Welcome back to our continuing analysis of sex and gender issues in HBO’s Game of Thrones. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the first article in the series, focusing on Arya Stark, read it here and make sure to tell us what you think. While this article isn’t a direct continuation on anything covered there, we do plan on building upon what we discuss each week. Besides, we really think you’ll like it.
As always, we’re going to steer clear of spoilers and information from the Song of Ice and Fire series that hasn’t been covered in the television series yet. Everything that has been aired so far, up through episode four, however, is fair game, as are comparisons between how things are handled in the television series as opposed to the original George R.R. Martin novels. Ready? Let’s go!
The world of A Song of Ice and Fire, while fantastical, is very clearly rooted in a romanticized version of the Western European Middle Ages, so it should come as no surprise that Game of Thrones has more than its fair share of prostitutes. In fact, thus far in the series, named female characters have been limited to nobility, clergy, religious figures or slaves.
It’s temping to use this as a launching point to discuss how the common women in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire must be holy, whores or literally in chains to get by, but that’s an unfair read of the material. I say this partially because of developments later in Game of Thrones as well as in the subsequent novels, but also because it’s a reductive and misguided view that simply equates the viewpoints of fictional characters with those of the author. Most importantly, however, there’s a much more interesting and rich approach to take here than a tired “virgin or vamp” duality.
While it’s true that prostitution is seen as a vice in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, it’s a legal and even acceptable one, with brothels spread throughout the kingdom of Westeros — from Mole’s Town near the Wall in the north, all the way down south to King’s Landing. What’s most interesting about the sex trade in Game of Thrones, however, is who it ultimately exploits and weakens.
Already we have both seen and heard about several male characters’ bought-and-paid-for sexual adventures, but the first, and one of the most prominent brothel patrons is Tyrion Lannister. As a dwarf in a world that values strength and physical prowess in its men, Tyrion has but little choice to resort to prostitutes for his sexual desires, and in keeping with the character, he has little shame in it. His family, however, doesn’t feel the same way, as seen in brother Jaime’s gentle, but still prevalent disapproval of “the Imp’s” behavior.
Tyrion’s brother-in-law, King Robert Baratheon, is just as voracious in his sexual appetites, indulging them with multiple women while forcing his wife’s twin brother, Jamie Lannister, to stand guard. Robert does this as a jab at his cruel, frigid wife, Queen Cersei, who unbeknownst to him is carrying on an incestuous affair with her twin. But just as the king’s overindulgence in food and wine has made him fat, his carnal exploits render him similarly weak. The obvious blow comes to Robert’s effectiveness as a king, as it’s difficult to rule an entire continent when participating in orgies in the middle of the day, but his sexual vices also weaken the king in another, more subtle, manner.
Lord Petyr Baelish, also known as “Littlefinger,” is Robert’s Master of Coin, in charge of the finances and treasury for the entire kingdom. To pay for the elaborate feasts and festivals put on by the king, Baelish must take out frequent loans and make use of “creative” accounting to keep things running smoothly, impoverishing the government in the process. But meanwhile, Littlefinger has found a way to line his own pockets, purchasing a number of brothels within King’s Landing and profiting from the vices of the city’s inhabitants, presumably including the king himself.
The third man we know to have frequented prostitutes is Theon Greyjoy, who discusses his favorite redhead, Roz, with brothel-enthusiast Tyrion Lannister. In the same conversation, Tyrion pours salt on a very old, but still very raw wound of Greyjoy’s. Years ago, Theon’s father Lord Balon Greyjoy led a revolt that was ultimately put down by the Starks and others. Though Balon was spared, his son was taken as a Ned Stark’s ward, a euphemism for hostage, and raised in Winterfell.
As always, we’re going to steer clear of spoilers and information from the Song of Ice and Fire series that hasn’t been covered in the television series yet. Everything that has been aired so far, up through episode four, however, is fair game, as are comparisons between how things are handled in the television series as opposed to the original George R.R. Martin novels. Ready? Let’s go!
