Why George R.R. Martin's Epic Saga Is Called 'A Song of Ice and Fire'

Imagine a world where dragons breathe fire and giants roam the frozen lands. This is the realm of Westeros, brought to life by the imagination of George R.R. Martin in his A Song of Ice and Fire series. The saga, beloved by readers and now immortalized on HBO, is named after a phrase that holds deep cultural and historical significance. In this article, we delve into the reasoning behind this evocative title.

Why is it Called 'A Song of Ice and Fire'?

The title A Song of Ice and Fire is a clever play on words that encapsulates the dual forces shaping the fate of the Seven Kingdoms. The title has a poetic ring that not only sounds aesthetically pleasing but also holds several layers of meaning.

1. Emphasis and Memorability

The title A Song of Ice and Fire is far easier to remember than a simple repetition of the book's name. When George R.R. Martin describes how he came up with the title, he reveals that repeating the name alone becomes increasingly mundane: 'Jaime Lannister sends his regards. Jaime Lannister sends his regards. Jaime Lannister sends his regards.' In contrast, 'A Song of Ice and Fire' rolls off the tongue effortlessly. This inhaling and exhaling of the title makes it catchy and easy to recall.

2. Existing Uses of 'Fire and Ice'

The title is also chosen to evade confusion with other works that use similar phrases. The concept of 'Fire and Ice' has been employed in three notable contexts: a fantasy story, a popular song, and a famous poem by Robert Frost. By choosing a different phrase, Martin ensures that his work stands out and is not overshadowed by these other pieces of literature.

3. Prophecy and Tension

The title alludes to the prophecy involving the prince who was promised, the fulfillment of which could be embodied by both ice and fire. In the narrative, fire and ice are elemental forces that drive the conflict. The title thus signifies the interplay of these forces, which are both concrete (i.e., the Wall, the Dragons) and abstract (i.e., the bitter rivalry between the Stark and Lannister families).

The Cultural and Symbolic Significance of the Title

The phrase 'A Song of Ice and Fire' is deeply rooted in cultural symbolism. Apart from the direct title, it carries additional layers of meaning:

1. Song and Legend

In a mass-literacy society, songs play a crucial role in preserving the memories and impacts of notable individuals. George R.R. Martin leverages this by implying that true heroes are remembered through song. In Westeros, a society of bards, singers, and minstrels, legends are passed down through ballads and songs. This ties into the theme of oral tradition that runs throughout the saga.

For instance, the Children of the Forest, a mysterious race of people, call themselves Gernha Mohra, or Earth Singers, highlighting this connection between song, legend, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

2. Inspirations and Influences

George R.R. Martin's inspiration for the A Song of Ice and Fire series is as vast and varied as the seven kingdoms themselves. The title reflects the complex, intertwined influences that shaped the narrative:

Comparisons to Other Works

The Godfather: The notorious Red Wedding scene is inspired by the The Godfather, wherein the line "Hey, it's Michael Corleone" is borrowed. Game of Thrones: Catelyn Stark's scene in the Red Wedding is drawn from the cinematic version of the movie where Michael Corleone says "Hello," to the victim, changing it to "Jaime Lannister sends his regards." The oranges symbolize revenge, echoing the relationship between Michael and Vito Corleone. Breaking of Guests' Rights:* This scene is reminiscent of the Black Dinner, a historical event where guests at a dinner were killed under the guise of guests' rights. War of the Roses: The conflict between the Starks and the Lannisters is patterned after the War of the Roses during the English civil conflict in the 15th century. Both are characterized by their namesakes: the Stark's rival is the Targaryen (analogous to the House Lancasters), while the Lannisters mirror the House Yorks. Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams: Numerous plot elements and characters in A Song of Ice and Fire are inspired by this trilogy, such as the red woman Melisandre, the comet in the sky, and even the names of minor characters like Arya and Sansa. Star Wars: The landscape of the Neck is inspired by Dagobah, while one of Daenerys's dreams of Rhaegar is inspired by Luke's vision of Darth Vader. Lord of the Rings: The series is designed as a counterpoint to Tolkien's work, with characters like Catelyn Stark as a metaphorical Gandalf and Samwell Tarly as a homage to Samwise Gamgee. GoT and GWTW: Some major relationships and quotes are inspired by the relationship and dialogue in Gone with the Wind, such as Petyr Baelish's quotes to Sansa Stark, paralleling Rhett Butler's dialogue in the Confederacy.

Conclusion

The title A Song of Ice and Fire is not just a humdrum repetition but a rich tapestry of linguistic and thematic significance. From its catchy sound to its cultural and historical references, the title aptly reflects the complexity and depth of the saga. As the series continues, the interplay between ice and fire will continue to define the destiny of Westeros and its many inhabitants.

Related Keywords

A Song of Ice and Fire George R.R. Martin Game of Thrones