In the eight seasons of Game of Thrones viewers were treated to a myriad of twists and turns. Some we enjoyed, some not so much. And during this tipsy turvy time we learned some pretty important life lessons from this amazingly eclectic cast of characters.
Before we begin, here’s your warning: EPIC SPOILER ALERT!!! If you haven’t watched the entire series, go watch it RIGHT NOW then come back and read this.
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Mothers Love Their Children No Matter What
I think at one point or another every mother has felt like we are the ‘Mother of Dragons’ but our love is unwavering. It doesn’t matter if your kiddos are dragons or angels we love them just the same.
Daenerys raised her dragons from the time they appeared to be decorative eggs to when they hatched on Khal Drogo’s funeral pyre even when they were acting out as petulant teenagers in Meereen (after putting them in a lengthy ‘timeout’ in the catacombs). She knew they were dangerous but she loved them because they were her babies… or the closest thing she was going to have.
Good People Die
It’s an interesting juxtaposition that we cheered when King Joffery and Walter Fray died but we shuttered in horror at Ned Stark’s beheading and the Red Wedding. It’s an unfortunate reality of life that good people die. Parents, friends, spouses and sadly children. It happens to the best. As survivors, we are forced to face reality, move on, put one foot in front of the other and breathe… even given the unfairness of the situation.
We Don’t Always Get What We Want
Not everyone was a fan of who ended up on the Iron Throne. I get that. I’ll be the first to admit I really wanted Jon Snow to be the King of the Seven Kingdoms. But given the circumstances, I can see how Bran will also be a true and faithful leader to the “Six” Kingdoms.
Whether it’s a promotion we didn’t get, a boss we don’t like or an election which didn’t go our way, sometimes we don’t get what we want. With any adversity, we have to move on and make the best of our current situation.
Accentuate the Positive, Minimize the Negative
Admit it, upon first glance at Tyrion Lanister in Season 1 all you saw was his dwarfism. Then he opened his mouth and out came some of the most quick-witted, well thought out monologues in the history of the show and all of a sudden his stature was secondary. Ser Davos Seaworth is another character who was able to minimize his shortcomings in brawn by using his brain as Hand to Stannis Baratheon, advisor to Jon Snow and ultimately on King Bran’s small council.
Both of these characters learned how to overcome their shortcomings (no pun intended) and play on their strengths. Isn’t that exactly what life is about… putting our best foot forward and mitigating our weaknesses.
Sometimes There Just Aren’t Answers
We all have questions in life that never seem to have an answer. We seek historical documentation… educated minds… We even search our various religions for answers. Alas… nothing. At some point, we are forced to accept that sometimes no answer will be given to us.
Game of Thrones had so many unanswered questions they will need several spin-offs to wrap them up. (Please!) Some of the biggest questions are:
* What did the White Horse Arya rode off at the end of S8E5 mean?
* What was the big deal about Jon’s parentage if it wasn’t going to mean anything in the end?
* Why did Arya only use her skills as a faceless man once?
* If the white walkers have been destroyed then what’s the point of sending Jon to the Night’s Watch?
* Who was the “Prince (or Princess) who was promised”? Bran? Sansa?
All Things Come to an End But Be Grateful it Happened
Yup, it stinks Game of Thrones is over. It’s been an amazing journey even though the destination was unsatisfying… for some, but let’s be honest, it couldn’t go on forever. At some point television shows overstay their welcome. The whole “Jump the Shark” term was specifically created to pinpoint the time in a TV show where it has gone too far.
Let’s all be grateful the fantasy world George R. R. Martin created in his Song of Fire & Ice series was brought to life for us by these talented actors, set and costume designers, directors, producers and many more unsung network officials, cast and crew members.
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What life lessons did you see played out on Game of Thrones? Let us know in the comments.
Sue Nowicki is an alumna of the 2014/15 Disney Parks Moms Panel. She is a team mom extraordinaire who has filled her time serving as secretary, navigator, head cheerleader, treasurer, athletic trainer and team psychologist for her daughter’s travel sports team for over 15 years before becoming a team owner. She is also a travel consultant for Looking Glass Travel specializing in Disney destinations. You can follow her on Twitter at @JazzinDisneyMom.
