new world vegetables and animals in Westeros

[David Plantinga]

The world in Game of Thrones is largely based on England during the Wars of the Roses, and I've noticed that plants and animals originating in the New World almost never appear in the books or the show. I've reviewed the menus of several of the feasts in the books and they've corroborated this, except for the Starks eating pumpkin in King's Landing but that may be just an oversight. Are there any New World items listed in the extensive menu for the Purple Wedding or Tyrion's stay with Illyrio?

 

[Brian G Turner]

Not sure about that, but certainly potatoes get a mention somewhere.

There was also a reference to wolverines in one of the books as well - an exclusively North American animal.

 

[HareBrain]

There was also a reference to wolverines in one of the books as well - an exclusively North American animal.

It's native to northern Scandinavia and Russia too.

 

[Brian G Turner]

It's native to northern Scandinavia and Russia too.

Well! I did not know that.

Game of Thrones

Btw, welcome to the chrons forums, @David Plantinga !

 

[David Plantinga]

Some polar animals use the ice cap as a bridge. Polar bears are found in Scandinavia and Canada. If potatoes are mentioned, that's significant because they revolutionized agriculture in those countries wise enough to adopt their cultivation. I don't recall syphilis and gonorrhea being mentioned either, and if they're absent from Westeros, it's a good thing for certain characters(I won't name names).

 

[Ursa major]

but certainly potatoes get a mention somewhere.

They were also mentioned -- and eaten -- in Middle-Earth, IIRC. (But then, the dragon-firework at Frodo's party was compared to an express train, and yet I can recall no mention of a single yard of railway track anywhere.)

 

[pete997]

The world in Game of Thrones is largely based on England during the Wars of the Roses, and I've noticed that plants and animals originating in the New World almost never appear in the books or the show. I've reviewed the menus of several of the feasts in the books and they've corroborated this, except for the Starks eating pumpkin in King's Landing but that may be just an oversight. Are there any New World items listed in the extensive menu for the Purple Wedding or Tyrion's stay with Illyrio?

If you are interested in the foods described or mentioned in Game of Throne, you might wish to obtain "A Feast of Ice & Fire" the official companion cookbook

 

[anno]

Just a thought don't remember many references to dragons in the War of the Roses?!!
(Napoleonic yes!)

 

[Ursa major]

Just a thought don't remember many references to dragons in the War of the Roses?!!

But it did drag on and on....

 

[Judderman]

I don't recall syphilis and gonorrhea being mentioned either, and if they're absent from Westeros, it's a good thing for certain characters(I won't name names).

Regarding sexual diseases there is a case of Merrett Frey catching the Pox from a camp follower. But probably George didn't want stress about sexual diseases complicating the story.

 

[Dave]

If you are interested in the foods described or mentioned in Game of Throne, you might wish to obtain "A Feast of Ice & Fire" the official companion cookbook

You need to write this book. Don't forget to include Red Wedding Peppers, Dragonfruit and Sean Beans.

 

[Judderman]

John Snow Peas. King Robert's wild pork ribs. Theon's sausage surprise.