Entertainment With A Historical Base

Editor: Anita Newkirk Hackney

Before Covid-19 hit the nation, books, movies and TV series were the bread and butter of the American society; but now, leisure activities like reading a book or watching a movie have become an oasis for people. People who work remotely or are unemployed may question what they are doing with their time and wish they could do something more productive like watch a documentary or visit their families (while, of course following social distancing protocols). People sometimes forget directors and writers not only know how to capture an audience’s attention; they also know how to capture certain moments in history to make their stories aesthetically pleasing.  

Game of Thrones or A Song of Ice and Fire 

Game of Thrones is an HBO television series based on George R.R. Martin’s book series, A Song of Ice and Fire. Based on Martin’s fantasy series, the story follows the noble houses of Westeros which consist of the Stark, Lannister, Baratheon, Tyrell, Martell and the surviving members of the banished house Targaryen. This drama series is set in a world where magic and mythical creatures coexist in a medieval realm and where knowledge, power and nobility are what keeps you alive. The TV series and the books offer duplicity and treachery, nobility and honor, and conquest and triumph all in one show. 

According to Tricia Psarreas-Murray from Ranker.com:

“[. . .] Claudius is Tyrion Lannister. Emperor Claudius was to the Roman Empire what Tyrion Lannister is to Westeros. Growing up, Claudius was ruled out as a potential emperor because he had a speech impediment and a limp. His family looked down on him for his imperfections almost as much as Tyrion’s family literally looked down on him because of his size. Once given a chance, both men proved themselves to be brilliant politicians and administrators, showing their people that brains could be even better than brawn.”

“Joan of Arc is Brienne of Tarth. Joan of Arc is one of the most famous female warriors in history, and is probably the inspiration behind all manner of fictional woman heroes. However, the similarities between Joan of Arc and Brienne of Tarth are more than superficial. Joan of Arc had to convince Charles VII of her worth, whereas Brienne had to prove herself to Prince Renly. Both Joan of Arc and Brienne preferred to wear masculine clothing, and both were most comfortable in a suit of armor whilst wielding a sword. Here’s hoping that Brienne doesn’t share the same fate as Joan, who was burned at the stake in 1431.”

According to BrightSide.me:

“A whole race in Game of Thrones is similar to the Mongols. The Dothraki are led by their leaders, the Khals while the Mongols followed their leaders the Khans. Both were warlike, nomadic races who were dangerous fighters and anyone who fought them would be subject to their carnage.

“Even the main plot of George R.R. Martin’s book series is based off of a moment in history. So much of Game of Thrones is similar to the War of the Roses, a series of wars in the 15^th century over the throne of England. Battling in these wars were the House of York and the House of Lancaster (House Stark and House Lannister). Even the names of these two houses sound similar.”

Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom

Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom is an adventure sequel of the archaeologist Indiana Jones who’s on a trail to fortune and glory until he is double-crossed. He is then ricocheted into a dangerous adventure in India. With his faithful child companion, Short Round and the nightclub singer, Willie Scott, Indiana goes in search of the stolen Sankara stone and uncovers the Thugge cult’s intentions which threatens the balance of darkness and light. 

Did anyone know the Thugge culture was real when they were growing up? What a cool highlight this unknown fact would have been for World History classes in high school or college!  

In Indiana Jones, the Thugge culture’s constant was their use of human sacrifice and child enslavement but the Thugge, or Thugs of India did not participate in human sacrifices or in enslaving children. However, the Thugs did strangle their victims to death, mutilate the bodies and steal valuables from their corpses. 
Books, movies and TV shows have been the bread and butter for society for centuries and this was only enhanced when Covid-19 hit on a global scale. Books, movies and TV shows have been an outlet for individuals  who are either working remotely or are unemployed.  Some shows and movies like Game of Thrones or Indiana Jones: Temple of Doom feature moments in history that people may not have learned in history class or were never taught in school.