The world of A Song of Ice and Fire, while fantastical, is very clearly rooted in a romanticized version of the Western European Middle Ages, so it should come as no surprise that Game of Thrones has more than its fair share of prostitutes. In fact, thus far in the series, named female characters have been limited to nobility, clergy, religious figures or slaves.
It’s temping to use this as a launching point to discuss how the common women in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire must be holy, whores or literally in chains to get by, but that’s an unfair read of the material. I say this partially because of developments later in Game of Thrones as well as in the subsequent novels, but also because it’s a reductive and misguided view that simply equates the viewpoints of fictional characters with those of the author. Most importantly, however, there’s a much more interesting and rich approach to take here than a tired “virgin or vamp” duality.
While it’s true that prostitution is seen as a vice in the world of A Song of Ice and Fire, it’s a legal and even acceptable one, with brothels spread throughout the kingdom of Westeros — from Mole’s Town near the Wall in the north, all the way down south to King’s Landing. What’s most interesting about the sex trade in Game of Thrones, however, is who it ultimately exploits and weakens.
Already we have both seen and heard about several male characters’ bought-and-paid-for sexual adventures, but the first, and one of the most prominent brothel patrons is Tyrion Lannister. As a dwarf in a world that values strength and physical prowess in its men, Tyrion has but little choice to resort to prostitutes for his sexual desires, and in keeping with the character, he has little shame in it. His family, however, doesn’t feel the same way, as seen in brother Jaime’s gentle, but still prevalent disapproval of “the Imp’s” behavior.
Tyrion’s brother-in-law, King Robert Baratheon, is just as voracious in his sexual appetites, indulging them with multiple women while forcing his wife’s twin brother, Jamie Lannister, to stand guard. Robert does this as a jab at his cruel, frigid wife, Queen Cersei, who unbeknownst to him is carrying on an incestuous affair with her twin. But just as the king’s overindulgence in food and wine has made him fat, his carnal exploits render him similarly weak. The obvious blow comes to Robert’s effectiveness as a king, as it’s difficult to rule an entire continent when participating in orgies in the middle of the day, but his sexual vices also weaken the king in another, more subtle, manner.
Lord Petyr Baelish, also known as “Littlefinger,” is Robert’s Master of Coin, in charge of the finances and treasury for the entire kingdom. To pay for the elaborate feasts and festivals put on by the king, Baelish must take out frequent loans and make use of “creative” accounting to keep things running smoothly, impoverishing the government in the process. But meanwhile, Littlefinger has found a way to line his own pockets, purchasing a number of brothels within King’s Landing and profiting from the vices of the city’s inhabitants, presumably including the king himself.
The third man we know to have frequented prostitutes is Theon Greyjoy, who discusses his favorite redhead, Roz, with brothel-enthusiast Tyrion Lannister. In the same conversation, Tyrion pours salt on a very old, but still very raw wound of Greyjoy’s. Years ago, Theon’s father Lord Balon Greyjoy led a revolt that was ultimately put down by the Starks and others. Though Balon was spared, his son was taken as a Ned Stark’s ward, a euphemism for hostage, and raised in Winterfell.
Really interesting! Great work! I do have to disagree on some things. You wrote "Tyrion has but little choice to resort to prostitutes for his sexual desires..." From everything I've gathered in the television show so far, Tyrion isn't upset that he visits brothels. Your sentence makes it seem that he's only settling for prostitutes when he's actively searching for something more which I strongly disagree with. He isn't married and as an adult has sexual desires, it seems that in this realm visiting hookers is more of an appealing option that diddling his trouser snake by himself.
