The Westerosi Primer

In this episode of the Westerosi Primer podcast, listeners are guided through the expansive and storied lands of the North. The noble House Stark leads a realm filled with whispered legends and minor houses brimming with history. The episode delves into the region's deep-rooted connections to the First Men and the Old Gods, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of the North's icy expanses. The ancient fortif...

Venture high into the peaks of Westerosi politics and history with a trek through the Vale of Arryn, where the very stones whisper tales of ancient conflicts and noble bloodlines. We scale the storied heights of the Eyrie, scrutinizing the precarious path trodden by the lords of House Arryn, from the rivalries with the North to their capitulation under Targaryen rule. Through the annals of the First Men and Andal invaders, we explo...

In this episode of the Westerosi Primer, we embark on a historical journey through the tempestuous Stormlands. From the origin of their name to the rise and fall of the Storm Kings, we explore the legends and lore that define this tumultuous region. Listen in as Liz recounts the tales of Durran Godsgrief's defiance against the gods. She also talks about the founding of House Baratheon by the rumored Targaryen bastard, Orys Bara...

In this episode of the podcast, Liz takes listeners on a tour of the Reach, a pivotal region in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series. The Reach is presented as not only the agricultural heartland of Westeros but also a center of chivalry and historical significance. Liz starts with the geography of the Reach, noting the importance of the Mander and Honeywine rivers, the defensive Shield Islands, and the Arbor's vineyards...

In this episode of the podcast, listeners head to the Westerlands, home to the Lannisters, one of the most powerful and affluent families in Westeros. The episode delves into the legacy of the Lannisters. Trace their lineage from Lann the Clever and their origins as a First Men house.

The host, Liz, begins with an introduction to the Westerlands, describing the geography, significant historical events, and the political dynamics...

In this episode, embark on a journey to Dorne, the southernmost part of Westeros. Liz unveils the region's unique culture, geography, and noble houses. Discover the arid landscape, from the Sea of Dorne to the Red Mountains. Delve into the Rhoynar heritage that sets House Martell apart from other Westerosi families. Learn about the Tower of Joy and the Martell lineage.

The episode also tours the grandeur of Dorne's noble...

In this episode of the podcast, host Liz does an exploration of the Iron Islands. She delves into the wild and cutthroat culture of the Ironborn. She begins by introducing the geography of the Iron Islands, an archipelago off the western coast of Westeros. She details the challenging living conditions that have shaped the Ironborn into formidable seafarers and raiders. Their unique religious beliefs is centered around the Drowned G...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Riverlands, the central region from George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. The episode delves into the strategic and agricultural importance of the area's waterways, including the Red Fork, Blue Fork, Green Fork, and the Trident. Also featured are significant locations like Riverrun and Harrenhal. This conversation on the Riverlands provides a geographical and histo...

In this installment of the Westerosi Primer, host Liz delves into the history of the Crownlands, the heart of power in Westeros. The region, initially disputed land between the Riverlands and Stormlands, gained prominence following the Targaryen conquest. The strategic Blackwater Rush and Blackwater Bay are emphasized, as well as the capital, King's Landing.

The narrative traces the early history of the Crownlands, highlight...

In this episode of the Westerosi Primer, Liz crosses the Narrow Sea to the continent of Essos. The episode kicks off with updates on the podcast's new direction, including post-episode reactions for House of the Dragon. Listeners are encouraged to follow the show's social media accounts and subscribe to the newsletter for exclusive content. A poll is also introduced to help determine the theme for the podcast's second s...

In this episode of the Westerosi Primer, Liz talks about the first episode of the new season! First she gets into the new opening sequence of House of the Dragon. Liz compares the new sequence to Season 1's, noting the improved visual storytelling.

Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, the credits sequence presents important events of House Targaryen's history up to this point in time. She identifies references to key events ...

In this episode, the podcast delves into this week's episode of House of the Dragon titled "Rhaenyra the Cruel." Liz announces updates to the podcast website, including links to the newsletter and a poll for season 2 of the podcast. Listeners are encouraged to vote on the theme for next season. Options ranging from character essays to fan theories.

The discussion begins with the strained relationship between Aegon an...

In this episode of the Westerosi Primer, we delve into "The Burning Mill" episode of "House of the Dragon." The podcast begins with a poll update on season 2's theme. The current result is focusing on House Targaryen. Liz encourages listeners to participate in the poll and subscribe to the newsletter. She then transitions into discussing the latest episode.

She expresses some disappointment over the absence o...

Join Liz on this week's episode of The Westerosi Primer. First there are some some exciting housekeeping announcements! She shares the updates on the ongoing poll for the next season's theme. The current results show a keen interest in exploring House Targaryen and the real-world inspirations behind George R.R. Martin's epic saga. Plus, she is thrilled to announce two new newsletter subscribers and hint at a mysterious ...

Join Liz for another episode of the Westerosi Primer as we kick things off with some updates and listener engagement. With a current poll running for next season's topics, the current frontrunner is a discussion of the real-world historical and cultural influences on George R.R. Martin's saga.

Transitioning into our main discussion, Liz discusses this week's intense episode of House of the Dragon, where Criston Cole retu...

This time on the Westerosi Primer, Liz dissects the latest episode of House of the Dragon. The episode kicks things off with Jason Lannister's preparations for battle in the Riverlands. Liz includes historical context and references from Game of Thrones.

Then, we shift our focus to Aemond's role as regent. Liz explores his decisive yet impulsive leadership while Aegon is bedridden. Liz discusses the political tension bet...

Check this episode of The Westerosi Primer! We kick things off with some important housekeeping updates. This includes the announcement of the season one finale and a brief hiatus until October. There's a three-way tie in our poll for season two topics..You have until August 14th to cast your vote. Plus, Liz announces a Q&A session for the first episode of season two. So be sure to send in your questions by the end of Septe...

Listen in for the season one finale of the Westerosi Primer as we wrap up an incredible journey through the world of Westeros. Liz shares important housekeeping updates. This includes the upcoming hiatus and the news that Season 2 will launch on October 2nd. You, the listeners, are encouraged to participate in a poll to help decide the theme of the next season. The poll has intriguing options such as fan theories, real-world histor...

Join Liz as she kicks off season two of the Westerosi Primer with an exciting focus on House Targaryen. In this premiere episode, she shares the results of our listener poll. This led to her decision to explore each Targaryen king in detail. Expect 14 to 15 episodes filled with fascinating insights and influences of these different rulers.

She also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the podcast's production process. The podcast&#...