The Favor of the Gods: Religion and Power in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between power and religion in Westeros, the continent created by George R. R. Martin in A Song of Ice and Fire. Participants in the conflict of Westeros, I argue, embrace religion as a source of legitimacy to gain power and to support their claims. By doing so, the conflict acquires a religious dimension. They are not only fighting a civil war, but also a religious war.

Keywords

• a song of ice and fire
• george r. r. martin
• power
• religion