I think an interesting way to look at this dynamic is how the women feel about the male sexuality. Obviously Cat Stark is incredibly bothered by Jon Snow's presence where as Cersei isn't so much bothered by Robert's infidelity but by the fact that he's so obvious about it and it's embarrassing. I would have loved to see you discuss Cersei's speech to prince Joffrey from episode 3. When she discusses the fact that he has to marry a girl (Sansa) that he doesn't like Cersei states that as king you can fuck whores or virgins and pretty much do what ever you want.
I also disagree with the idea that sex in GoT outside of proper societal boundaries is a sin. I've never gotten that impression. Sex, bastards and pleasure seem to be openly discussed and while some might not prefer it to be flaunted, in the books and TV shows I've never seen it portrayed as a sin.
Can't wait for your next post!
Tyrion put's an upbeat sarcastic face on a lot of things. I think Ms. Sitterson's analysis is influenced by the books in which Tyrion is revealed to be dependent on these prostitutes in a negative sense. It is not written in stone that they'll go the same way with the tv character, but I think I think the character's outward confidence and Peter Dinklage's good looks (according to many female bloggers), might give an early false impression that the character Tyrion is confident about his sexuality. In the book he is described by more than one female character as being ugly (although obviously it's subjective).
Definitely looking forward to your discussion about Tyrion's relationship with certain kept woman later on! Plus, there is this cruel story about him and his father!
Then there is the story about strong-willed Dany...
Yea, looking forward to your writings!
Longtime fan of the books here.
One thing about Tyrion's character that really hasn't translated well onto the screen is that he ultimately wants to be loved. Love is something rather lacking in Casterly Rock and he willingly lets himself be fooled by the prostitutes he employs in order to get some semblence of that feeling.
In a brief interlude between Tyrion and the Hound in Episode 1, Tyrion remarks that his 'spear never misses" when discussing boar hunting, but of course, is referring to sexual conquests. The Hound points out that it doesn't count if you pay for it. Tyrion would like to believe that his positive traits outweigh the fact that he's a dwarf, but he's fooling himself. And he knows this, which makes him all the more bitter and sarcastic in his outlook on life.
is this show still on
is this show still on
cool
Interesting articles with some good points.
But the sexist problem is not (as you also point out in your articles) in the story line. The problem is that the tv-show only contains sex-scenes and porn that are of an extreem abusive nature. Even rape. Making ''tastefull'' (as HBO calls it) porn out of abusing women is very wrong. Because porn is meant to excite the weivers. So the weivers are ment to be excited by the abuse, rape and trafficing of women. Story-line or not, that is sexist! And disgusting!
One example is the scene with the last dragon, who has sex with a prostitute in a bathtub. When she gets excited he tells her off, because she is only there for his sake. Then there is a short porn scene in the tub where the unhappy unecxited woman/girl is forced to make love to the man. He did not want to have sex with her when she was excited herself, only when she was unhappy. No matter how cruel we know he is, this scene is still abuse-porn ment to excite the wiever! And underneath that also lies an accept of the fact that the wievers get off on abuse. Thus, an accept of abuse.
An other porn scene is when the two female prostitutes have to be taught by ''littlefinger'' how to act like they want to have sex with the men who buy the, when the men who come to them know that they don't. It is a porn scene of maybe 5 minutes time and it is all about how women have to satisfy men even when they don't like it. That men can take women even whem the women don't want to and they even have to pretend to like it. That is incredibly offensive! And as mentioned abbove, an accept of these circumstances in the weivers private and very real lives.
Now I'm all about sex-scenes, they don't generally bother me in tv-shows, books or movies. But this is a hit show, with the one sex message that woman have to please men. Is is grafic porn of abusing women and even rape. It is glorifying exploits. And accepting it. Even promoting it.
I would like to hear your thoughts on this topic and anwer me this: Do you really think that these abuse-porn scenes are not meant to excite weivers? Why is there not a single porn scene where the woman is enyoing herself? Why is HBO approving of this? What kind of message is that sending? Is this not sexist? How would it be different if it were girl-prostitutes and child pornography (since there are already child-wives Taliban-style in the show)?
Regards, Ida