'warm ones'. There doesn't appear to be a religious aspect to their attacks or behaviour. It's Melissandre who names her god's "enemy" as the one worshipped by the Others but we have had no insight into their culture or belief system as of yet.

Also the 'old gods' appear to be the dead gods because nothing but woe seems to have befallen the North

Basically, I see no evidence for divine intervention or intrusion in this series so far. Merely people using their different faiths are drivers for conflict...

 

[the smiling weirwood]

much like the real world, no?

 

[sophocles]

equally good points .. any other thoughts ...?

 

[TK-421]

In the 4 Dany preview chapters and the second Tyrion chapter, there is much talk of old Valyria and history/mythology. I guess, as in any other world, one has to decide what they consider fact or fiction, true or false, history or mythology, blah, balh blah...
Interesting theory Sophocles but not one that I share.

 

[sophocles]

In the 4 Dany preview chapters and the second Tyrion chapter, there is much talk of old Valyria and history/mythology. I guess, as in any other world, one has to decide what they consider fact or fiction, true or false, history or mythology, blah, balh blah...
Interesting theory Sophocles but not one that I share.

Right... i know the theory is a stretch .. but if you take History as it is ... Religion has played a roled in quite a number of Battles, Skirmishes, and Wars.

So, it's not too far a jump to begin speculating between the parallels of ASoFaI and our own Civilization.

I would hope that Martin at some point does delve deeper into the Mystery surrounding Valaryia and the Doom... especially since Daernerys is gaining power and the re-appearance of Dragons.

It's suggested the the Targaryens might come --once again-- into power.

 

[genisis2]

Right...
I would hope that Martin at some point does delve deeper into the Mystery surrounding Valaryia and the Doom... especially since Daernerys is gaining power and the re-appearance of Dragons.

.

agreed.

 

[Arya]

In the 4 Dany preview chapters and the second Tyrion chapter,

There have been 4 Dany preview's and 2 Tyrion's? When? Where?

 

[Arya]

Nevermind, I found the link!!!

 

[red_temple]

I can't help but wonder if the Game of Thrones is really more a trial of Mankind...chaffing the wheat if you will and sorting out who amongst the mortals is the stongest, wisest, ruthless, most just etc... to lead the fight against the Darkness (the Others) and the Approaching Doom that would destroy Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms.

In a philisophical sense, I agree with this. But I don't think that is what GRRM's overt intention really is. GRRM has stated, on the record, that there will be no gods making any appearences at any time during this series. So don't expect to see even subtle evidence that there may be gods pulling strings to test mankind's mettle.

 

[TK-421]

Well, at least the series will not degenerate into some religious war.

 

[Werthead]

Whilst the gods won't be appearing, it's possible that entities that are thought to be gods may crop up (just because people worship the Great Other and R'hllor as gods, doesn't mean they are). However, having some flaming beast or ice-demon stomping around would seem very out of place in the series as it is written so far.

No inside info on this one, just a few thoughts.